Emma [DVD]

I don't normally write Amazon reviews but after watching this adaptation of Emma (and pre-ordering the DVD as soon as it appeared here) I felt compelled to encourage others to do the same. I read Emma over ten years ago, in my teens, and enjoyed the book, but since then have seen the Gwyneth Paltrow film and the Kate Beckinsale TV adaptation and had to admit, they left me cold. I thought that I must just be destined not to enjoy this Austen novel as much as the others. This adaptation has proven me wrong - I have loved every minute of it! It even encouraged me to dig the novel out and reread it again, and I was surprised how, despite the clear modernisations and dramatic licence, much of the dialogue originates in the text and is merely shortened to fit the time limitations. Other additions work very well, giving us more of an insight into the respective characters.The lead characters are perfect for me - others have complained about their respective ages but I think Romola Garai plays a twenty year old very convincingly. While others have complained about her 'smarminess', it is worth remembering that Emma is supposed to be a snobbish, manipulative, spoiled young woman who comes of age during the novel, to understand herself and her own feelings towards Mr Knightley. Garai portrays this beautifully - her Emma is manipulative and a little vain about her social standing, but she is also very caring, open and artless (directly opposed to Mrs Elton) and in my opinion eminently likeable. Emma is, after all, very young, and it is her youth that leads her into so many mistakes and misjudgements. As for Miller, he plays Mr Knightley as a slightly eccentric but extremely intelligent and caring mentor who spars beautifully with Emma on many occassions, providing some of the best scenes. He is able to show his realisation of the feelings he has for Emma wonderfully with his facial expressions, especially in the gorgeous dance scene (in which Emma, against social conventions, asks Mr Knightley to dance, just as she does in the book, showing the friendly familiarity of the two characters and also Austen's happiness to allow her characters to flount some of the rules of Regency society, something which so many modern day 'purists' seem unable to do).All of the supporting characters are also beautifully cast - I particularly like John and Isabella Knightley and the portrayal of their loving though sometimes flawed relationship. The sets and costumes are gorgeous - I'm sure there are anachronisms but you would have to be a Regency Period specialist to spot them and allow them to mar your enjoyment.All in all, one of the best costume dramas the BBC has produced in a while - the last one that gave me this much enjoyment was North and South, and it is no surprise to me they were produced by the same writer. Sandy Welch seems to have the ability to update a novel while still taking the innate sentiments and meaning of the dialogue to transcribe a classic story into a fresh and enjoyable modern television drama. Thoroughly recommended.

I adore this adaptation. I have seen it over and over - each time to discover something new.The cast is wonderful - Romola Garai is a lovely Emma - beautiful, clever, spoiled, snobish, warm. You cannot but love her despite her faults. Although she was 27 years old when the serie was shot, she makes a very credible 21 years old on the screen with her temperament and graceful smile. Jonny Lee Miller is a dashing Mr. Knightly - intelligent, sensible and sensitive. His real age is perfect - mature enough for the part, young enough for Emma to fall in love with.Both have wonderful facial expressions.Other cast members are excellent as well.The costumes are very well chosen - especially Emma's dresses with bright, amazing colors.The adaptation is faithful to the novel with small modernization twists that makes it more lively.The chemistry between the two lead actors is excellent and credible. Easy to understand why the characters fall in love with each other.Beautiful music and dynamic photography. The director explains in the Special Features that they made the camera move to represent the dynamic character of the heroine.I liked the aditional features in the DVD - about costumes, location, music - I just wish to have more interviews with the cast.The film version was nice, but this one is far better. Pure delight!

I'm a little surprised to see how many negative reviews this dvd has. Personally i think it is the best adaptation of Jane Austin's book.I like the fact its in episodes as well, so you dont have to watch it all at once if you dont want to!The actress who plays Emma (Romola Garai), plays her well, showing her annoying side - her desire to interfere with everyones business but also her loving side, and her true devotion to her father as well as her growing love for Mr Knightly.Mr Knightly himself - Jonny lee miller - is fantastic! You get to see his emotions and true feelings for Emma - and he portrays the charater very well.Probably the only thing i would say is that it took me a while to get used to the Harriet charater - The actress who plays her in the Gwyneth Paltrow version was very good and just what you think Harriet should be, i found in this version Harriet wasnt the best actress in places but i'm now used to her - and the quality of all the other actors and actresses makes up for her very well.Even if you dont know the story - this film explains it so well that you almost dont need to read the book -An enjoyable romantic film for all the family to enjoy.