Sense and Sensibility
Sense and Sensibility

Sense and Sensibility

1995Movie136 minEnglish

The Dashwood sisters, sensible Elinor and passionate Marianne, learn that their prospects of marriage seem doomed by their family's sudden loss of fortune. After Henry Dashwood dies unexpectedly, his estate must pass on by law to his son. These circumstances leave Mr. Dashwood's wife and daughters without a home and with barely enough money to live on. As Elinor and Marianne struggle to find romantic fulfillment in a society obsessed with financial and social status, they must learn to mix sense with sensibility in their dealings with both money and men.

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IMDb7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes97%
Metacritic84/100
Google Users89%
Director: Ang LeeGenres: Romance, Drama, Period

Plot Summary

After their father's death leaves them in poverty, the Dashwood sisters Elinor and Marianne must navigate societal expectations, romantic entanglements, and the harsh realities of their reduced circumstances. Elinor, the elder and more reserved sister, struggles to conceal her feelings for the honorable Edward Ferrars, while the passionate Marianne falls deeply in love with the charming but unreliable John Willoughby. Their journeys highlight the contrast between prudence and passion as they seek happiness and security in Regency England.

Critical Reception

Sense and Sensibility was met with widespread critical acclaim, lauded for its faithful yet accessible adaptation of Jane Austen's novel, its stunning visuals, and its superb performances. Critics praised Ang Lee's sensitive direction and Emma Thompson's intelligent screenplay, which earned her an Academy Award. The film was a significant box office success and is considered one of the most beloved Austen adaptations.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its intelligent and witty screenplay, capturing Austen's social commentary with grace.
  • Hailed for outstanding performances, particularly from Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet, who embody their characters with depth.
  • Commended for its lush period detail and sensitive direction that balances humor and pathos.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly loved the film, appreciating its faithful adaptation, strong character portrayals, and engaging romantic storylines. Many viewers found it to be a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant period drama.

Awards & Accolades

Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay (Emma Thompson), Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama (Emma Thompson), BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Kate Winslet). Nominated for multiple Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actress.

Fun Fact

Emma Thompson is the only person to have won Academy Awards for both Best Actress (for Howards End) and Best Adapted Screenplay (for Sense and Sensibility).

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CinemaSerf

The briefest of cameos from Tim Wilkinson informs us that due to inheritance rules, the second “Mrs. Dashwood” (Gemma Jones) and her daughters are going to be at the mercy of his son upon his demise. That fellow (James Fleet) is actually qu...