Sense and Sensibility | Page to Screen Comparisons

In this episode I compare different screen adaptations of Sense and Sensibility! Which is your favourite version? Spoilers throughout.
Page to Screen playlist - • Page To Screen
Let's be friends!
Twitter: / laurenwhitehead
Instagram: / laureneeni
Goodreads: / readsanddaydreams

[@laurakate9297]

I watch the 2008 adaption whenever I have a sick day at home, it's pure comfort viewing!

[@heathers8826]

I'm an Emma Thompson fan, so that's the version I'm partial too. Sadly, poor Alan Rickman has left us, but he made a wonderful Col. Brandon. I honestly can't see anyone else play that roll now. The whole casting was done wonderfully too.

[@katiejlumsden]

I adore the 2008 adaptation. I like that it takes the really good interpretations/bits from the film and develops them more - and one thing that always saddens me about the film is that they cut the bit when Willoughby comes to speak to Eleanor. I love that scene and it makes me so happy that it is in the 2008 version :) It's just brilliant and perfect and wonderful :)

[@brandyloutherback9288]

I cry every time I watch Sense and Sensibility 1995 when Edward returns to her and Emma as Elinor just bursts into tears then smiles!

[@hortaju]

I'm so glad you talked about From Prada To Nada. I stumbled upon this movie on a random afternoon without knowing it was an adaptation of S&S. It's a teenage movie, not as memorable as Clueless but nonetheless a good attempt. I really enjoyed it. But my favourite version will always be the 1995 movie (also my gateway to Jane Austen and a lifelong love for Emma Thompson).

[@AdirondackRuby]

I love the Emma Thompson adaptation, and thought it was the only I had seen, but totally forgot about the Hattie Morahan one. Shame on me, because I recall really loving it. Will have to go watch that one now.

[@SwirlyGirlyReads]

Yay for Emma Thompson, I also loved the most recent BBC 3 part adaptation so good

[@bansquared7352]

Sense and Sensibility is my favourite Austen and your review of these adaptations is superb! :)

[@teensymom1420]

So, I am seeing your review many years after this video came out. However, I have to tell you that the 1995 version is my favorite. When Elinore asks Marianne, "do you compare your conduct to his" and Marianne says, "I compare it to what it ought to have been, I compare it to yours", I always start crying, don't know why really. I just think it is so sweet how Marianne comes to appreciate her sister's sensibility. The bond those sisters have is just so touching. Of course, when Edward comes back to Elinore at the end that is a big waterworks moment too. I have seen this movie so many times I have lost count, but I never get tired of it. Emma did an amazing job on the screenplay of this movie and definitely deserved her Oscar.

[@njchenault]

While Emma Thompson did a great job on the screenplay, she could have been better cast as the mother ... too mature for the part. I find Hugh Grant a Strang choice, as well.

[@AjaReads]

Love this idea!! Binge watching all of your page to screens now!!

[@stillreadingbooks1304]

I love the Emma Thompson version, too. It is one of those DVDs that for me always sits on top of my player. I also enjoyed your discussion point of the development of the animosity between Col Brandon and Willoughby. Something to encourage me to reread... Again. 😉

[@jamiedianne6778]

The 1995 version will always be my favorite! It was my first introduction to Jane Austen at 11 years old and it got me into her other works. Thank god you didn't watch "Scents and Sensibility" ! (I think it's a made for TV film?) One of my friends wanted me to watch it really badly and I did but it was PAINFUL! The acting was really really bad. :D

[@LaurenWade]

+Jamie Dianne Haha, I saw that on a list and did try to find it but I don't think it's available in the UK. I'm sad I will never be able to witness how hilariously awful it must be!

[@LuminousLibro]

I cant' even watch those old 1970s and 80s versions of Austen's works. They're all so badly done! I adore Emma Thompson! She's so delightful. Great reviews! Love your channel!

[@veronika13]

I really love your Page to Screen series. It's great.

[@throughtheenchantedportal6617]

First off I need to say that I will be forever grateful to you for introducing me to A Muppet's Christmas Carol. I really don't know how I missed that one but I did. I rented it after watching your video and fell in love with it and bought the DVD. Now for this video, I LOVE the 1995 version. Almost better than P&P (is that blasphemy?) All of the actors in that one are brilliant, especially Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman. I always well up at the end and also when Marianne says she compares her conduct with what it ought to have been (with Elinor's). I have a big sis that I really look up to so that always gets me. I need to watch the 2008 production again, but I remember thinking the music and the scenery were beautiful. I own it so I think I'll watch it today! :) I'm looking forward to checking out From Prada to Nada. It sounds interesting. Anyway, I really enjoyed this video and found myself nodding my head in agreement to several of your points especially that it's much more than just a riches to rags story. Thanks again for this series of videos!

