Sense and Sensibility

Unlike so many other movies of literary provenance, it is clear from the start that this one is going to be entertainment, not homework. Lee serves up this sweetmeat without fuss, without the super-seriousness of filmmakers awed by their literary material.

Poised, delicate, powerful, hovering between poignancy and pealing laughter, it is a feast formed by skill and serendipity.

Grandly entertaining...matches the Austen-based "Clueless" for sheer fun. [13 Dec 1995]

A wonderful motion picture, even given the weaknesses of the source material.

Lee, who made the upbeat "Eat Drink Man Woman," plays this double love story as brightly as possible. There's peppy social satire in the smallest of gestures.

But even Grant's uninspired work can't ruin the agreeable, overwhelming atmosphere of fun and romance.

An enjoyable film, and yet it left me somehow unsatisfied...there is too much contrivance in the way [Austen] dispatches her men to London when she is done with them.

One of my favorite movies of all time. Great writing, perfect acting, just a gorgeous movie. It gets better every time you watch it. Col. Brandon is the epitome of chivalry, wisdom and romance. Who knew Severis Snape could be so romantic? (LOL)

"Sense and Sensibility" is an exquisite endeavor that still remains one of the finest Jane Austen adaptations to date.

I loved the acting and the story was good. Usually, I read the book and after it watch the movie. This time - I must admit that I haven’t read the book. Sense and Sensibility is in every way a great movie even though not a perfect one. When I think of it now as I’ve seen it I think of Alan Rickman’s awesome performance that was everything I wanted. I must also rise Emma Thompson’s and Hugh Grant’s performances above the others. In conclusion, I think that everyone should watch Sense and Sensibility. It is a great movie for every one. For the whole family too. I recommend it.

I love Jane Austen, and I love period dramas. This film, while a little too long, was perfect for me. I loved it when I first saw it a year ago, and I still love it now. Sense and Sensibility is a great book by Miss Austen, and this film does the book justice, in my personal opinion. The film looks gorgeous, the camera-work, the locations and the costumes. The script sparkled with wit, subtlety, romance and heartache, especially when Marianne goes out into the rain and gets herself ill. The music is lovely also. The performances were exceptional. Period-film veteran Emma Thompson is lovely here as Elinor Dashwood, and Kate Winslet matches her perfectly in a beautifully-blended portrayal of the tragic Marianne. As for the men, they were very good too. Hugh Grant was exceedingly charming as the male lead, and I have read many reviews criticising Alan Rickman's acting.(not on IMDb though) He may have been older than Miss Austen intended, he was very good also as Colonel Brandon, but not as good as the other three. His style of acting is very suave and charismatic, like Sean Connery and George Sanders. If you've seen him in Robin Hood:Prince of Thieves you'll know what I mean. All in all, a lovely film, maybe not the best period drama, but has plenty of elements that makes it truly memorable. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Brilliant film. Sense and Sensibility is romantic, funny, and fantastically crafted. Flush to the brim with phenomenal acting turns, Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, and Alan Rickman, all stand out the most with absolutely delightful performances in this film. Additionally, the writing is great with well crafted, multi-dimensional characters across the board. The production and costume design here are also pitch perfect, as well as the 18th century medicinal techniques shown in the film. All really capture the period and help to put you into the film even more. In this tale of love and class, Sense and Sensibility does a great job creating realistic romances that really do break your heart when they fail and make you smile when they work. This is ultimately its great success: its authenticity. Overall, Sense and Sensibility is one of the best adaptations of Jane Austen's work.