Netflix's PERSUASION Adaptation is a MESS 🥴

[@jennymurcia5150]

I am wondering if you’ve thought of doing a battle of adaptions Pride and Prejudice edition? Please, bless us with that content!

[@jennymurcia5150]

@@FullofLit this is what dreams are made off ❤️

[@suburbanbeatnik]

@@FullofLit Don't forget the 1980 P&P-- I feel it is so underrated!

[@ladyenaira9726]

Yes! 1980 has my favorite Lizzie in it! And a kind of sweet Mr Collins. The scene where Charlotte makes him "the happiest of men"...♥️

[@ronjaj.addams-ramstedt1023]

@@FullofLit Looking forward to those! Also: a BIG thank you for the honest warning about this film. Persuasion is my favorite Austen novel so it really is wisest for me to avoid this movie entirely. Excellent video!

[@Lillith.]

@@FullofLit please include the Italian and Dutch versions of P&P. I had a ton of fun with them.

[@lydiawalker0714]

I had a bad feeling about this movie as soon as I found out Dakota Johnson was playing Anne. She already isn't who I'd picture as this character, and the writing, judging by the trailer alone, only made it worse. By turning Anne into a snarky "feminist" girl boss, the writers are perpetuating the idea that only one type of woman can be the leading lady. It's so annoying 🙄

[@janellio]

someone said that dakota johnson's is a face that has definitely seen a cellphone

[@Manu-dp4ls]

@@janellio sorry I'm clueless as hell, what does that mean?

[@AmyL._orcgirl]

@@Manu-dp4ls that she's too modern and can't convincingly play in a period piece.

[@Manu-dp4ls]

@@AmyL._orcgirl Ohh I see. Thanks

[@Lucy-yx5vg]

I was honestly ready to enjoy it just for her because I love her as an actress but the whole Fleabag, camera winking, modern splicing, etc. thing and almost every single thing was just... yeah. Nope.

[@VickiWeavil]

Everything you said is true. Another one of the scenes that made me scream at the screen is the dinner party where Anne blurts out that her brother-in-law wanted to marry her first, which... No way would Anne ever do such a thing! Embarrass members of her family in front of others? No, no, no.

[@jessicahawkes9637]

I agree with this so much. It was this scene that bothered me the most. I kinda yelled at my screen. I couldn't figure out why they did this because it made her just as prideful and arrogant as the rest of the Elliots. Anne is supposed to be the kind, constantly giving, and good character on the story.

[@tinyfreckle]

I stopped watching after that, I couldn't even continue for the purpose of hate-watching. It was just too wrong.

[@meypuim2951]

That was such a weird scene. It's amazing that they didn't cut it out. This whole film felt like it was a parody. They couldn't even get the casting right. And then adding people of color was even more of a joke. This is not how diversity is supposed to be portrayed. There is nothing honest about it. And as a minority myself, it's so embarrassing and horrific

[@L.Spencer]

When she yelled out the window at Wentworth...

[@windycityliz7711]

Oh, no, did they really do THAT?!?

[@paolap.5680]

The only good thing about this movie is that the portrayal of Anne is SO far removed from the book that, in my mind, this was not Persuasion, it was a random Bridgerton-esque Netflix movie. I watched it and felt nothing, luckily, because Persuasion is my favourite novel.

[@thenewkhan4781]

lucky you, I felt fury. It was actually a final nail to the Netflix coffin for me.

[@kembolynleighton8534]

I’d like to give Bridgerton the credit for at least going along with the story and the author’s portrayal of the characters. I always have to defend it in that. It may not be your tastes but it is how it’s meant to be. This was just a mess.

[@rochelle178]

That is good to hear. I am always cautious to watch movie/tv adaptations of my favourite books because I don't want their interpretation to cloud my mind when I read the book again. But if it doesn't even feel like it's connected to the novel at all, it's unlikely that'll be an issue lol

[@reecegraham6921]

Yo fr the only time I felt anything from this movie is whenever Henry Golding shows up all sleazy (or whenever he’s on the screen tbh lol) and whenever the sister is around

[@kookiecream7259]

Sameee. After I finished the movie I was like " oh wait it's supposed to be persuasion."

[@bananaboat805]

What pissed me off the most was the implication that Anne Eliot was a modern sloppy drunk. Persuasion, brought to you by the writers of Bridgerton. They better stay miles away from Sense and Sensibility. I can't bear to have them do this to Eleanor ( the Austen heroine I most identify with)

[@kittikats]

No, the Bridgerton writers would have more respect than that. They'd make a strong willed independent thinking woman but one that can still play by the societal rules. This was ... you ever see those things where they feed an AI a bunch of media then make it create its own version? And it kinda makes sense but is a weird, grotesque Frankenstein monster of ideas and themes. This feels like that.

[@loradow5543]

Agreed. Watched it last night and kept thinking “why did they try to turn Anne Elliott into Lizzie Bennet”? Also didn’t think I could find Henry Golding uncharming but they managed that handily. If they had given this story the full “Clueless” treatment, it might have worked much better… because some of the modernizations - like Mary’s toxic self-help - were kind of hilarious.

[@silverlily35]

I agree re the Clueless comment! I actually thought maybe they had originally written this script as a modern adaptation (especially the Mary stuff, which is clearly skewering modern Instagram-type culture) and then someone forced them to set it in the Regency era because of Bridgerton’s success (without actually changing the script much).

[@Lililililili333]

I loved the toxic self help!! 😂😂

[@dawncathlene]

Agreed! I think if they went more Clueless it could have been great. And I feel like his sleazy demeanor was for nothing....He simply made out w Mrs Clay and then everyone was at the wedding? It's like they skipped important stuff in his storyline and rushed it in just to fit it in by the end of the movie.

[@CM-pf1xc]

Yes!!! Why did they even try to make this type of adaption a period piece!

[@CM-pf1xc]

@@dawncathlene yes

[@Nicole-Leigh]

"There is space for all the Emmas of the world, the Lizzies of the world, the Annes of the world..." so very true. Loved this review and this comment. For curiosity alone, now I will have to see this. Anne's magic has always been the mantle of a quiet kindness, intelligence and selflessness.

[@nalublackwater9729]

Thank you producers, for taking away the only refuge that shy, introverted women had to see that even us are valid. Nowadays you have to be the girlboss at all times, which is but another form of the typical and eternal "popular girl at high school". No place for us bookworm nerds, unless it involves a make-over montage to turn us into the above.

[@ThePinkBaroness]

As someone who literally delved into the history of some of Beethoven's compositions *for a crack Pride and Prejudice fic I was writing,* the thing that enraged me most of all about this adaptation is that they say that Anne played Für Elise at dinner when that composition was not released to the public until after Beethoven's death, about 10 years after this novel's release. How did I as a fic writer get that more accurate than the Netflix people? That is all.

[@marianahernandez4679]

I had to google it when she said that because it felt off and it made me so angry! Like such an unnecessary anachronism

[@Draconisrex1]

You CARE. They don't. You think they should. But that's not how the business works. It's only 'how many people watch it vs how much it cost.' And you think this perversion of Austen is bad, I hope you're not a Tolkien fan, because what Amazon is doing to Tolkien is a crime.

[@voulafisentzidis8830]

That's typical of Netflix. They had stiletto heels in the first Bridgerton series yet they weren't invented until the late 50s. I'm fine with blind colour casting but am put off when such mistakes are made as it shows a complete lack of care for detail.

[@cristiag1]

Omg you are a total different level 😂, great point tbh

[@smurfette_blues7922]

@@voulafisentzidis8830I mean.... bridgerton has lightbulbs invented in it and modern pop songs played by the orchestra. Its innacurate, to the point that one could even say it's an alternate universe of the regency era rather than a re-enactment of it. Whether you like it or not, i think you can give it credit for never really setting out for accuracy in the first place. But i think where bridgerton gets it right and persuasion doesnt, is how it has historical innacuracy but not without thought behind it. The pop songs are at least chosen because they add to the themes of a scene; the light bulbs' presence although innacurate make an interesting spectacle and elevates the fantasy. The fur elise inclusion in persuasion just comes off lazy and uninspired.

[@moonchild977]

I just finished this movie, and I was so angry at it lol this isn’t my Anne, and I hated that they tried to tell me that it was, even after they only showed her being a snarky alcoholic. Anne is my favorite Austen lady - she’s soft yet strong, understated elegance. and the whole novel could be called “understated”. it’s about yearning, and endurance, and longing glances. they just destroyed everything that makes the story work at all

[@Seri99no]

Exactly.

[@AnaAcuraErica]

I really need to read all the other books bcus of the one I read - I can see this movie in a new age production 😑 Dakota did a great job breaking that 4th wall every time! So what am I missing? The ending was dumpster fire as far as plots go - but they’re working off of book material!!!!!!

[@moonchild977]

@@AnaAcuraErica Dakota did her best with what she had, but what she had was awful, imo. this quirky upbeat humor just doesn’t suit the story at all. Persuasion has funny moments, but it isn’t a comedy. Anne is older, more mature, hurt by the past, and so is Frederick. the whole story feels more somber until they are united. this movie ruined one of Austen’s most beautiful declarations of love, with Anne staring at the camera the whole time 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@melaniewilliams4312]

It's so bad.... honestly. Good God

[@jessicahawkes9637]

Totally agree with you. There is more than one type of Heroine and they tried to go for more of a Emma with a little bit of Alcott's Jo March I thought but badly done. It was disappointing that they didnt understand Anne's personality at all. She is my fav Austen character in a way that has a hidden resilience like Eleanor Dashwood. That deep down she has such strong emotions but feels like her chance of happiness is gone. So with this shows a outward strength to keep moving forward with kindness. We got this in the other 2 adaptations and I wish this had it. One of the parts that really bothered me was Anne blurting out she was the one who was going to marry Charles. So wrong made everyone uncomfortable and in a way made her as arrogant as the other Elliot's.