[@katehowereads]

I'm so enjoying your page to screen series! You're doing so many I love. I definitely agree about Willoughby and Brandon in the 2008 Sense and Sensibility. I'm so excited to see you're doing Emma this summer! Are you aware of the KZbin channel Pemberley digital? They do vlog series adaptations of classics and their Emma Approved is awesome! It would be cool if you could include this in your Emma video.

[@puuddingen]

Lovely video! Thank you!

[@LaChicaMadrilena]

I love love love Dan Stevens as Edward, chopping wood in the rain... :-D The music and photography in this series is absolutely beautiful.

[@LaurenWade]

+LaChicaMadrilena It is so gorgeous! The pictures I found don't really do it justice

[@lauraprofungus4203]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE PAGE TO SCREEN VIDEOS! . I grew up watching the 1995 version and adored it. I was so excited when I discovered the 2008 version in college and was not disappointed in that either. I love both of them for different reasons, so I don't think I could pick a favourite.

[@CarolynsReadingRamblings]

I actually grew up on the 95 film and adored it (and still do) but in 2010 a friend showed me the 08 mini-series and I fell so much in love with it that I still enjoy the 95 one but not nearly as much. I think what did that for me was not just that it was a mini-series so it had more time to adopt the book better but also the drastic difference between Kate Winslet's and Charity Wakefield's portrayals of Marianne. When I was young, her portrayal was the only one there was really and I liked it but I've always thought Kate Winslet overacts alot even for how dramatic the character of Marianne is, so seeing that a actress could get the character just right w/o overdoing it was eye-opening for me (no offense if you love Kate Winslet). There are parts of both though where I am equally torn, like the portrayals of Elinor, Colonel Brandon, Willoughby, and Mrs Jennings. Or things I like better in the 95 film, like Mr and Mrs Palmer haha. I also like the expansion on Margaret's character in the 08 one. I LOVE From Prada to Nada! Best modern update if the story! I have looked for the Indian film but can't find it :( how did you watch? 2 other adaptations you should try are Scents and Sensibility (another modern update) and Project Dashwood (a modern ongoing KZbin webseries) :).

[@TheNovelNomad]

I absolutely love these page to screen videos! I alternate between 1995 and 2008 adaptations as well, I do enjoy the extension and more in depth development of the 2008 edition (and the use of the natural setting). Then the 1995 has more witty banter and delivery, and is often a quick Austen fix :)

[@alltheshelves9142]

I really like that you look at multiple versions of the story across time and culture in this series. I especially liked your observations about how the plot of Sense and Sensibility makes sense in contemporary Indian culture! I just shot a video about adaptation that I'm in the process of editing and I only looked at one adaptation from page to screen. But I think looking at the similarities in the many versions really helps solidify what filmmakers think are the key aspects of the story. Sometimes it seems like they're adapting from previous films rather than the book (I mean, obviously with Frankenstein, right?), which is so interesting to me. Can I ask if this was the order in which you watched the movies? Or did you feel like the order influenced how you felt about each movie? I love this series! I'm so excited to see your take on Gatsby!

[@LaurenWade]

I normally try to watch the films in chronological order because then, as you say, you can notice whether films are taking inspiration from previous adaptations or not :)

[@Dashakochetova]

Love the series!

[@pamelahall517]

My fav versions are '95 and '08.Movies and mini series are two different animals. It is hard to say which is better by comparison. Though, I think mini series are a better way to do an Austin adaptation. The cast in '95 is wonderful. I loved the screen play and always enjoy watching it. However, I also love the 2008 mini series so much. First, we see the true nature of Willoughby in the opening scenes. Then, we get to have the scene steeling Anne Steele who I loved, she was such a hoot. Also the male characters are fleshed out a bit. Edward and Elinore get to kiss in the end. This version also has a wonderful cast. I don't care much for the other versions. I enjoyed your observations.

[@ohheysush]

Really loved this! Glad to have come across your channel and this series :D My favourite adaptation is definitely the one from 1995 with Emma Thompson's adapted script -- So good! I'm Tamil, but haven't watched too many Bollywood/Kollywood films. Feeling like I should definitely check out Kandukondain Kandukondain now! Will also definitely look into the 2008 adaptation -- My small gripes with the 1995 film are the same as what you mentioned. While I find Kate Winslet's and Alan Rickman's performances to be stellar, there's just not enough time to adequately build up their relationship and it feels a bit like she's settling. And with so many amazing performances in that film, I do find Hugh Grant's to be the weakest. It seems like the 2008 miniseries might be just the antidote to both of those issues though.

