This is a good adaptation of Emma and follows the book very well. For Austen fans I would recommend this version to add to your collection.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
By now I have watched 4 versions of "Emma" and find this one to be mediocre by comparison. The only actor who was compelling was Mark Strong as Knightley. He was quite believable. The others? Disappointing. This surprised me a bit, since I had read numerous reviews in favor of this one. I thought, surely it will be decent. Not really. It makes the others shine even more. My absolute favorite version is the one done by the BBC (naturally), which I originally watched by checking it out of my library. This convinced me to pay the extra money to purchase it for myself. I certainly wish I had been able to watch this "Emma" before buying it. Then I would have saved myself some money.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is a far more serious and realistic Emma in my opinion. I found the one with Paltrow to be a bit overplayed and corny. It lacked realism or substance. It was really just too light-hearted and "cutesy/funny" for me to see it as a true adaptation of the wonderful Jane Austen's work. Yes she's often humorous or satirical in her writing, BUT, it's well layered with intelligence and serious drama. In this adaptation I found that. Including the character flaws, which she wrote so well. In this version, Emma is not all that likable at first. She is spoiled and haughty as any wealthy young woman might be in her situation. She's young and privileged and has too much time on her hands. But as she goes along blundering through each trial and tribulation she's learning and becoming more humble. Mr. Knightly is stern and teaching, because he expects so much of her. He loves her, wants her to be the woman he knows she can be if she'll just grow up a little and stop overstepping her bounds. Watching her progress into decency and kindness is wonderful in this adaptation. I feel it's a very good version with just a few things I would change about it.Read full review
I did not like who they picked to play the Emma roll. She did not do the role justice. Mr. Knightly was played well, if not a bit too sternly. I really liked who they had play the other roles. They were well done and was enjoyable to watch. Not one of my favorites. Emma is too good of a story to be left being played by an actress who cannot give Ithe character more life. I am dying to watch the newer version. I saw the preview to THAT one, and was left wanting to see more.
Unlike the "Emma" starring Gwyneth Paltrow, this is not a comedy. Although the terribly senseless Harriet Smith, the exceedingly talkative Miss Bates, and the rude, arrogant Mrs. Ehlton are all still a part of this film, it focuses more on the upright, caring, though not very handsome, Mr. Knightly and the sweet-tempered young Emma Woodhouse. This version is slightly boring in a few places, but overall the very endearing and enchanting love story of two close friends. Four stars! Did you find this review informing or helpful? Please vote below!
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