[@jennymcniven]

Anne. Is. Not. Snarky. Or a drunk. It was just.... maddening how they could so fundamentally misunderstand a character who is so wonderfully written. I wanted to feel Anne's private anguish (as done so brilliantly by Sally Hawkins) and be brought to tears by how her restraint keeps her heart locked away. I felt nothing for this Anne. In fact, I was baffled by how they kept having other characters go off on monologues about how good and virtuous "Anne" is when the version in this movie was clearly none of those things. The whole thing was baffling, but I totally agree about the casting, I am ALL for it!

[@emmapierskalla7622]

The 'girlbossiffying' thing is something that happens too much in any tv medium. There is a female character that would have been feminine and internal or traits that are considered feminine. They get ripped out, or the character will shame those traits. They make the internal peacefu, or feminine person someone with no emotion that can beat someone up. It is like they are making them more masculine in stereotypical male traits. Makes me sad that that is what it comes down to.

[@cynthiacollins2056]

You are so correct, it happens with a lot of period pieces, some time I expect the characters to whip out a cell phone.

[@MyMonique28]

100%

[@alexandrabeneteau3723]

One might imagine that if you love “Persuasion”, you understand subtext and the power of what is not said. Actions speak louder than words but as someone who has read this book many times, taking Austen’s words away makes it both unfamiliar and totally without a purpose. The distinct flavours are totally lost. What a waste. Tell the story or don’t. Maybe just don’t.

[@anac5656]

This is THE comment

[@jessicahawkes9637]

Absolutely! This is why I have always loved Anne and Frederick Wentworth. This is my thoughts exactly and why the script was awful.

[@nissicardenas5435]

What a waste all i can is that it was horrible 😞

[@margieura1146]

I totally agree with you! I didn't feel the chemistry with the leads, the fourth wall didn't work for me, the modernizing of language (use of the word "cheaper" instead of "prudent economizing"), and Wentworth's lack of longing and pain in Anne's presence in more silent subtle ways. I've loved the previous two versions, but not this one. It was all played out too tongue in cheek and Anne's character seemed much changed. I loved Season 2's Bridgerton, previous Persuasion viewings, and Colin and Matthew's Darcy, but not this offering. However, I did like the diversity and the supporting cast. I am disappointed because I eagerly awaited it and stayed up until Midnight for it to drop on the West Coast. :(

[@marigeobrien]

Did you miss when Ann was looking through her Wentworth memorabilia and called a stack of sheet music her "playlist?"

[@margieura1146]

@@marigeobrien Right??? I did a double cringe when I heard it! Implanting modern-day language into this Regency period classic was distracting from the story line and definitely made it less plausible for me.

[@voulafisentzidis8830]

@@marigeobrien I cringed with each use of modern text (exes, playlist, etc.). The whole film seemed too light and frothy for my taste although the actors were fine. I felt let down by the script, and the characters' lack of depth.

[@susivarga7303]

If only that diversity you liked so much would have been done for the right reasons...

[@margieura1146]

@@voulafisentzidis8830 I absolutely agree with you! I felt the same way. I sincerely wanted to love this adaptation because I highly anticipated it.

[@missbinet]

Totally agree. I watched it last night and i screamed "Did they actually read the book?!" in the middle of the movie. What a disaster

[@hinduismwithpremananddasbhagat]

I said the same thing when watching. I also told my gf: I'm glad this movie supports high school students, as obviously it was high school students that wrote the script for english class, and then had the drama club perform it.

[@kittikats]

I think they Lionel Hutz - Ed. I watch a rerun of it at a bar last night and the sound was off but I think I got the gist.

[@ncr1264]

Completely agree with everything you said! The film did so many things that bothered me and were just bad storytelling. 1) It wholly misinterpreted Anne as a character. 2) The film did a lot of “telling” rather than “showing.” For example Wentworth tells Anne that he admires her and trusts her judgement. The creators could have simply shown this through the Louisa falling incident as they did in the 2007 version. 3) There are several instances wherein the movie contradicts itself. One case is Anne’s description versus her actions. She is often referred to as kind but none of her actions supported this view. She’s is constantly judging others, side eyeing, and delighting in drama (Mr. Elliot’s scheming seemed to entertain her more than disturb).

[@JR-sx3gl]

Yeah, it was like "tell and than show". When Ann was going to Mary and explained what's about to happen 🤦

[@husseinmuhammed828]

🤣🤣🤣🤣It wasn’t that they misinterpreted they tried to do something and it didn’t go to plan , this is Jane Austen they should have kept things as they were

[@alyzu4755]

I also love the 2007 version, but the 1995 version is my absolute favorite. (I'd seen Ciaran Hinds and Amanda Root on stage a couple years earlier in a number of productions, so I was already a fan of them both.). I think I'll skip the 2022 adaptation. ☺️

[@sosewregency5905]

me too. On all points.

[@judithmacfadzen9516]

Good choice!

[@jackienaiditch7965]

Aw, come on. I think you need to suffer like the rest of us.

[@marguerittetwinkle3624]

Wait, that other productions? I've only seen them in Persuasion and The Man Who Cried. I just love them together, great chemistry.

[@alyzu4755]

@@marguerittetwinkle3624 I saw them in "Troilus and Cressida" and "The Seagull" at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1991. ☺️

[@deniserodriguez7441]

I was looking forward to this adaptation despite the changes that everyone talked about. I can handle the modernized language and the quirky takes, but cannot get behind a film where the charactets have no chemistry or angst. I think that is why I like the 1995 version the best, because of all the glimpses you see of Wentworth being acutely aware of where Anne is at all times, despite his wanting to prove that he was over her and was moving on.

[@zoilaa9962]

Those looks and dialogue of Captain Wentworth in the 1995 movie are priceless, oh and the way they present the letter, wow! I love this movie so much lol.

[@dawncathlene]

Yes! The characters had no chemistry, but I missed the glimpses from Wentworth that he was struggling, too, that he returned her feelings and just didn't want to say anything.

[@sosewregency5905]

That is my favorite Persuasion film version too. Just lovely

[@srkh8966]

@@dawncathlene they have great chemistry

[@srkh8966]

Yes, it really shows the internal struggle and agony of Anne and Wentworth

[@JB49105]

They had such anti chemistry I had never read persuasion by jane Austen so I thought they weren't gonna end up together and I thought the message of the movie was you don't have to recreate the past

[@phelineS]

I felt that there was more chemistry between Anne and Mr. Eliott than with Wentworth. So weird that I was kind of rooting for them for a moment.

[@MuffinLordKeychu]

As soon as Anne saw Wentworth and said "You look old!" I knew this adaptation had ruined her character

[@auntyjo1792]

"Girl power" switch of characters there.

[@NoPowerintheVerse]

Weird choice considering Anne believed the years apart had been kind to him and given him a more openly, manly look. Definitely glad I didn’t bother with this one.

[@jmilitala14]

Exactly! The Jane Austen "Anne" would never say such a thing out loud. She's so subdued. That's what we all loved... besides she loved how much older he looked. I saw the trailor and knew this was going to be trash 🥺

[@pesha600]

Ridiculous!

[@emilian7052]

I’m sorry but who the hell is in charge of the script?! “You look old!” Is just a tragic line 💀

[@taz2906]

“You can’t have a good adaption if you fundamentally misunderstand the main character.” This is why I have yet to find an adaption of Mansfield Park I can stand

[@LuizGustavo-yh4qd]

As someone who hadn't read the book, I also thought the lead pair had not enough chemistry. There was a moment I sincerely thought she would end up with Mr. Elitot because at least there was a bit of excitement there.

[@jeniserobinson8585]

Right, no chemistry at all! I almost stopped watching it.

[@gixmonster]

The book is great though and, as reviewed, not like this movie! So hopefully it hasn't turned you off checking out the book:)

[@CM-pf1xc]

I heard they wanted Golding as wentworth but he wanted to be bad guy!

[@frankathl1]

An interesting response, with which I agree, as Wentworth looks a bit rough hewn for Anne’s taste (although it would assert Ms Elliot’s independent spirit). Also, maybe I’m prejudiced, having seen Cosmo Jarvis in Lady Macbeth, where he played a farm worker who fell in lust with the ‘lady’ of the house.

[@lil-lionryan]

I watched the movie with Finnish subtitles, and in those Mary's line was "I'm an empathetic person." Reading that and then hearing her say "empath" a beat later was like getting hit in the face.

[@Applebliss99]

There were moments that were endearing like Anne yelling Frederick and then hiding, I busted out laughing at that, but the movie really couldn't figure out what it was trying to do and it lost all the wonderful pining angst of the source material. The whole POINT of Persuasion is that these two people can't and won't say how they feel for fear of vulnerability and rejection and the characters in this adaptation don't sell this. I don't believe that this "Anne" wouldn't just tell him she's still interested. I honestly think Dakota Johnson could have done a good Anne but this production was just messy as hell and completely altered the lead character

[@Mrsamj1989]

Also what’s with the PDA? Mr. Elliot was passionately making out with that lady in public but that was a big no no in high society. 🤷‍♀️

[@V1sual3y3z]

@@Mrsamj1989 oooo, that bothered me!