[@LaurenWade]

+Oh Hey Sush It was my first Kollywood film, and although I had to do a little bit of wiki research to work out some of what was going on, I really enjoyed it :D Yes, you must watch the 2008 miniseries! It's a really good attempt, although in my heart of hearts I will always love Emma Thompson

[@wordsofclover]

I'll never be able to watch Sense and Sensibility without also picturing Dawn French/Geraldine Granger in The Vicar of Dibley make that weird noise at the marriage proposal like Emma Thompson, haha. I haven't watched any other version but that one, but I love the book. It's my favourite Austen!

[@italianbookworm]

I definitely prefer Dan Stevens to Hugh Grant. Love that portrayal of Mr. Ferrars. I think besides not liking Hugh Grant, my only problem with the 1995 film is that while I love Emma Thompson and her Elinor, her not being the right age annoys me for some reason. Kate Winslet is within a couple of years of Marianne, but Thompson is 36 and definitely looks past 19 (Elinor's age). Other than that peculiar sticking point, I really enjoy the 1995 film. I think the 2008 series does win my heart though. With that extra hour, it's just so much more fleshed out.

[@italianbookworm]

How could I forget the best part of the 1995 film? I adore Alan Rickman's Brandon. It is my favorite role of his (yes, even including Snape).

[@marywilson1709]

This is a cool video! I have also watched a KZbin modern retelling called Marianne and Eleanor Take Barton which is set at university. It's good - particularly Marianne and Charlotte :)

[@EmoBearRights]

I should visit 2008 adaptation especially with Dan Stevens yum. It's got David Morrissey as Brandon too hasn't it. Must watch.

[@sanaahmed8464]

My fav is 1995, I feel it has more heart than 2008.

[@leadingblind1629]

Gosh you did this so long ago. I prefer this story so much to Pride & Prejudice. Although I could care less about Elinor and Edward. I LOVE Alan Rickman as Brandon. I love his performance. I just think...how could Marianne NOT give in to that soft ardent love?

[@BookishPrincess]

Recently discovered your channel and am loving it! I also get bored when I try to re-watch the 1980's adaptations - they're slow moving and certainly not in the style of movies today, but they are some of the first Jane Austen movies I ever watched and my mom's favorites, so they do still have a certain charm for me. :) There's also a 1971 adaptation that I've never seen but would kinda like to check out. I've never heard of the Indian adaptation but now definitely want to go watch it - Aishwarya Ria is so good in Bride & Prejudice! I absolutely love the 1995 & 2008 adaptations. I know they were short on time with the 1995 version, but I do wish they hadn't cut out Willoughby's visit to Cleveland - so dramatic. I'm generally not a fan of the modern chick flick adaptations (awhile ago I spotted one on Netflix called "Scents and Sensibility"), but I was pleasantly surprised by Prada to Nada too! Loved your reviews - great video!

[@rukbat3]

+BookishPrincess I actually own the 1971 version, and my whole family agreed that it was a massive disappointment. I don't think I've ever seen a more boring and badly acted movie--and keep in mind that I quite like some of the 80s Austen adaptations!

[@brandyloutherback9288]

I would set an Indian version of Sense and Sensibility in the 1920's-1930's when India was apart of the British empire, In fact I might do just that for my new novel!

[@imanemmaa]

I love the 1995 version ! I think all the actors were great and it stayed really faithful with the story. I can't wait to watch the 2010 adaptation :)

[@schmetterlingsjaeger]

No mention of the 1971 mini series with Joanna David and Robin Ellis?? It's free on KZbin.

[@LusiaEyre]

To be fair to the 2008 series, Willoughby talked ill of Colonel Brandon from the start, he was laughing at him with Marianne when visiting at Barton Cottage. The colonel does not seem to dislike him though until he learns the truth from Miss Williams. The screenwriter probably ran with the idea that there was something between them beforehand. Willoughby was probably just being a D, seeing that Colonel liked Marianne too.

[@DJHastingsFeverPitch]

What I loved about the 2008 version is that they brought a lot of things down to earth and made the people feel real.

[@none4083]

Thompsons was my favorite UNTIL I saw the 2008. 2008 blew me away.

[@emmapersson5880]

what is the main theme sense and sensibillity,how is it reveald and developed? Is the theme traditional and familiar or new and original. Is it well handled.

