Persuasion

Netflix, please stop ruining our favourite books. Just stick with original screenplay and stories when creating new shows. I hated every minute of this version of Persuasion, I can't even start to list all the things wrong with that movie.

If you separate this adaptation from the book, it is a sufficient watch. However, considering what masterpiece it is based on, I'm sure Jane Austen is turning in her grave.

The story isn't anything like the Persuasion we know and love, it is trying too hard to be like Bridgerton, to be relevant and have modern touches. Some of the most beloved and iconic lines have been downgraded to weak decoctions. There is hardly any character development. In fact, the only character that I thought wasn't utterly flat was Mary. The cast is excellent but the script is beyond words... and not in the positive sense. For Anne to constantly be breaking the fourth wall was an excruciatingly bad decision. All in all, a painful adaptation that can surely only be enjoyed by viewers who aren't familiar with the work of Jane Austen.

I don't understand all the hate. Does it follow Jane Austen's novel to the letter? No. However, I don't mind. I think this new take is funny, fresh and it made my heart flutter. I enjoyed it.

Okay, I did it! I finished watching the whole Persuasion. And I'm trying - really trying - to say something nice about it, but... I can't. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't an adaptation of Persuasion. Because... really the only thing the movie and the book have in common is the NAMES of the characters. I wasn't expecting anything and yet I'm so very disappointed. Why is Anne acting like Lizzy? Why is she so sarcastic? And (for God's sake) an alcoholic? Why does she have her hair down for half the movie? Why is she just swimming around in clothes in the sea? And the clothes are supposed to be from what era?

How can anyone even call THAT a Persuasion? It's my favorite book. Melancholy, painful, romantic. The movie is cheesy, awkward and cring. I have no words.

I give it 3/10 (two for Mary, she was hilarious and one for Henry Golding).

If you loved the novel or are a purist, stop now and find another film.

This one has major changes and the main character has the tendency to tell you the story (literally, eyes into the camera) rather letting the performance show what the plot is about.

On the positive side, the camera work is beautiful. The score uplifting. And I'd say the cast did quite well, given the script they got.

However, no amount of Netflix money can cover the odd anachronisms and weak story telling that drop a classic to only slightly above average.

If you have good source material, why do this? Or at least if you want to experiment, do it right?