[@voulafisentzidis8830]

I was bothered by too much of it. Whoever decided that Anne should crassly announce during dinner that her brother-in-law proposed to her first, knows nothing about Anne's character and, in all likelihood, didn't bother to read the book.

[@V1sual3y3z]

@@voulafisentzidis8830 very true! i was taken aback. She was quick witted and even mannered one minute and foolish the next.

[@Applebliss99]

@@Mrsamj1989 at that point the whole movie was so farscial that I was just shaking my head and mouthing "what?!" haha

[@emmavink]

Yes, they did the same thing to Fanny Price's character essentially in the Mansfield Park 1999 adaptation. They turned a purposefully submissive character into a stereotypical "leading lady", removing all nuance and essence of the original character. Poor Dakota Johnson needs to step away from doing super popular book adaptations. They have not served her career well. And she has been so frikking good in other movies! Especially lately. This movie seems like a step back for her :( I really, really enjoyed your analysis, thank you!

[@solola5632]

Let's pray Netflix bosses don't know about this book existing, because we'll have one more mediocre movie to feel angry about:)

[@saranemcova5448]

Not a fan of adaptation of Mansfield Park, but it at least still showed Fanny being introverted and while she was snarky talking to the viewer, she never seemed much talking to other characters. What they did with Anne was much, much worse. Fleabag works because she is put in very bad situations and surrounded by modern characters who are also assholes. And the creators always know when to stop, show her better side, make viewer sympathize with her or at least enjoy the drama. Anne just comes of as whiny.

[@jessy638]

I’ve heard this screenwriter wants to adapt P&P and S&S and I’m just like - please let Autumn de Wilde do it instead if it must be done. Ugh

[@v2807]

It must not be done!!! Please!

[@furihreunsicherheit3624]

This adaptation deserves all the criticism it receives. Jane Austen would be rolling in her grave. Netflix seems almost pathological in its pursuit of "death of the author" and/or disregard for source material in their laughable "adaptations".

[@captLizzie]

The worst part is this isn’t even Death of the Author. DotA simply states that the meaning of a work is taken from the mix of the work and the reader. It does NOT mean that you can say the meaning is whatever you want-with all literary criticism (which is the realm DotA comes from) you have to provide evidence to support your position. Watching the internet butcher my personal favorite mode of lit crit /kills/ me because no one is using it correctly

[@carolgnojewski6593]

I hated everything about this version especially that when they actually used lines from the book they gave them to the wrong characters

[@ginayoung4174]

Your live reactions are me and my friends watching the movie. It was an almost 2 hour drama of us being absolutely offended by this adaptation!

[@exmrsnowwomanscorned8369]

My face throughout the movie was just cringing😬. "What the hell is going on here?!!"

[@violacesario4389]

I haven't read Persuasion, so saw the movie with relatively unbiassed eyes. Daria, you mentioned the two main things that also stood out to me: (1) Anne and Wentworth's complete lack of chemistry; in fact, I didn't perceive any emotions at all from Wentworth; (2) the lack of romance and romantic language; the movie seemed too modernized, and I really missed the flowery language. Like you said, that's why we watch period pieces! What a disappointing waste of good actors. The music is beautiful, though.

[@krustomer]

Same! The ending didn't make much sense either

[@daonlyboriqua11]

I didn’t read it either so that’s probably why I enjoyed it overall lol I think most people irrationally angry about it. Its so not that serious 😂 However I agree that there wasn’t enough romance or romantic language. Im not entirely bothered about it being slightly modern but there was a couple lines that instantly got my attention and took me out of the period. Overall i liked it tho. Wish the romantic chemistry was better though.

[@rem-cy8ro]

YES AND YES. There is no freaking chemistry

[@marguerittetwinkle3624]

Girl, the book is so so so good, plus, if you decide to watch any other version, start watching the 1995 version, it is the best.

[@violacesario4389]

@@marguerittetwinkle3624 Thanks for the tip!

[@davidahrens2841]

A great and accurate review of this disastrous film Even as a man, Austen's books have charmed me for > 50 years Persuasion being my favorite with P+P a close second All her books are great and everyone should read them As an originality freak, (my vintage autos have been period correctly restored) this film was very disturbing Thank God I watched it on my computer And could use the fast-forward key I will never watch it again, and It will be the only version of Persuasion that will not be included in my collection. Persuasion is a masterpiece describing the agony of 'lost love' Few stories begin to approach its effect Poe's 'Assignation' is close In case anyone cares Forget the movie versions - Just read and re-read the book!! But...if you must watch a movie The 1995 version with Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds is the best

[@elicris10]

Yeeees, just read the book please!!

[@sosewregency5905]

1995 is my favorite as well.

[@carokat1111]

Well said.Totally agree.

[@robbiekoziol3144]

how wild is it that you could live 200 years ago and still be someone who everyone knows and your book lives on ? so cool!

[@kindofrubbish]

Thank you for this video, I 100% agree. After watching 2022 Persuasion I ended up: disliking Anne and Wentworth (and they are one of my favourites), enjoying Mary, and hoping Mr. Elliot would have a spinoff full of his shenanigans. Needless to say... I was pure confusion.

[@niacasterlow8300]

Girl, I had to stop and pause you for a second, but I didn't even want to because you were spittin'. You were spitting truth. I feel that I agree with every single statement you made in this video.

[@ladyenaira9726]

There are some good examples for breaking the 4th wall - like "Gentleman Jack" or "Enola Holmes". Explaining just erverything to the audience feels just disturbing. I agree with you completely on erverything. The worst moment was when she started talking about that octopus...

[@CM-pf1xc]

That was so weird. AND blurting out at dinner that Charles wanted to marry her first!!!?? And they didn’t even show all weird dynamics with Charles (with his fam with Mary with Anne) , who is really such an interesting character in the book.

[@tessasmith1477]

Agreed. Those worked much better

[@sarah4hp]

I couldn't get through it. When Anne shouted out that Charles wanted to marry HER first I was done - like, WTF??? To be fair, if Anne had actually seemed like Anne up until that, I might have been able to overlook it, but yeah... off to watch my copy of the 2017 version of Persuasion, because I need to ACTUALLY see Anne and Fredrick's love story, not whatever that was. So sad, because I was actually really excited to see it, and for Dakota to play Anne, but yeah... even though I tried telling myself to give it a chance I just couldn't handle any more cringe and frustration

[@simplysara9717]

"I question whether anyone who wrote the script actually read Persuasion" My thoughts 100% -- just uploaded my review now too, total failure of a film!

[@questionsfromthebeyond]

Your reaction montage gives me LIFE (first time viewer, definitely sticking around.)

[@WildeBookGarden]

Daria I think you did such a beautiful job of communicating what is so truly special about Persuasion, and about Anne Elliott as a character. There were a lot of annoyances I had with the trailer (the atrocious dialogue, the weird rom-com tone, some of the hair and costuming choices) but the thing that really broke my heart is how they turned Anne into a generic spunky heroine. Anne is quiet, and reserved, and kind, and she STILL gets an absolutely gorgeous romance - that's one of beautiful things about the original!! I love Lizzie Bennet, but not every Austen heroine has to be Lizzie Bennet! I had no intention of seeing the movie and you've validated that decision! though I'd LOVE to see Henry Golding in some decent period dramas!

[@WildeBookGarden]

ALSO HOW EMBARRASSING, I spelled Anne Elliot's last name wrong 😭 forgive me, Anne, I was distraught thinking about this terrible movie

[@merrittstults8213]

Seeing how they treated Anne’s character makes me sad that we will probably never get a good new Mansfield park adaptation (one of my favorites) any time soon because fanny price is not an easily marketable girlboss heroine

[@pandesel]

I looked up the director of this film, Carrie Cracknell. Turns out she's a British theater director and such would explain why this adaptation looks theater-ish by breaking the fourth wall all the time and "Anne" talking to the audience, or rather EXPLAINING EVERYTHING that's going on. This plot device just didn't work here though. Netflix assumes the audience is just dumb.

[@knightleyemma]

Sooo much explaining… & some of the actors weren’t really doing much of the showing (AKA acting)!

[@zoilaa9962]

The 1995 movie was so quiet and understated and yet all the characters were fleshed out and lovely, even Henry Hayter's character was understood as far as where he fit in the story

[@kateorgera5907]

If she's a theater director, she should have made this a theater piece! Theatrical adaptations can get away with so much more than a film adaptation (see: Kate Hamill's adaptations of Sense & Sensibility and Pride & Prejudice), especially in terms of using modern language in a period piece

[@hinduismwithpremananddasbhagat]

I hate scripts that explain everything to the fourth wall. (I also hate Dune for the whispering, and that's a fave movie/book of mine.) I've done nearly 300 theater shows in 3 countries, including directing Off-Broadway and writing, and I hate treating audiences as dumb. Let's not promote more dumbness. And, if folks are watching something of this style, they're likely well educated. I actually left directing a show because the producer literally wanted me to explain the very non-complicated story to the audience before the curtain, and do a Q&A after (a couple were divorcing as the husband had too many regrets, that was it), and I just refused. I heard the replacement director did that very thing, and the most of the cast was humiliated. Audiences are not dumb. Society might be, but treating it like that isn't helping. FURTHER, if you have to explain and explain and explain, spend an extra month re-working your script. A good writer doesn't need explaining..

