SENSE AND SENSIBILITY

I had seen this back in the day, and enjoyed it, but I had completely forgotten just how tremendous it is.  No self-respecting list of great romcoms would be complete without it.

In particular it is a triumph for Emma Thompson, who gives a magnificently understated performance as Elinor Dashwood, and who won an Oscar for her screenplay, adapted from the Austen novel.  

All through the film Elinor has to suppress her real feelings, so that when at the climax of the film she breaks down into uncontrollable sobbing when she realises that she is, miracle of all miracles, able to marry the man she loves, I found myself responding in like fashion.  It is a hugely cathartic moment that is somewhat unexpected in an Austen adaptation.

I might even get round to reading the novel, if only to see what changes Thompson made.

The rest of the cast is well-nigh perfect, from Kate Winslett as Elinor's younger sister Marianne, to Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman as Edward Ferrars and Colonel Brandon respectively.  One of my favourite moments is the look on Brandon's face when Marianne, whom he loves, unexpectedly thanks him for some assistance he has given her.

But why pick out one moment, when it's a delight from start to finish?

RATING: ✓✓ Catch It If You Can