Sentido y sensibilidad

Praising the BBC for the quality of their costume dramas may be the equivalent of taking coals to Newcastle but in some respects it's what they do best and "Sense and Sensibility" is no exception. Of course, comparisons with Ang Lee's splendid film version are inevitable yet somehow the intimacy of television and the somewhat greater length that a serialized adaptation can afford gives this a deeper dimension that the albeit very entertaining film version.

The writer is Andrew Davies who is a dab hand at this sort of thing and the casting is, as ever, impeccable. Perhaps the best actors working anywhere in the world today are on British television, (note the recent adaptation of "Cranford"). The performances here are superb. Both Hattie Morahan and Charity Wakefield succeed in banishing all thoughts of Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet, (no mean feat), while David Morrissey as Colonel Brandon and Dan Stevens as Edward Ferrars are outstanding, acting rings round Alan Rickman and Hugh Grant who played the same roles in the movie. Morrissey, in particular, is one of the best actors on television, perhaps anywhere, and it is always a pleasure to see him. But then the whole cast are terrific as is the assured direction of John Alexander. Just perfect for a Sunday night in front of the fire.

I procrastinated watching this series as Ang Lee's 1995 film was still fresh with me and I knew i would keep comparing instead of enjoying. I finally watched it and I have to say, I simply loved it. Every bit. It was totally satisfying. I will share that with respect to the 1995 film, that I have watched multiple times, that as much as I appreciate Emma Thompson, it is always at the back of my mind that she was too old for Elinor and made her look like a spinster as opposed to a unmarried and eligible older sister. This Elinor made me cry and I was very much into her story. Both versions are lovely but this version made me go immediately to IMDB and write this comment. Thank you Andrew Davies.

I believe that this adaptation shall be another triumph to add to Andrew Davies already sublime list of adaptations!! The beginning of the first episode left me a bit doubtful but then it really got going. I for one am waiting in anticipation for episode 2 to air!!

In response to the previous comment on the camera work - have you been watching TV and film lately?? Each adaptation offers us something new from the story, a story which has already been exploited many times before and is well known.

A huge well done to all involved - i just know this adaptation will give the 1995 version a run for its money!!

I have read the book, seen the 1995 movie adaptation, but this series was so beautifully played, the emotion conveyed was so impressive. Don't get me wrong the book is Fantastic, the movie adaptation was lovely! But this series moved me much more in the feelings conveyed by mere expression that made it phenomenal, I loved it!

I totally disagree with all the negative comments about this film. I mean, it was a little rushed at times, especially at the end. However, all in all it was a great film to watch and you did not feel in any way that Elinor and Marrianne married the wrong men! In the Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant version, I think you get the impression that Elinor should marry Col. Brandon!

The acting was of the high quality you expect from any BBC production and the music was absolutely fantastic. The editing was a little patchy at times, but otherwise sound.

I would absolutely recommend this version to any true Jane Austen fan, it does not disappoint, in fact it leaves you with that same warm fuzzy feeling that each novel and most of the film adaptations always do!

Happy Watching!