Sense & Sensibility

6.2 stars.

The thought came to me about 10 minutes into the movie that if I want to watch Austen's 'Sense and Sensibility', I will simply revert back to the one and only that I've seen. This being about 29 years ago, and I was profoundly moved by that version. We all know I'm referring to the one with Thompson and Winslet. I don't particularly have any desire to ponder whether or not there's any other version to consider. The 1995 version was such perfection for me, it will be difficult justifying the allocation of my precious time to watching this one. I think Hallmark is being pretentious by creating another film based solely on the unadulterated novel itself. They should have added some twists and tweaks like they recently did with the pride and prejudice film. Trying to make an authentic remake of the original movie was a risky endeavor that did not pay off. I let the meter run for a good 30 to 40 minutes and realized this falls way flat. So I move onward to the next Hallmark film in my library. Cheerio.

I'm sure theses are lovely and talented actors but the performances here just do not convey any emotion or feeling. This adaption was very choppy and rushed not allowing the time in scenes when needed in order to express the necessary emotions. I have enjoyed the other JA movies on Hallmark this month but sadly this one misses the mark. I have seen several of the performers in different vehicles and portrayals were great so perhaps the failure here is the script or direction. Watch this for yourself if you want to decide for yourself or perhaps take my advice and watch one of the other excellent adaptations.

This doesn't need to be compared to other versions, since it's Hallmark, that comes with a...hmm, stigma maybe? In other words, you know what you're getting.

As someone who loves Austen, I really liked this. The leads were great, particularly Elinor and Edward; some of the dialogue felt a bit modern if that makes sense, in that I didn't feel like it came directly from that era. But I feel like in general, most period pieces don't get it right 100% of the time.

Bottom line is, don't pay attention to the reviews or the ratings, whether you're a newbie or an Austen devotee. Just watch it for yourself and see what you think! Solid 6/10.

I think people are losing their minds over the wrong things. I mean, are there better adaptations, mini series, and movies? Yes.

Are any of them hallmark? No.

This is one of Hallmark's best, mostly because hallmark wasn't super involved, this taking place in England with mostly English actors (finally).

Colorblind casting (or almost colorblind...they seemed a little conscious when it came to Fanny and her "step" brothers...they could have just gone full colorblind and been siblings) didn't change the production outside of the stupid way it made Edward a stepson...which changes his whole standing, but the actresses held their own quite well.

The only criticism I think holds weight is that a made-for-tv movie doesn't have enough time to tell the story properly. They had to cut or shorten so much that kind of kills the story for people who want it all - but much like the Kiera Knightley Pride and Prejudice, it can be a taste that gets people who've never experienced Austen into her world.

I didn't see this in other reviews, but my other criticism is in the dialogue. There were several times where the dialogue either falls flat or is just weird and doesn't fit the feel. I don't blame the actors for it - it's in the writing.

I also think Edward's way too modern speech to his mother (that's not even in the book) was wholly unnecessary. So unneeded.

Other people complain about the casting, which I think speaks for itself (side-eyes those individuals).

They complain about the outfits, which are a bit too elaborate for the poor we're dealing with, but it's *Hallmark* and they aren't capable of understanding time periods and appropriate clothing or hair (have you SEEN When Calls the Heart? Check your historical ideations at the door. They are obsessed with makeup, modern hairstyles, and inappropriate time period inclusions).

In fact, everything wrong with this film is typical hallmark. Rushing the wrong parts, misunderstanding the source material, not understanding history...

But if you're used to Hallmark's 🙄, then you'll see past the flaws and find an adequate and cute little film.

I adore Jane Austen and I found this to be my least favorite of the four Austen inspired Hallmark 2024 Love-uary offerings. I went in with an open mind and while I appreciated a more true to the story telling of Sense and Sensibility, I feel like they didn't have the time to do it justice. I continually found myself thinking of the 1995 Ang Lee version and comparing actors. The other thoughts I had were around the casting choices made by Hallmark's Mahogany and how in the time of Bridgerton this seemed really unnecessary and at times inappropriate.

When the casting takes you away from the story, I think you have let your audience down. Especially if the goal is to introduce a wonderful story to a new audience.

The Jane Austen story that this attempts to tell is that of the Dashwood sisters (two in particular) who are displaced from their family estate when their father passes away leaving their half brother to inherit everything. Left destitute thanks to their brother not fulfilling his promise of seeing to his step-mother and three step-sisters, in part thanks to his greedy social climbing wife who has his ear, the Dashwood women end up in a modest dwelling on a distant cousin's property.

Elinore , the eldest Dashwood sister, falls hard for her sister-in-law's half brother, who is believed to be quite above her station in her current position. While Marianne, the younger and more romantic sister, is dreaming of the dashing and Devil may care Willoughby, all while a certain Colonel Brandon is watching from the sideline.

It is a lovely story that I encourage you to pick up and read...I am just not sure I can endorse this film, through no real fault of the actors. And while I appreciate the attempt to breathe new life into a classic story, I think this falls short of doing said story justice. Not a recommendation to my fellow romantics.