***** (5 out of 5 Asterisks)
The BBC and Jane Austen at their best
While it is true that both Jane Austen and period pieces "rock" there is a segment of the movie going population who for some undisclosed reason detest period pieces.
I could devote an entire blog (and I would entitle it: Why_You_Really_Do_Love_Period_Pieces_Even_Though_You_Think_You_Dont.Blogspot.com) to why everyone should love good period pieces, but instead let me speak to those of you who already do love them.
This production is hands down the best version of any Jane Austen book. PERIOD.
(Oh, and do not dare try to argue that Pride & Prejudice staring Keira Knightley comes close to trumping this film-because if you do, you will be wrong. Sorely wrong, so wrong that Alex Trebek would give you one of his condescending looks for having said so.)
The overall production value is astonishing. The sets, costumes and classical music selection are perfect. (Sadly you will have to compile your own soundtrack of the various classical titles yourself since no Soundtrack was ever released.)
The actors are some of the best in all of England. The casting of the late Corin Redgrave's (Vanessa & Lynn Redgrave's brother) pompous Sir Walter Elliot is shear genius. Amanda Root's performance as the near spinster Anne Elliot is subdued elegance. Not to be upstaged is the remarkable Sophie Thompson as Mary Musgrove. Fans of the BBC sitcom "Keeping Up Appearances" will delight in seeing Judy Cornwell as Mrs. Musgrove.
The story is a classic romance which transcends the time period. One of my favorite films of all time.
You ought to rent this film because:
You ought to rent this film because:
- It is an incredible film
- The acting is superb and captures subtlety and nuance like nobody's business
- It's a above average period piece-enough said.
- I think I already said "enough said" so you will need no further reasons to watch this film. Thank you.
No comments:
Post a Comment