[@annabeinglazy5580]

That at least explains the boring direction and editing. I mentioned to my Partner how this felt Like watching a Stage Play because the shots were Just... Stagnant. If the director usually works in Theater maybe she wasnt confident enough to Play around with her camera Angles.

[@jjjnettie]

I watched the movie last night. It was not Jane Austen's "Persuasion", that was not the Anne Elliot we love. Tonight I will cleanse my palette with both the Sally Hawkins and Amanda Root versions. While those 2 versions have their faults, they are leagues ahead of the current one.

[@tessasmith1477]

Love Hawkins and Root! They are both amazing

[@carokat1111]

I can’t fault the Root version. I think it’s perfect.

[@pesha600]

Hear,hear!

[@pippiecarr9378]

I did that straight after I watched the movie.

[@daliladasilva9674]

What a waste when Anne reads Wentworth's letter that is totally beautiful, romantic and painful: "I am half hope and half agony" and it passed unnoticed. I saw the film thinking that it would be a comedy, but that it would find the essence of the main characters, but that did not happen. It's my favorite Jane Austen story and I still haven't decided which of the adaptations I like better, the one from 1995 or the one from 2007. I agree with your comments, thanks for sharing them

[@deathandcats]

1995, with Ciaran Hinds 😍😍😍

[@TaylorTatorbugHansen]

Your critiques of the film are what I couldn’t explain in my own thoughts about the film. I never read the book, but I’ve seen the other adaptations. I never really realized that’s the thing that’s different about Anne. She’s an introvert and Hollywood seems to have an issue with this. As someone who is shy and reserved, I always feel ppl have been uncomfortable with me or that there’s nothing interesting about me. It makes sad to realize that we literally have media out there telling us that we shouldn’t be that way and there’s no strengths to this type of personality. My understanding with Anne is that you also see this transformation with her in the story as she comes into her own. You don’t get that with this film.

[@TangentialTif]

I also love, love, love Persuasion. It’s in my top 3 of Austen books (which are in my top 10 of all time favorite books); the other two are Pride and Prejudice and Northanger. I always felt like I identified the most with Anne, because her family is awful and she’s supposed to not say anything. I mean you don’t hear the snark in her brain that I would have, but we share the same outcome. But I have hated every single adaptation of the book because they are always so moody and depressing. I don’t think Anne was necessarily depressed, she seems ok with accepting what life is throwing at her, I wish just because she was quiet she wasn’t always depicted as depressed. Anyway, it seems like they found a new way to fail Anne. 🎉😒 All that being said though Lady Russell wasn’t wrong…. I mean sure in hindsight it appears that she was wrong, but it’s just as likely that Anne and Captain Wentworth could have ended up like Fanny Price’s parents; the breakup would have been what drove Wentworth to his success.

[@candacequinlin]

Agreed. I too never felt Anne Elliott had depression over Captain Wentworth or her situation. I think people interpret her losing her bloom, as her being depressed, but I believe it means she changed her interests, cultivated her mind and learned from the past to become a better person. From what I remember, after quitting Kellynch Hall, Anne was happiest in Uppercross, enjoyed Lyme and even found that Bath had its charms (her friends). The only time I could imagine her being depressed was when she lost her mother as a child.

[@lema4198]

I agree with everything you said. I absolutely ADORE the plot & characters of persuasion so watching this Netflix adaption was heartbreaking because they completely disregarded the book. They did book Anne so dirty 😔💔

[@arolla_pine2718]

I watched "Persuasion" this evening and... well... They killed one of my beloved books. Literally. I couldn't stand this adaptation even when I was repeating myself that I should "divorce" the movie from the books. Most of time I was just embarrassed with that story. And didn't feel those emotions that I have every time I read the book. The letter scene, when I have chills every time while reading (yep, still after reading the book 100 times or even more) - in the movie was like: "He can write reeeeaaally fast..." 😆 Oh, and the octopus scene. I died... That was waaaay too much... 🤣

[@LauraMoncur]

The use of cringe to make Anne relatable was overused. I think they were trying to do a Bridget Jones Diary thing, but it missed the mark. Maybe they thought Jane Austen made Anne too perfect, but they were wrong. Anne is NOT perfect. She allows herself to be persuaded by the wrong people. Her journey is learning how to trust the right people (i.e. her sick friend from school, who was tragically cut out of the Netflix adaption) and herself.

[@AnastaciaInCleveland]

I hated that Anne's friend was cut out of this version! She played such a pivotal role in the book, especially where Mr. Elliot was concerned. ~ Anastacia in Cleveland

[@cataaj]

They didn't ruin the book for me because it had nothing to do with the original story 😂 It was just a bad movie

[@dawncathlene]

My mother always said to judge the book and the movie as two seperate things because they are two very different mediums. Except this one didn't even TRY to tell the same story. I had the same thought of the letter. And in what world would Wentworth butt in between what he thought was an engagement when canon Wentworth was going to offer her home back to her after her marriage? It's discarded chapters but it still holds his character...this letter was just out of character for Wentworth

[@sosewregency5905]

@@AnastaciaInCleveland I heard she was cut out of the movie - and I was like - What? wait.....how can....brain overload = not possible!! LOL Removing Margaret and Lady Middleton from Sense and Sensibility doesn't impact any critical points of moving the plot forward. Mrs. Smith - even in the argument between Anne and her father about going to see Lady Dalrymple - illustrates Anne's journey. And as you mentioned -the twists with Mr. Elliott.

[@marar8045]

I was afraid from the trailer. Still, I gave it a chance. Persuasion is my favorite novel, and I was willing to give it a chance. I rolled with it with the 4th wall breaking, I accepted her narrating things she would’ve never said in the book, but I draw the line at her blurting out at the dinner table that Charles wanted to marry her first. She would have NEVER done that. I actually stopped watching it at that point. Maybe someday I’ll finish it.

[@sueveale4017]

Yes that moment really did it for me…totally turned off at that point…you haven’t missed anything of consequence by turning off..only wish I’d turned off too

[@mjloca]

That line was the only thing I found really shocking in the whole film, I would recomend watching it. I ended up enjoying it, it is one surprise after another. (Persuasion is my favourite Jane Austen, too, and I am really thankful that I saw the trailer first, so I was prepared.)

[@judithmacfadzen9516]

I lasted a whole 11 minutes! 🙄

[@marar8045]

@@mjloca I watched it and hated every minute of it.

[@mjloca]

@@marar8045 I'm sorry to hear it! Hey, we cannot like everything, I hope they knew what they were doing, maybe their target audience is going to discover Jane Austen with this film, who knows?

[@sims2lovealot]

I don't have a problem with colourblind casting persay, but I just wish instead of casting POC in white roles, they would film stories actually *about* POC. I want to see and hear their stories as POC and learn about their experiences, not see them slapped into a story about white people and expect it to be praised as "diverse".

[@30goals]

im the complete opposite , its lovely to watch a story where its not in neon signs 'THIS IS A PERSON OF COLOUR, THEY ARE DIFFERENT' - when its NOT treated as a big deal then its great.

[@sims2lovealot]

@@30goals Oh no I totally love seeing POC included in stuff, that's great and I wish there was more of it. But my point is that everytime we see this whole "look at us we're diverse" thing is when POC are shoved into stories that are set in a time period where it does draw attention to it because that would literally never have happened and then expect to be patted on the back for ticking off the diverse card. I don't want to see stories of white people in regency England with POC included because "diversity", I want to actually see the real stories of POC and see their native clothing and culture and learn about them. Because including them in white stories isn't actually inclusive, we're not learning about their stories, we're just seeing them transplanted on white people's stories.

[@Lppt87]

I agree. Is like there are only this options for black people in hollywood. Either appropriate an originally white character. Play victims in any movie slavery or racism. Play fighting warrios wakanda style. Where is the movies where black women are femenine…in historically accurate stories that involve poc that aren’t playing victims, magical warrios or colored white characters but just them daily live.

[@sims2lovealot]

@@Lppt87 Yup! Where's the stories where they're the romcom heroine? Where's the stories where they're the lead of a chick flick drama? Where's the stories where they're the hero of a comedy without the joke being that they're POC? These kinds of movies are sadly very few and far between.

[@Brandon-fv5sm]

I think that the sad part is is that from other reviews I have seen, the actors did a good job with their roles but the movie is so poorly done it diminishes their work. I completely agree with you. If I am watching a period piece about a west African group, don’t throw in Asian to be diverse. It is odd. They could have made their own completely funky adaption of persuasion with different ethnicities, had fun with the costumes, but actually stayed true to the actual characters and had a brilliant movie! If you do period do period. I have seen many “period” pieces where they have obviously made a point to modernize the costumes and bring in different groups of people and it was really fun to watch!

[@pandorina]

I was waiting for your review. The trailer had me up in arms. Anne is my favorite Jane Austen heroine. I love that Jane wrote diverse women. Not everyone is an Emma or a Lizzy. This just hurts my feelings. Just gonna stick with my 2007 and 1995 versions... So disappointed. Thank you for your review.

[@MsAdlerHolmes]

Your live reactions are GOLD. I didn't even make it past 20 or 30 minutes before turning it off and re-watching the Sally Hawkins version.

