Emma

I was surprised to see the new Emma. It's back to the way Jane Austen wrote it. It's a slowly unfolding story about a not too pretty girl with character flaws. She has a temper, she gossips, she hurts peoples feelings, and she can't keep her promise to stop matchmaking. But she grows on you.

The plot is close to Austens novel. The only funny aspect comes from Gambon, although everybody's acting is good. I like it, when actors act with their eyes, in stead of rambling on about it. I think you'll notice more subtle hints if you know the story.

The first two episodes are not romantic. But then, you know Jane Austen pays a lot of attention to describing how to behave when you're a rich civilian in the country.

Brilliant! Everything from the acting, the costumes, storyline, and music was just so superbly done. This version of Emma far surpasses its predecessors. Romola, actress staring as Emma, puts Pultrow to shame.

This movie sets itself apart from other versions of Emma. The storyline is very much dictated by the actual book. The actors and actresses really captured the characters in the story; it made all the difference in being able to identify and understand the characters.

Also, the setting and costumes they chose really captured the times. The color palate was sensational.

If you are a true Jane Austen fan, you will love this film. It is a must for your Austen collection!! WELL DONE!!

"Emma" (2009) has now become one of my favourite mini-series, closely following the 1995 version of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice", with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.

"Emma" is a beautiful adaption of Jane Austen's classic novel of the same name. The story is based on Emma, the pretty daughter of a wealthy gentleman, Mr. Woodhouse, and her attempts at matchmaking people in her neighbourhood. It is an engaging, sweet and playful movie, which is touching and a delight to watch.

When compared to the 1996 adaption of "Emma", with Gwyneth Paltrow, Jim O'Hanlon's version is superior; this is partially due to the length. The four part mini-series enables the characters and plot to be developed with more detail than in the feature film. In particular, you are able to see Emma mature and watch her relationship with Mr. George Knightley change. More of the original text and dialogue is included which makes the series more believable. Watching a Jane Austen film, I personally believe, should be like taking a vacation. You should be able to slow down, enjoy the slower pace of the era and enjoy making your own observations of characters, while enjoying the beautiful scenic shots. This is what you get with the 2009 mini-series – time, whereas the 1996 film is rushed, with a lot crammed into a few hours.

The cast is excellent. Romola Garai is a youthful, vivacious and expressive Emma Woodhouse. What impressed me the most was her ability to present not only Emma's love of life and enthusiasm but her innermost thoughts as well; when she is reflecting or unhappy about something but trying to "put on a brave face" we see it. Although I like Gwyneth Paltrow, she is not able to portray the youth and innocence of Emma as well as Romola Garai. Johnny Lee Miller is a handsome and intelligent Mr. George Knightley and Michael Gambon is a very lovable Mr. Woodhouse, although I identified him as "Dumbledore" immediately. The only character that I do not fully believe in is Mr. Elton. Perhaps it is just personal preference but I do not think that Blake Ritson portrays the handsome and gentlemanly Mr. Elton successfully; he is more of a "Mr. Collins". However, he is the only character who I have not taken to.

Like many of the BBC productions, the historical buildings, props and gardens used are amazing. When watching the mini-series, keep an eye out for some of the incredible landscape shots throughout the film.

The costuming for the film is quite proper. However, I would have liked to have seen Emma in a few prettier gowns. Although she lives in the country, I think as a wealthy young woman she should have had some more expensive looking gowns. I also would have liked her to have her hair in some more elaborate styles.

However, all in all, the mini-series is fantastic. I love the scenery, the actors are superb, the pace is just right and the story a classic. It is a beautiful adaption and I strongly recommend watching it.

Definitely the best Emma I've ever seen! The casting was perfect; it is a must watch that goes on the shelf with the other greats, Pride and Prejudice, Wives and Daughters etc. Emma was my favourite book out of all Jane Austens works and this film really does it credit! Michael Gambon is a great actor, he plays Emmas father so well! Jonny Lee Miller is my favourite actor to ever play Mr Knightley, he pulls it off with such ease. In the book he is described as having 'a cheerful manner that always did him good' and that is just how JLM portrayed him. Other Actors always seemed to play him to be a stern man who never smiles much etc, but he plays him just as I imagined he would be! Very impressed. Mr Elton is perfect! Handsome and thinks too much of himself. Romola Garai does play Emma very well. It took me a little while to get used to her but it didn't take me long to decide she definitely plays Emma better than anyone I've seen before. I've watched it twice and Im going to watch it again, most unusual for me I usually can only bear to watch a film once and I only watch it twice if its very good, three times means it amazing! You guys must see it, You will enjoy it if you like the book! Its a must watch!

So far this is proving to be a great series - up there with BBC's Pride and Prejudice. Jonny Lee Miller plays a very good Mr Knightley. He comes across as a slightly softer character than when Mark Strong played Mr. Knightley - but it's done well. The interaction between him and Emma is very enjoyable to watch - I love all the dialogue. I must say, although I like Jonny as an actor, I wasn't sure how he'd come across in this role but he's doing it very well. I will buy this on DVD when it comes out as it's one to keep. It has a very romantic feel to it and the filming is excellent. I love it when they do a great adaption and put the right actors in the right roles. If you haven't seen this - I would highly recommend it.