While matchmaking for friends and neighbours, a young 19th Century Englishwoman nearly misses her own chance at love.While matchmaking for friends and neighbours, a young 19th Century Englishwoman nearly misses her own chance at love.While matchmaking for friends and neighbours, a young 19th Century Englishwoman nearly misses her own chance at love.
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- Won 1 Oscar
- 3 wins & 7 nominations total
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Featured reviews
If you're looking for a film that you can watch with the whole family, or looking for a romance for yourself, look no further. Emma is that movie. With a beautiful setting, wonderful costumes, and an outstanding cast (have I mentioned the gorgeous Jeremy Northam?), Emma is a perfect ten!
I am taken aback by those who criticized the film for its lush scenery. That is one of the things I enjoy and look forward to seeing in period pieces set in the English countryside. The film's beautiful backgrounds are a major contributor to its appeal and success. If your idea of escapist fare is something bleaker, then perhaps you should rent something like "Death Wish III!"
The English country settings are as attractive and charming as the cast, and combine with the story and soundtrack for entertainment that makes you not tire of repeat viewings. McGrath is a wonder at choreographing the interplay of subtle expressions that are so essential in conveying the complicated romantic intrigue that occurs in this story.
The cinematography is inventive, crossing at times the border to gimmickry, but it certainly avoids the trap of making this look like a boring TV soap in costumes, given that the entire story is dialogue-driven.
The acting is competent. Ms Paltrow is aloof, as her character requires, but the required distance from the other characters is accompanied by a much less appropriate detachment from her own actions. In other words, she does not seem to care enough of the results of her match-making endeavours. Some of the supporting cast is guilty of over-acting - very much in the style that is appreciated on stage but out of place in motion pictures. Personally, I had problems accepting Alan Cumming as Mr Elton - to no fault of his own, except for having left such an impression as a gay trolley-dolly in "The High Life" that it is now difficult to accept him playing any serious part. Acting honours go to Toni Collette who manages to radiate warmth, and Jeremy Northam who pitches his character at just the right level.
Jeremy Northam, as the hero. how shocked are you? I never looked upon him as overtly handsome but heck! What the right role can do for you! He looks so good as the sensible, regal Mr. K, that i am literally looking at him in a new light. He makes and excellent romantic lead. The charm and character that he brings to his role is wonderful!
Ewan McGregor, Greta Sacchi brings in the rest. a good cast. A good movie. If you are a fan of Jane Austen, see this movie, along with Pride and Prejudice - AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, buy the books. It enhances the movie to heights that are extraordinary
Did you know
- TriviaToni Collette had to gain weight to portray "the Rubenesque Harriet" and she explained, "I think it's important for people to look real in films. There's a tendency to go Barbie doll and I don't agree with that at all."
- GoofsFrank Churchill's hair changes length in the scenes when he says goodbye to Emma - shorter when he arrives and longer when he leaves.
- Quotes
Mr. Knightley: Emma, how could you be so unfeeling to Miss Bates? How can you be so insolent to a woman of her age and situation? I had not thought it possible.
Emma Woodhouse: How could I help saying it? I daresay she did not understand me.
Mr. Knightley: I assure you, she felt your full meaning. She cannot stop mentioning it. I wish you could have heard her honour your forbearance in putting up with her when her society is so irksome.
Emma Woodhouse: I know there is no better creature in all the world, but you must allow that blended alongside the good, there is an equal amount of the ridiculous in her.
Mr. Knightley: Were she prosperous or a woman equal to you in situation, I would not quarrel with you about any liberties of manner. But she is poor, even more so than when she was born. And should she live to be an old lady, she will sink further still. Her situation being in every way below you should secure your compassion! Badly done, Emma. Badly done. She has watched you grow from a time when her notice of you was an honour to this, humbling her, laughing at her in front of people who would be guided by your treatment of her. It is not pleasant for me to say these things, but I must tell you the truth while I can, proving myself your friend by the most faithful counsel, trusting that sometime you will do my faith in you greater justice that you do it now.
- Crazy creditsThanks to ... the people of Evershot.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Siskel & Ebert: Chain Reaction/Matilda/Emma/Stonewall (1996)
- SoundtracksDeck the Halls with Boughs of Holly
Traditional tune, lyrics by Thomas Oliphant (uncredited)
Arranged by Rachel Portman
- How long is Emma?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official sites
- Language
- Also known as
- Емма
- Filming locations
- Evershot, Dorset, England, UK(Highbury village)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $6,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $22,231,658
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $240,649
- Aug 4, 1996
- Gross worldwide
- $22,231,658
- Runtime
- 2h(120 min)
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1