[@MeliMant]

Honestly, I'm devastated because Persuasion is probably my favorite Jane Austen book and I was looking forward to this adaptation so much the disappointment feels so heavy.

[@joyyoung3108]

The 2007 version will always be my favorite. The chemistry that Sally Hawkins has with Rupert Penry-Jones is fantastic. My mom introduced this adaptation to me when I was a teen and I fell in love with it.. Sally can do no wrong with any role she does. Just like you mentioned in your previous Persuasion Adaptation Battle video, Sally's facial expressions drew me into the movie. The entire cast as a whole was just phenomenal.

[@maryhamric]

AGREEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!😀😀😀

[@annahill99]

The scene right after Anne meets Wentworth again for the first time in the movie and she’s just looking up at us crying and writing “the worst is over” THAT is the yearning and the sadness of the Persuasion that I know and love

[@dazzledbystarlight17]

I just finished watching the movie and it left me feeling completely empty. The leads had little to no chemistry and the script was awful. I have no doubt that the actors were good in other things but this movie just didn't do them justice. It is painfully obvious that they tried to give it the Emma 2020 treatment and make it funny. I love the new Emma and the 2005 Pride and Prejudice so I'm not opposed to slightly updating Jane Austen's work as long as it keeps with the spirit of the novel. I have no idea what this was but it wasn't Persuasion. The tone was just off. The novel and the 1995 and 2007 portray the heartbreak and angst while this one...just existed? What were they really trying to do with this? I could go on all day but I'll stop here. I might have to go watch the 2007 version just to forget this lol.

[@kshamamate9607]

Exactly those were my thoughts after watching this.. Need to cleanse my mind again by watching 2007 version

[@lindakelly9552]

Lets face it Ann Elliot was a very kind person, she was very quiet too, certainly not the type who would be constantly being critical in her mind for us to hear it, that was Emma not Ann Elliot. I think the two actors would have been okay with better material. I like the 2007 the most with Sally Hawkins and Rupert Penry jones somehow they both came off as struggling and Ann was kind and sweet but also quiet and serious not with a snarky humor only a bit biting to her father. I didn’t mind at all the mixing of races etc, except Mr Elliott being Asian didnt quite make sense, he was part of the family line how could he be Asian?

[@knightleyemma]

Dakota Johnson & Cosmo Jarvis (never seen him act before) had zero chemistry! They don’t look like a believable romantic couple, esp. NOT a long-time love/pining/angsty type of couple!

[@dazzledbystarlight17]

@@lindakelly9552Yes, I agree. The snarky attitude that Anne had in this seemed so much more like Emma and it just didn't work for this story. One moment she'd speak to camera & say something sassy then the next she'd be heartbroken. The leads might have been better with a better script but I didn't really feel the chemistry between them. I don't think they were going for realism when they did the casting. I liked the actor who played Mr. Elliot. He tried his best with what he was given.

[@dazzledbystarlight17]

@@knightleyemma Exactly! I felt NOTHING from them. Other versions portray the characters so much better. I'm not sure why they cast these actors if they have no chemistry.

[@reecegraham6921]

Now that Henry Golding has step foot into the period genre…..I NEED HIM TO ENTER THE BRIDGERTON-VERSE

[@justincheng5241]

I am currently rereading Persuasion and am half-way through the book (right after Louisa Musgrave's fall). It is interesting you juxtaposed Anne and Emma as polar opposites, I actually consider Anne as a half-way character between Emma and Fanny, as in I view Anne not entirely as passive as Fanny, but certainly not as abrasive as Emma.

[@viscorner4]

You said everything I had on my mind. Did they even read the novel ? Why are they trying to force Lizzie Bennett onto Anne, making her lose everything that made her charming and endearing? That adaption is the movie embodiement of the worst traits from the "quirky girl" trope. Or the "not like other girl" trope. It tried to be so special - and quirky- only to suck any substance from the original book. I couldn't even finish it, and it takes a lot for me to abandon a ship once I'm on board, no matter how crappy it is. I knew it wasn't going to be great a few seconds in, but I never imagined it could get this bad. Persuasion is also my second favorite Jane Austen's book, right after P&P, precisely because of how different Anne is. Can't shy, quiet, introverted girls have their own romance? Must we all be 'how so funny and judgmental, but in a cool way of course, because it's us and we're the main character always *add snapping fingers in a zigzag motion* '? Can you tell I'm still mad. Even as a Lizzie Bennett wannabe, it doesn't work because there's a complete lack of self awareness. From the character and the movie. Let's not do this ever again. Jane Austen, bless her soul, gave you every single ingredient for the most beautiful and flavorful dish, yet somehow you ended up burning the whole kitchen? How?

[@LadyQuotes]

Watching this movie actually hurt me. I went in with low expectations because of the trailer, and yet it somehow managed to be worse :( so disappointing!

[@michaelodonnell824]

The 2007 scene where Anne, who moments before is exhausted by a walk in the country, sprints through Bath in her early 19th dress had me caught between wanting to either break out in hysterical laughter or throw up at how Jane Austen might react to this travesty. Based on that scene alone (and there were many, many more) the 1995 version is head and shoulders better than the 2007 attempt.

[@sosewregency5905]

Agreed

[@mariem24601]

I don’t remember much about the 2007 adaptation good or bad - but the running through Bath stuck out as ridiculous.

[@glynnisi]

2007 "Anne's Mad Dash" gives me giggles every time. Needs Benny Hill music... ;)

[@Nemshee]

Also, Sally Hawkins' perpetually open mouth is so distracting and annoying.

[@athenaproios9544]

Her mad dash around Bath is based on an early draft of the book that Jane Austen ultimately decided against. I found it fascinating that they decided to adapt it and use a discarded first draft version for the end. That being said I still enjoy it.

[@ellieh0397]

Based on the trailer - completely agree with everything. Don't think I'll bother to check out myself

[@penelopemiller1908]

Whole heartedly agree appealing to the lowest common denominator is being applied to Jane Austin. They remove the complexity and therefore the suspense.

[@russmartin4189]

I waited for this movie for a long time because one of the writers, Alice Victoria Winslow, aka, "Alice" was a student of mine in the fine art photography classes I taught while she was in high school in the late 90's. She fell in love with theater then, and it seems her whole life since has been the theater, having majored in theater at Brown Univ. and later at the Guildhall School in London. This was the first major film that she has written for, so I had hoped for the best. Now, it seems, she will have to recover, which may be difficult. Not being an Austen fan, or having read any of her books, I came to it with an open mind. It entertained me, not being bound by the book, but in the end, I was left kind of "meh". Not here nor there. For me, the characters were not memorable or that interesting. I felt the story could have been developed more, which obviously the book was, or it would not have been a success or stood the test of time. While watching your review, I found myself saying, "ok I can see that", many times. Lastly, for me, I want period dramas to stay faithful to the period. I want to be informed and to see and understand times that I did not live through. This barely touched on that. If I want a modern love story, I will watch a modern love story. I wanted to not only see my student's film, or any film, but the work by a world famous writer. This did not do that. Lastly, I empathize with your desire to see more minorities in film and on the stage, but I want realism. Reality back in the early 1800's was not minorities in the upper classes. That too would have been scandelous. I found myself asking, "is this right?". I even Googled Persuasion and asked if there were black major characters in the original story. Final thought, not everything can or should be updated.

[@Jennifer-di4nl]

Your reaction looked like mine watching Game of Thrones season 5 after reading the books. LoL 😂

[@sophie12388]

I feel like going into this adaptation I’m going to try and separate it from the novel and 2007 version but then after watching the first 5 mins it feels so different which is such a shame because it is my favourite novel.

[@massagebyconstance5665]

I appreciate your review and I got the exact same vibes just from seeing the trailer. But I don’t agree that the reason why people are upset of the characters aren’t white is because of low-key racism. I think that mentality comes with your younger age. I’m a 40-year-old black woman and believe me when I tell you the story should not have brown people in it. The problem I have is when you’re taking historical fiction or any kind of art and changing it to super modern ideals. There’s nothing wrong with telling stories (fairytales/ historical fiction) That actually originate in other countries. Do you know what I would love to see an actual African story there’s so many countries with their own folklore is their own narrators her own voices that we don’t see. Instead of destroying someone’s artwork, and like you said they distort the story the actors probably had nothing to do with it, why not tell stories about South America or Central America or Asia why can’t we have stories that reflect the actual culture of the people who were there. Persuasion is my favorite story for the exact same reasons you said - A strong female character looks like a lot of different things. And it’s written so well and the people who made this show did not understand the character at all.

[@soph.b6054]

Completely agree with you. This kind of performative casting seems to push the narrative that the only stories worth telling are Western (typically European) ones, which ironically, is not very diverse at all. I think there's also the general reluctance of people to watch films from non-English speaking countries, which in my opinion is very close minded (although I do understand if people struggle to read subtitles). I personally love watching historical Korean dramas, which are more concerned with telling a story rather than forcing an agenda in the name of 'diversity'

[@susanmacdonald4288]

Very good points!

[@JohnDoe-cb3so]

Thank you so, SO much for your comment. I despise race-switching characters because it’s, quite frankly, a cheap way of earning woke brownie points, as well as not historically accurate. I completely agree that it would be better to make films that focus on the story of people of other cultures/races/ethnicities without random race-switching just for the sake of pushing a supposedly “progressive” ideal in cinema.

[@minimaker5600]

@@JohnDoe-cb3so Well said! I'm glad that I'm not the only one that is bothered by this new trend.

