(1995) With seven Academy Award nominations and an Oscar for Emma Thompson's screenplay adaptation of Jane Austen's novel, Director Ang Lee's dramatic depiction of collision between the natural laws of desire (for a wife/husband and love) and the stringent demands of society (possession of money) deserves its accolades.

On his deathbed Mr Dashwood (Tom Wilkinson) informs his only son John, from his first marriage, that he will inherit the entire estate, including Norland, where his wife (Gemma Jones) and her three daughters reside; but he implores his son to take pity on his second family, since they will lose their home and the girls will be without dowries. John's initial intention of being generous to his stepmother and stepsisters is undermined by his wife (Harriet Walter) Fanny's stinginess, reducing their allowance from L3000 annually to L500.

As Mrs Dashwood and her daughters - Miss Dashwood, "Elinor" (Emma Thompson); Miss Marianne (Kate Winslet); and 11-year-old Margaret (Emilie François), "up trees and under furniture" - are preparing to vacate the premises, Fanny's older brother Edward Ferrars (Hugh Grant) arrives. During their time together, Edward and Elinor, becoming confident of each other's discretion, confide in the other. Edward says he prefers a private life, possibly as a clergyman, though his mother expects a distinguishing career from him. Elinor: "You will inherit your fortune. We can't even earn ours."

Marianne chides her sensible older sister's preference for someone so sedate, who's amiable enough but lacking something of passion. Fanny makes clear to Mrs Dashwood that her mother mistrusts Edward's compassion "upon whom penniless women could prey" such that he would be completely cut off from his inheritance if he were to marry below his station. Just as Edward is about to reveal his secret to Elinor, his sister interrupts their tête-à-tête, demanding he depart for London immediately.

In need of another abode, the Dashwoods accept a generous offer of a cottage in Devonshire from Sir John Middleton (Robert Hardy), a widower of Barton Park, and his jolly, gossipy (no secrets in the lonely country) mother, Mrs Jennings (Elizabeth Spriggs). In their new but constricted circumstances, the Dashwoods make acquaintance with the wealthy Col Christopher Brandon (Alan Rickman) of Delaford.

Following a gallant encounter - rescued in the rain with a twisted ankle - Marianne's sensibilities are inflamed by the dashingly handsome John Willoughby (Greg Wise) of Allenham with whom she shares a devotion to poetry. However, when asked for his opinion of "Marianne's preserver," Sir John turns tactful and reticent, saying only that the young man is a decent shot and a bold rider.

Having invited his neighbors to Delaford for a picnic, Col Brandon receives a message requiring his immediate attention in London, suddenly galloping off, leaving his guests to wonder. Shortly afterward John Willoughby leaves Marianne in tears as well with a brief explanation that his presence is demanded by his mother in London.

In the company of Mrs Jennings, Lucy Steele (Imogene Stubbs) takes Elinor aside to reveal her five-year secret engagement to Edward, who had spoken of Elinor as being like a sister to him. Unlike Marianne, who berates her sister for "always resignation and acceptance … prudence and duty," Elinor demonstrates restraint and dignity at this heart-breaking news.

In an attempt to improve the girls' chances at matrimony, Mrs Jennings proposes a visit to London. At a ball where Elinor, Marianne (who has been writing letters to Willoughby without replies), and Lucy hoped to find Edward and John, they are introduced to Edward's less-appealing younger brother Robert (Richard Lumsden); Willoughby does appear, though he gives Marianne the cold shoulder. Her lock of hair and all of her previous correspondence are returned to Marianne with a note apologizing for any misunderstanding of affection - love though implied had not been declared - thus granting Miss Dashwood "a better acquaintance with the world."

Back home Col Brandon, whose diplomatic affections have been held in reserve for Marianne, imparts to Elinor his own previous association with John Willoughby, "the worst of libertines." He, "the kindest and best of men," then asks Elinor to deliver a magnanimous proposal to Edward, whom he regards as being "proud in the best sense" for refusing on pain of disinheritance to break off his engagement to dowerless Lucy. Caught out in the rain again, gazing upon Willoughby's manor, rescued by Col Brandon, Marianne, contracting an infectious fever, lies perilously close to death.

Eventually the fever of all these disappointments will break, providing each with his or her just deserts.

Click here for links to places to buy or rent this movie in video and/or DVD format, or to buy the soundtrack, posters, books, even used videos, games, electronics and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

Copyright © 2008 Patrick Ivers. All rights reserved.
Reproduced with the permission of the copyright holder.

Patrick Ivers can be reached via e-mail at .