Sense and Sensibility is a work that has been adapted a number of times in different ways since Jane Austen wrote it in 1811. It is one of her most popular works to mixed reactions to fans across the world. This time around, Georgia Oakley (Blue Jean) takes her turn at it.
With a cast that includes Daisy Edgar-Jones, Esme Creed-Miles, George MacKay, Frank Dilane, Caitriona Balfe, and Bohdi Rae Breathnach, it’s the story of England in the 18th century with sisters Elinor (Edgar-Jones), Marianne (Creed-Miles), and Margaret (Breathnach) whose stepfather dies, and although they are in the will, their eldest brother, John, decides not to grant the inheritance, forcing them to leave the family estate and moving into a distant relative on the complete opposite end of the economic spectrum As the sisters do their best to adjust to this much more meager way of life, they also navigate love when it comes their way as well.
The cast is fine overall, with Edgar-Jones and Creed-Miles doing a good job in the lead roles. They really have great chemistry together, and if I was told they were really related, I would not have been surprised at all. Could there be talk of awards from acting coming up? Possibly, but my question who would be the lead and who would be the supporting actress? Also, don’t overlook McKay as Edward, whose range of emotions while keeping the character in check was impressive.
Cinematography is important to a film like this, and Sense and Sensibility had access to some real historic locations in the UK and is able to use them very well to keep this film time-period correct, which is a huge compliment and I could see even this crew getting award nominations, including costuming, which was also amazing.
This version IS faithful to the novel, even though thee ARE some liberties taken (which should be expected). It runs a bit long at just over two hours, and there is a way this could clock in at under two hours with no sacrifice of quality. If you are a fan Jane Austen or of productions in this genre like Downton Abbey, I feel you will like Sense and Sensibility, so I will recommend it to be seen at a weekday matinee in a theater.