[@LunaWho47]

Literally the one thing that I think this movie did the best of all 4 Persuasion films I've seen is Louisa's fall from the sea wall. When she jumped and hit her head, this is legit the first time I could understand why they would worry that she was dead. Also, I love your fangirling over Pride and Prejudice in particular. It always makes me think of you as Jane Hayes in Austenland come to life (the movie version of Jane Hayes, at least. The book version was a bit different.)

[@kasialeparska2480]

“Austenland was a FUN movie! 👍😍🥰

[@sbarr6677]

I just found your channel today. Thank goodness. I thought I was being petty. I wanted to like this movie but could not stand it. Good actors, no chemistry with leads. I had to turn it off after 15 min. I will not go back. Having a main character talk to the camera can be tricky and there are a few actors that can pull it off and some can't. And, as you said, it depends on the character. Emma, yes. But Anne, NO! The reason I have loved all the past adaptations is as you said, in the midst of Anne's quiet desperation to get a second chance for love, she is gracious and strong. No whining. Which Dakota's version did way too much of. I kept thinking, which it is "Your a victim or your strong?"

[@nicolebustamante313]

I was impressively desapointed by this adaptation. I usually have fun with the movie adaptations even when it is not my favorite one. But this one was impressively bad. Not because of budget or visuals and the actors beside the main ones are very good. Mr Elliot was my favorite character in this adaptation even if the one of the shittiest Austen villans. Everytime he was in the scene was the only moments I had fun and smirk a little bit, and I absolutely LOVE the actor who plays him, he has charisma to spare! I wouldn't even mind they made changes in the characters to appeal more to modern audiences like 2006 Pride and Prejudice did if they would mantain the essence of the characters. That wasn't Anne Elliot, that was some Brigitte Jones meets Elizabeth Bennet knock off. And I would even be willing to forgive if they change Anne Elliot to make her more "strong" that definely wasn't the way to go. I should think a Penelope Featherington type of persona would fit better into Anne Elliot type of character. You know, nothing wrong with being immersive and quiet and prone to reading and maybe a little bit of sadness since your family treat you like shit... And her mistreatment doen't make much sense, like you're telling me that you find Dakota Johnson ugly and a desapointment because...? Just doesn't sell... And the most OFFENSIVE thing in that script is how constantly it patronize you and tells you that it thinks you're stupid. Constantly explaing and exposing information that doesn't need exposing and explaining. The dialogs were embarrasingly BAD. That ultimately made me angry. I felt dumb. That and the fucking up of the declaration of the Captain to Anne. WHY MESS UP PERFECTION? WHYYYY? They just didn't had to do this. Don't get me wrong I love the original speech of Pride and Prejudice (...you must allow me to tell you how much I admire and love you...) but I live for the movie speech too ( ...I love you, most ardently!...) like, I'm not expecting the book transfered into live action, Emma (2020) is my second beloved Austen adaptations P&P (2006) being the first and both took liberties with the novel in the script, changing lines and making some characters more "modern" in some ways; but I find this adaptation borderline offensive in terms of storytelling, dialog poorly writen, main character concept. And just let me say it, I hated the main couple so much. I fucking hated the casting of Dakota Johnson for that role even if it wasn't Anne Elliot. She just was NOT good in this role. Just wasn't. I'm sorry for the dissertation I am just pissed and sad and disapointed and in need of venting my frustration. ♡

[@elicris10]

We all need to vent!! It's outrageous what they did to Anne! She's to good of a character to be treated like this

[@gixmonster]

This review was perfect - and finally someone who knows the book and discusses more than how "it broke the fourth wall" but how this version of "Persuasion" actually changed the essence of the book and chatacters! They changed Anne completely. They changed her relationships. Thank you for finally addressing this! (I have only just found your channel, but subscribed now:)

[@tracyfitch4873]

I just finished watching the movie and then pulled out my iPad to watch your reaction to it. I was having the same feelings the whole way through! Watching you cringe and hide your face was hilarious, because I was doing the same! So many scenes, like the dinner scene at Uppercross, I was in shock and had to pause it for a second before moving on. Persuasion is my favorite Jane Austen novel and I was ecstatic when I heard a new version was coming out, literally counting down the days to watch it. And, from the second it started I was so confused and annoyed by their interpretation. Very disappointed.

[@lauradavison8068]

After the Uppercross dinner scene, I had to pause the movie and go rant to my housemate for 5 minutes before I was calm enough to continue it.

[@Kate-gs3jc]

I studied abroad with a group from my college in England and the movie came out while we were reading and discussing Persuasion. We were all excited to be able to read, watch, and discuss it all at the same time. We watched about 10 mins of it and had to turn it off. We were a quarter to half way through the novel and felt like we understood the characters and overall plot better than the writers and producers of this movie. After finishing it, I definitely think they wanted to capitalize on the period piece hype but didn’t think about how people how read the source material so they would be heavily criticized for making a mockery out of Jane Austen. 😂

[@leannj.3706]

lmaooo watching ur out of context reaction and seeing you just become more and more over it was priceless😂 although i'm sad that the movie doesn't seem to be that good because persuasion is my fave jane austen (ok i've only read 2 jane austen novels but thats how much i love persuasion)

[@rc1982]

As a LATINO, let me say one thing about the color/race of the actors in HISTORICAL movies: "Robin Hood - prince of thieves" found an inteligent way to put Morgan Freeman as a character in 12th century England without just pretend that he was an saxon, without pretend that 1150 Sherwood was a 21 century metropolis. Nobody would accept if, in "The last samurai", Tom Cruise was portraing a japonese soldier from a tradicional japanese family who tries to become a samurai. If one wants to put a diverse cast in a historical movie about a small and non-diverse community from centuries ago, just find a CONVINCING way to put it. Do not treat your audience like idiots that do not know ANYTHING about history. It is an insult to the audience. And to the "minorities" they are just pretend to represent, when actually they just want to bait them to watch their movie.

[@queenberuthiel5469]

Hollywood doing this is ridiculous enough BUT to HEAR people defend color blind casting in a European period drama is just like a braindead thing to me. Totally hypocritical because they would be the same people who will complain if ever an Korean/ Chinese/ "POC" Period drama they're watching will do this colorblind casting. Like imagine a black Korean court officer or a white Indian prince??

[@arundhatibhardwaj8888]

Love your reactions !. Recommendation for a show - "Anne with an e " on Netflix, loosely based on the Anne of green gables novel series. I would love to hear your thoughts on it. It's my favorite show of all time:)

[@54six]

I'm still waiting and hoping for s4 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@arundhatibhardwaj8888]

@@54six Same 😭, but I don't think it will happen. I will never forgive netflix and cbc for that cancellation. That show deserved so many more seasons.

[@joanbernsten3960]

@@54six I mean me too, but I fear we have to slowly give up hope

[@arundhatibhardwaj8888]

@@FullofLit oh that's amazing ! Kind of sad cuz I wanted to hear your review on it lol. But im glad you enjoyed the show 😁.

[@verenputri5315]

preach! it's my favorite show too!

[@lindafreeman1252]

I agree wholeheartedly. This is my favourite Jane Austen novel and I was so excited when I heard it was being remade! I even saved the date into my calendar back in March!! What a crying shame this movie was. I too started watching with an open mind but quickly realised the film makers - from all departments - had completely missed the mark. Jane Austen was clever and wrote in such a way that the reader themselves came to understand that the people around Jane were vain, self absorbed, ambitious, resentful and ridiculous. We didn't need to be force-fed the information by the ridiculous 4th wall shenanigans. We needed to be shown with good writing, directing and acting. In this version the screenwriters have taken a kind, gentle and quiet lady who made a wrong decision years before - yet HAD NOT let that make her bitter - and made her into someone who was nasty, sarcastic, judgemental and ridiculous. They treated her character with the utmost disrespect. I had no regard for this Anne at all by the end. Not all of us are extroverts in life and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that!! Anne Elliot from the novel had a quiet strength about her that the screenwriters completely missed. I truly hope Searchlight Pictures reopen their shelved production wuth Sarah Snook and stay faithful to the spirit of the novel. In doing so they will also treat the audience with respect and assume that we have more than half a brain!!

[@LauraMoncur]

For some reason, because they put the words, “Based on Persuasion,” at the beginning, I was okay with ALL the changes. Boozy Anne Elliott who talks to the screen with snark. Sure… “I never trust a 10.” Okay… whatever. Influencer wanna be Mary as a narcissist? Yup, spot on. An HONEST Mr. Elliott who confesses to Anne that the whole reason he is back in town is to dissuade her father from marrying beneath him in the form of Henry Golding?! Hell, yeah… I might actually believe he had a chance with her. What I couldn’t abide is the complete lack of chemistry between Anne and Fredrick! Captain Wentworth looked like a petulant child who was denied a toy. I would have rather had her marry honestly evil cousin Elliott because every scene he was in was scorching. In the end, nothing can beat the 1995 Persuasion and I still swoon for Ciaran Hinds’ Captain Wentworth. That scene when Wentworth shows up at the house and Amanda Root’s Anne wasn’t expecting him hits me in the feels every time.

[@nicolebustamante313]

Ciaran Hinds will be my forever Captain Wentworth.♡ Nobody can top that man in this role.