[@CaptainAhorn]

The weakness in the Brandon/Marianne plot is significantly due to the lack of actual scenes between them in the novel. There are several instances in the novel (after Brandon tells Elinor about Willoughby) where Austen talks about a conversation between them taking place, for which she provides no dialogue. Andrew Davies tried with some success to remedy this by inventing scenes in the 2008 version. The development of their relationship is rather briefly addressed by Austen, and there's also a significant time jump at the end. The 1995 and 2008 adaptations certainly have high production values, but I feel that they are also over-romanticized and that the older, more play-like adaptations are closer in tone to the source material. Having watched all the adaptations I feel they all have something valuable to offer. The 1971 adaptation, which is available in its entirety on KZbin, has IMO the best Elinor, Edward, and Mrs Jennings. 1971 Marianne is somewhat over the top, but I like her. 1981 has the best Lucy and John/Fanny Dashwood. 1981 Elinor is probably the sauciest. 1995 has a pretty good (if much too old) Elinor, and a passable Brandon. And 2008 has the best Marianne and Brandon, which is no accident. Watch the 1971 version even if it bores you a bit, and maybe cut it some slack on the production scale.

[@b.m.t.h.3961]

Agree with you, I like all versions but also think the 71 version is actually nicely done!

[@sjhcanada]

The commentary on the Emma Thompson version is really good. One trick is to turn on English subtitles while watching the commentary for when they talk over the dialogue.

[@maryhamric]

I love the 1995 version the best. It's very emotional. Kate Winslet's Marianne is perfectly passionate--in fact all the acting was stellar. I did enjoy the 2008 version, but it felt like the same actors but 2.0. They all looked visually the SAME. Dan Stevens=Hugh Grant. I mean, nothing new...just same only newer. I did like the fleshing out of the story which you can do in a mini-series. But it felt flat visually and the color of the film was very muted. I did enjoy that Elinor was age appropriate and I liked the inclusion of Willoughby's apology. The acting was good and solid, but I think the 1995 version comes out on top.

[@booksandquestions9135]

YES, yes, yes. The version with Emma Thompson is one of my favorite movies of all time. It's just stunning. I think I buy Kate Winslet's Marianne falling in love with Brandon because it seemed (to me) that the only thing keeping Marianne from liking him in the beginning was Mrs. Jennet's overbearing matchmaking. So yes it comes together quickly in the end, but I thought they set it up well earlier. I like the 2008 one too, but I miss the beauty of the dialogue from the 1995 version--it also feels like the pacing is just a little crazy in that one. There are some scenes without almost any dialogue, but not a lot of visual storytelling? Whereas Ang Lee's cinematography is just so incredibly good. One thing Katie from BooksandQuestions pointed out is that the 2008 version shows how much both of the sisters have to learn. Yes, Marianne is making foolish choices, but Eleanor is also very young and has a lot to learn too. That wasn't something I'd thought about, and I think it's a story that doesn't get told in the 1995 version. But yay to this video! It's my favorite Austen. :)

[@pmrh1]

Please do a Page to Screen of War & Peace! I know of a movie and two series

[@komal2491]

It's quite impressive that you actually got round to watching Kandukondain Kandukondain. You'd have definitely enjoyed it and appreciated it a lot more if you actually did understand Tamil. The pronunciation is spot on! (I am from India and am Tamil).

[@vickiwhite1816]

I thought Brandon and Willoughby didn't like each other when they met from the get-go because Brandon knew of Willoughby's bad reputation and Willoughby knew that. So, Brandon distrusted Willoughby before he knew of any connection with his ward. I would have to re-read the book to confirm this, but this is the impression I had.

[@brandyloutherback9288]

Are you from London?

[@Buchlieber]

Hey Lauren, I really miss these videos - any plans to renew this little series in the future? :)

[@LaurenWade]

No, sorry! The time it took to put into it really wasn’t worth it. Glad you enjoy them though! Xx

[@EmoBearRights]

The Thompson movie is just perfectly cast apart from the fact she's too old but you forgive it as she's so good and charming.

[@aragorniielessar1894]

Emma Thompson is a great actress and the 1995 version of Sense and Sensibility is good but we have to be honest. Yes Emma Thompson is a great actress. But she was far to old to play Elinor. Elinore is 19 in the book . And Emma Thompson was 36. She would have been better cast as the mother, The best Elinor was Hattie Morahan from the 2008 version who was 20. The 2008 version is the best version in my opinion.

[@fatnsassy99]

1 name= Alan Rickman 🥰

[@thedarkleandra6953]

The 1995 version is also my favourite one! Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman are absolutely perfect! But I don't really like either Emma Thompson or Hugh Grant as Elinor and Edward: Emma Thompson just seems a little too old for the role, and I'm really sorry, but I do not like the scene at the end where she cries when Edward proposes... I find myself cringing every time I watch that particular scene... Hugh Grant is just too stiff and awkward, and difficult to watch... The 2008 version is a very close second favourite, I really love Dan Stevens's Edward, and Charity Wakefield as Marianne.