I have recently become a Jane Austen fanatic. It began slowly with viewing the BBC 1983 adaptation of “Mansfield Park” (although truth be told it began much earlier with watching the 2005 version of “Pride & Prejudice” starring Kiera Knightley) and continued through a recent viewing of Masterpiece Theater’s “Northanger Abbey” (which I loved).
The BBC 2008 adaptation of “Sense & Sensibility”, however, takes the cake. Starring Hattie Morahan, Charity Wakefield, Dan Stevens, David Morrissey, Dominic Cooper, and Lucy Boynton, this thrilling miniseries is the best production I have seen yet of an Austen novel. (Listen to me go on as if I’ve read them.) Hattie Morahan and Charity Wakefield as Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, respectively, both do flawless performances. Charity in particular does an excellent job portraying Marianne’s transformation from a flightly, spiritless girl into a deeply loving, mature woman. (At least, that’s how I view her.)
My favorite performance by far is Lucy Boynton as Margaret Dashwood. She is absolutely adorable and I would love nothing more than to see her in other Jane Austen performances. (What am I saying: I’d love to see her in other movies, period!) She was a delight to witness. Her character is innocent yet wise beyond her years. She projects a very warm presence throughout the film which meshes very well with her witty side. A superb performance.
I have not yet seen the great adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice” starring Colin Firth. I hope to do so in the near future. Overall, a fantastic performance! Five thumbs up, if that makes any sense.
I particularly liked the bedding featured in the bedroom of Barton Cottage. Where do they find these houses to do these adaptations at? I love them all – I wonder what it was like to live in one? Probably not like living in an apartment nowadays with leather living room furniture everywhere. Watch this version of Sense & Sensibility. You won’t be disappointed.