[@daliladasilva9674]

Exactly, I was able to enjoy the tone and the changes, the only thing I can't get over is the lack of romance in a movie that was supposed to be a Romance

[@orangeelliot]

I still enjoyed the movie! It was a very Netflix-y version of Persuasion, and since that’s exactly what I expected, maybe that’s why I could still enjoy it. I actually liked the slightly different reading of Anne-we’re made to be a little less pitying of her and instead clearly see her flaws. The to-camera address makes total sense to me for someone who would never speak her feelings to the people in the room. There were definitely parts of her character that differed from a traditional reading of Anne (like when she yelled out the window to Frederick? Lol what was that), but I can see how someone could read the book and see this version of her. I do wish the ending were a little less black and white, a little less “never listen to anyone, live your own life,” etc., and instead showed some of the grayness in Anne’s conclusions about her choices, which I think Austen does well in the book. Overall, not a perfect adaption (and probably not trying to be) but still enjoyable to me!

[@cat_pb]

I have watched it last night, and I have to say the acting of the main actress, the lack of chemistry between the leads, the complete 180 they have done with Anne’s character and disposition, made me cry. This is by far the worst and I dare say disrespectful adaptation from a Jane Austen novel I have ever seen. It shouldn’t even be called an adaption for that matter. It really broke my heart how they made Anne this self-absorbed and borderline alcoholic person when she is far from it. I can’t even begin to pin point the amount of things wrong with this movie. The only 3 good things were the soundtrack, the colours they chose for the movie and scenes and the Musgroves. That is literally it. I will cleanse my eyes today with the 1997 version.

[@Cyberlucy]

This was my favorite Austen book and I hated this adaption. The screenwriters did not understand Anne Elliott at all. I thought Richard E Grant as Sir Walter was inspired casting though.

[@eucalsteph]

Literally 10 minutes in, I was checking to see if the writers of Fleabag had written the screenplay for this because the constant quips to the camera with the judgmental stares were starting to really grind my gears!

[@maryhamric]

When I first saw the trailer I was horrified. You confirmed all my suspicions. I could not be "persuaded" to watch it. I watched 2007 and 1995 this weekend in protest. I am forever grateful to you for your earlier recommendation of Emma 2009 (which is now my favorite Austen adaptation). There was another Persuasion in the works but it was dropped because this one was going to be completed first. Maybe now they will make it since this one SUCKS. LOL

[@minimaker5600]

I think this version is kind of a "what not to do" lesson.

[@Pestopasta_]

I commented on your battle of the persuasions video before I saw this but I have to agree. This is my post 5 minute watching review: The netflix adaption was terrible and I went in open minded as I love the cast, but my God…. that was NOT Persuasion. The breaking the 4th wall was a bold choice I enjoyed but feel it could have served them as “Anne’s thoughts” vs her meek outer display but it didn’t even feel like Anne Elliot was Anne Elliot. She was the complete opposite - witty, slightly sarcastic and outspoken. In the end I felt like there was no reason for breaking it in the first place other than to serve as a knock off fleabag as she just said what was on her mind. As well as that, I did not believe the chemistry between her and Wenworth, he was like a brick wall. As a shy girl, I felt robbed of a heroine that isn’t always confident or says what she thinks. I did love Henry Golding’s character though even though he had little time to develop. Dakota did great with the accent and the cinematography was gorgeous. Overall I was so disappointed😭

[@asdabir]

You’re so right! If they had used the fourth wall breaking as a tool to give us introvert Anne’s thoughts, it would have worked. That is one the ways to switch up your adaptation for greater effect. As it stands there is no reason to do it. It’s going to be such a cringe fest with this adorkable version of Lizzy Bennett, I see myself skipping this one.

[@AJansenNL]

@@asdabir As an introvert, I can't see myself sharing my inner thoughts with an unseen audience. That's why I don't think the 4th wall would work. What probably would have worked, is her sharing her feelings with the rabbit. A pet is safe. So much safer than a human, who might talk back and give you their opinion (which you're probably not really waiting for). Why didn't they do that?

[@margaretchayka6878]

Why can't someone out there do justice to Persuasion? It's not a difficult story! It's my favorite Austin book. The casting has never been quite right in the previous versions. I knew the Netflix version would be garbage, never want to see it.

[@ellie5560]

i love the way your articulate the transition between a book and a screen adaption, it literally reflects everything i feel! i don’t think you need to capture every scene and every frame how it’s depicted in the original book... that’s just unattainable and presumptuous. *but* you’re so right that for a successful and authentic adaptation, you need to still capture the heart and essence of the original content... and this adaptation, just from the trailer alone, failed Persuasion, but more importantly Anne Elliot in maintaining the authenticity. because idk who that is in the movie but the only thing she has in common with Austen’s Anne, is her name :/ the original book is so achingly heartbreaking and melancholy. you’re embalmed in Anne’s pain, longing and loneliness, it’s suffocating almost. she’s my favourite Austen heroine because she goes against the grain of what a “typical” heroine is. she can be shy, introverted and a little bit broken and still be our lead. she doesn’t need to be outrageous and coy and flirty like Emma (which i think they’ve tried to do here, even though i love my girly Emma too). Anne also doesn’t need to be mysterious and independent and witty like Elizabeth... and i feel like this adaptation infused Elizabeth and Emma and called her “Anne” and completely disregarded her original character. the moment in the trailer that made me frown a bit and should have been an indication to how id ultimately feel about the film (long before the infamous “we’re not exes, we’re friends) was how openly flirty and coy she was with Mr. Eliot. *my Anne would NEVER* then it just got progressively frustrating😭 i was so looking forward to a new adaptation, but the Fleabag-style narration with the “girl-boss” mindset just didn’t fit the tone of Persuasion. you can turn any of JA’s novels into satirical romcoms... expect Persuasion. literally pick any other one!!

[@197ankitakumari4]

I rolled my eyes right in thr trailer when she said “now we’re worse than exes, we’re friends” 😒

[@zuzanadubravcova1307]

Thank you. Thank you for this. I am trying to finish Persuasion for two hours, I am not even in the middle of the movie 🙈 I just love 1995 BBC's Persuasion and thi sis my favorite book from Jane Austen. So I am suffering 😂🙈

[@GoGreen1977]

I read another YT review of the Netflix version of "Persuasion." The reviewer referred to the film as a "rom-com." I was horrified. I knew immediately the reviewer had no clue about or appreciation for the source material and/or that Netflix had trashed the book. I haven't watched this film and I don't intend to.

[@elainabex]

Netflix kinda put romcom type elements in it... If you love the BBC Austen content, this would probably not tick any boxes. (I was disappointed)

[@gloomdoll]

I’m so glad I discovered your channel, I was so blown away with how bad this movie was, not just because of it being a bad adaptation but because it is simply a bad movie lol. So thank you for sharing your pain with us 😂

[@lizd.8655]

Your facial reactions are priceless! I don't care if you were mugging for the camera or not, I love it regardless! I'm definitely a cross between Anne Elliott and Elinor Dashwood so as an introvert, I was very disappointed in this adaptation. Both director and screenwriter have said in interviews how much they love the source material so I was shocked at what I ended up seeing onscreen! I don't know if they were "persuaded" into turning Anne into more of an Emma or Lizzie but I agree with you on how that was never going to work. I hear Fox Searchlight had planned their own adaptation but put it on hold after Netflix announced theirs. Let's hope it still moves forward and actually gives my favorite Austen heroine some justice!

[@donnamccomb9442]

Thank you for this review. I thought the version was a shallow misinterpretation of the novel. DJ absolute contempt for the family really bothered me. They even failed at the seduction of Lady Russell by Mr Elliot, not to mention bringing out who Mr Elliot was by marrying him to Mrs Clay. My favorite was the 1995 adaptation with Amanda Root and Ciarán Hinds. I thought it captured the pertinent issues quite well. I did not like the 2007 version because Cpt W did not look like he had spent 1 day on ship let alone nearly 10 years. Also bringing them back to the estate was a bit tacky.

[@minimaker5600]

I don't like when a male lead is TOO handsome, and he definitely is in the 2007 version.

[@windswept17]

Cosmo was great as Captain Wentworth. I think it was Dakota Johnson's cheeky portrayal that completely dampened the whole movie for me.

[@whatevergoesforme5129]

Even though, diversity is being rammed down our throats as the new in thing in period dramas and literary pieces made into films, I have my own misgivings about it. And I am speaking as an Asian woman. Yes, I am not a Millennial or Gen Z who are more into this type of tokenism. I prefer to depict period pieces the way they should be depicted because a lot of children and teens can be programmed into thinking that those eras actually had such non-white characters who had higher status and wealth and that it was the norm. I wouldn't like Mulan to be played by a black or Latina or a white person and the setting is in China. If filmmakers want to incorporate the new PC trend of diversity using classic literature as their inspiration, why not modernize it like what Clueless did with Emma, for example? Put the characters in a modern setting where having a diverse cast is realistic and reflects the era. Don't bastardize the past just because you want to make roles for non-white characters. It also lessens the impact of the truth that during those eras (not just the Regency), people from Africa were enslaved and a lot of Asian, African, and South American countries were colonized and plundered. That is my take on tokenism seen on films that try to cast non-whites in period films. Better yet, create your own story using a diverse cast in a different universe where non-whites can be part of the elite in the past.

[@Greenwillow]

Well said. But unfortunately trying to get this point of view across you are thrown the racist card. I recently seen a modern take on Persuasion set now and ironically called Modern Persuasion I accepted it because it was not set in the regency period of Jane Austen if Netflix is so determined to diversify these characters then set it in the present.

