Review by kamin-21682

I have given this film a high rating for several reasons. It's not perfect but ADMIRABLE. First and foremost, for the BRAVERY of Hallmark to take on such a film with a diverse cast. I had a strong feeling that the audience would reject it under the guise of the comparison between other more well known versions of this film. Hallmark remakes most well made feature films and their themes. And those feature length films have the luxury of time, i.e., 2 hours and 16 minutes of the Ang Lee version, which Hallmark only has 1 hour and 26 minutes to complete the story in. If you keep an open mind and watch this with fresh eyes, you might just enjoy a fresh take by Hallmark.

The other reason for the high rating is that the acting was wonderful for Hallmark. Hallmark proved that we do live in a world where anything is possible.

I do think they built the romance in a slow yet deliberate manner which the actors did justice to.

I think Jane Austen would have appreciated this adaptation, given its time constraints, that opened her world to diverse actors at this time in history, just as she opened the world to women authors in her era.

My fellow Hallmarkees, please give this a chance...and don't compare...just enjoy! Those of you who have rated it harshly, watch again without the comparison.

I really wasn't expecting to love it. I've seen nearly ALL of the Hallmark movies ever made. I did love and enjoy this film, as did my husband, usually a harsh critic.

Thank you Hallmark for taking a risk. Well done!