Persuasion

If you want to be talked to thru a movie this is your perfect cup of tea. If you enjoyed Jane Austen's books and previous film versions of Persuasion do not even watch. I am so disappointed. I have been waiting, waiting, and so excited for this new edition to come out on Netflix. I realize they had to try and put it more into modern times, but this is just a total fail! Rupert and Sally played this so so well. If you are there in the movie glued to the tv they did their job. They did. This version DID NOT! No. No. No.

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.

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.

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?

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).