[@whatevergoesforme5129]

@@Greenwillow Hmm, I am curious now about the Modern Persuasion movie you were talking about. Yes, the usual racist/bigot card is hurled against people like us because a lot of these PC activists do no understand context. They keep saying it is just fiction and suspension of disbelief can be used unless you are a white supremacist. Do they understand that fiction reflects the realities of the setting the author puts the characters in? So if we will accept that it was normal for blacks or Asians to be the landed gentry or the nobility during the Regency era, or any past era in Europe for that matter, then we need to accept the implied norm that these black gentry/nobility/royalty were slave owners. These non-white characters would be fine with having numerous servants who were forbidden to mingle with them as equals and having plantations in other countries where slaves worked the land. And since we need to suspend our disbelief to avoid bigotry, let us also incorporate our modern-day feminism so female characters could play the role of soldiers, for example, during the Regency Period. Let the visiting militia officers in Pride and Prejudice have the mixture of male and female officers. My other issue with tokenism nowadays for the so-called "representation" of minorities is replacing characters we know as straight or male with gay/lesbian or female characters. They are all piggybacking on already well-known characters just to change the perspective of the viewers regarding minorities.. Again, if they want to "represent" whatever minority they want to represent, make it subtle and creative and not so in your face and forced. Case in point will be Clueless again. The modern-day Frank Churchill was portrayed as a teen gay and it was done subtly and not too sexual unlike what I am seeing nowadays when you have LGBT characters in the story. His actions show he was gay because he liked flirting with men, wore his clothes well, loved shopping and art, and hanging out with female friends just as friends. Or better yet, create original LGBT characters that flow seamlessly in the story and stop depicting these characters as sex-hungry individuals. The Birdcage shows this LGBT world without being too distasteful or overtly too sexual. I just find movies nowadays more distasteful overall with their underlying propaganda. It is so in your face! Sorry for the rant :)

[@Greenwillow]

@@whatevergoesforme5129 No Apology needed. I agree 100%. I did not watch this new version of Persuasion because I looked at the trailer and almost cried at despair with what they did. I will stick with the 95 and 71 versions. They are a comfort blanket to me. Modern Persuasion is available on Amazon Prime its not great and at times I found it a bit tiring but I accepted it for what it is another Clueless type movie but not as good.

[@whatevergoesforme5129]

@@Greenwillow I am actually viewing it right now. And yes, it is like Clueless but seems inferior. For the life of me, I can't understand why so many screenwriters today can't seem to understand that Anne Eliot is not Elizabeth Bennet or Emma Woodhouse? Elizabeth and Emma can be depicted today as a witty and sassy woman (Elizabeth) or a tactless busybody and a spoiled woman but with a heart of gold (Emma). Modern-day feminism can't accept Anne's personality because feminists want the "empowered" go-getter woman that Anne is not. After watching this Modern Persuasion for just a few minutes, they made Anne a rom-com heroine. Anne Eliot is not someone who I will consider funny and can't be depicted this way unlike the sassy Elizabeth or Emma. She is the quiet, self-sacrificing, overlooked and taken for granted family member, a character feminists don't want to emulate. And that is why this new Persuasion does not depict Anne Eliot properly. She is more like Elizabeth Bennet. If I modernize Persuasion and use "diversity" to please the PC crowd, I can use my Asian heritage for kicks. Anne is the second child of the Lee family, living in San Francisco (LOL). Her widowed father is a plastic surgeon, her elder sister is a former Miss America turned model, who dumped so many boyfriends because they were all not good enough for her, and her younger sister is a youtuber housewife married to a wealthy Indian CEO who owns a medium-sized tech company in Silicon Valley. Modern-day Anne is just a preschool teacher, though. While in college, she fell in love with a black man who played for their college's varsity team and was on a scholarship. Despite being in sports, this black athlete actually loves books like Anne Lee (so he is no dumb jock) and wishes to build a school for marginalized children like he was when he was young . However, her deceased mother's friend, a white female lawyer (can be a lesbian if needed LOL), dissuaded Anne from having a relationship with him because not only was he black but he was just a mere athlete. Years later, this black college varsity basketball player becomes an NBA star and he crosses paths with Anne again. However, he is now wealthy while Anne's family has to downsize because Anne's dad botches a plastic surgery and is sued by that wealthy patient. Since they are Asians, they can still live together just like in the past because Asian parents do not want their children to leave away from them if they are unmarried. Well, just playing with how to modernize Persuasion while not veering away from the structure and essence of the story too much. Of course, I can also make Anne white and change up the family dynamics a bit since whites in the US tend to leave the family at 18 or a bit later but still leave the nest earlier than Asians in the US as a rule. As for the two Persuasion films you mentioned, yes, I tend to favor them over the newer ones, with this last one making me cringe the most so far.

[@Greenwillow]

@@whatevergoesforme5129 HaHa! ☺️You should send that manuscript to a producer. Oh if there wasn’t so much PC in the world it would be a bit more simpler. Agree about Anne no one who calls themselves a feminist get Anne she is a Cinderella character a dormouse she does not express her opinions openly nor inwardly she is a private person and not a Bridget Jones character. Her family walk all over her. She never tells them to F*$k off. And why would she its not in her nature.

[@AlleyWater]

I have never seen a Jane Austen movie make the main character an alcoholic. There is no reason Wentworth should choose this version of Anne.

[@subtlefire7256]

I'm making my way through the film and honestly I'm liking it so little I can't even watch it in one go. I absolutely agree that this wants to be another Emma 2020, but it doesn't work because Emma is a comedy of manners, while Persuasion is much more somber in tone, and Anne Elliot and Emma Woodhouse are completely different characters. One thing I find kind of confusing is that the other characters talk to and about Anne the way she is portrayed in the novel, but she isn't like that at all in the movie. It makes for a weird discrepancy that makes me wonder what the hell happened during the writing process. And yeah, the leads have no chemistry. In the book the tension between Anne and Wentworth is so delicious with the angst and lack of proper communication, it's a shame that none of that comes across on screen. Anachronistic language can be fun, but here it feels forced and doesn't fit in with the more flowery language at other moments. The script seems to just randomly jump from one to the other. Tbh I feel like the people who made this movie watched Emma and read a synopsis of Persuasion on Wikipedia or something and went "yes, we're gonna make that".

[@elenabob4953]

Nah, they wanted to make a bridgitornized Jane Austen.

[@jessicawarren2632]

Thank you! When I saw the preview inserting a "let's just be friends" trope, I was appalled. Later I thought maybe I was being too harsh. I was about to give it a chance, and you've saved me! Looking forward to enjoying more on your channel and for now I'm off to the Battle of the Emma's!

[@raymondhodgson1190]

My favorite Austen novel, and I couldn't get through the first 30 mins of this movie. They got some things completely wrong (basically the entire opening scene) and then spent valuable time explaining things like what a "marriage of convenience" is to an audience that either doesn't need to know that (because it doesn't come up in the book) or already knows it (because they've watched this and every other period drama in the past 20 years). And you're right, they completely misunderstood the main character. Ah well, at least it brought me to this channel :D :D

[@puv6786]

Your review is so on point! I also don't understand the need to make all heroines sassy and outspoken, a trend you can see in almost every romance novels nowadays. This is not the only type of women that exists and, certainly, not the only one that deserves to get the perfect hero. Sometimes it feels that to be introverted, softspoken or shy, just like Anne, is a crime against womanhood...

[@hdzmiriam]

Leaving jane austen aside, I didn't mind it so much. I read you have to really disconnect, so I did (check kermode review). And some parts were okay, and some were still so weird. But I can't still figure out why it feels off, even as non-adaptation. NOW, as a fan of jane austen and anne elliot, no and NO. What did they do to HER character? I hated this mean person.

[@hdzmiriam]

​@@FullofLit Yeah, Mr Elliot was great! Btw, I have seen/read several reviewers saying that we JA fans are very angry about the modernization. But I feel mostly, at least I get upset because this could have been any other movie, but they wanted to cash in JA fans... but then they are saying we are snobs because we think the main problem is the modernization, when my main issue is the fact this is not Anne Elliot character and they wanted to copy Emma instead.

[@reneepope-munro8115]

Your reaction montage was literally me on my couch while watching. What a travesty. But thank you for making me feel seen 😂

[@littlebitbritish]

The awful thing for me with this was that this episode has lost all of the subtle tones and emotional undercurrents. Its like Bridget Jones but with regency costume. First and foremost I felt that whichever actor played Wentworth was just wrong for the part. He was bumbling, bizarre and not attractive in terms of manner or poise. There have been many adaptations, and some of them do capture Wentworth well, but this was absolutely the worst. Another thing that got me was that the costumes are utterly horrible. Its like they were going for peasent chic, but just got stuck on the peasent. But what the heck is up with Henry Goulding playing, a sort of Fagin version of Mr Elliot? Its just bizarre. I honestly don't understand which sort of person adapted this absolute mess. I'm getting angrier the more I think about it which is pointless and stupid but I am just shocked they bothed making such a pointless insult to Austen

[@elizabethandrus3848]

Hello! I have loved P&P since I discovered Jane Austin at the age of 12. Persuasion is my second favorite as well. It's great to hear a young person who agrees with my review of this adaption. Either stay true to the era or go all out such as Clueless which totally got it right. This version was just a mess! Thank you for your insights. Also, you make me want to take a trip to the bookstore!