Persuasion (1995) - Movie Review

[@Aristodama]

I learned the word, "retrench," thanks to Persuasion.

[@sharijackson3985]

I loved this version. This is my favorite adaptation of this book. Perfect cast!

[@gandfgandf5826]

I loved this film the first time I saw it. I haven't read the book, so I agreed with a three word review of it I read at the time "perfection is Persuasion." Loved the restraint and subtlety of the characters and the staging of the film.

[@rosezingleman5007]

I think the reason Persuasion speaks to modern audiences is because so many young people today are reluctant to commit while young. Many of us carry around regrets for not marrying the first one who asked.

[@FishFeelPain]

Root brings so much to every moment your heart just breaks for her in the beginning. Great review--TY

[@HildebrandProductions]

She certainly does, I'd love to see her in more films. I believe this is the first time I've seen her in anything. Thanks very much!

[@Old_Scot]

The 1995 version of Persuasion might be my favourite ever Austen adaption. It's just perfect, and was on many people's "favourite tv show of the year" lists after it was broadcast. I think the actress playing Anne had to be older, because being 27 is no age at all now, but was very much "on the shelf" in the early 1800s. Amanda Root was perfect, and I thought Ciaran Hinds was a great romantic lead; restrained without looking constipated (if you see some of the other portrayals, not every actor manages that). The subtle use of colour in clothing and make-up was very clever as well. Corin Redgrave was hilarious, without being a pantomime character, though most of the ridiculous characters were underplayed brilliantly. Like you, the 2022 Netflix was lost me at the trailer. There was no reason to believe these sparky, mouthy young people would have any difficulty telling each other how they felt.

[@HildebrandProductions]

That's true, a 27 year old actress would probably have seemed quite young to be a supposed "old maid" in the movie. Out of the ones I've seen, this would probably be my favourite Austen adaptation as well. I'm also a big fan of the 1995 'Pride and Prejudice', but 'Persuasion' is almost more impressive for what it achieves in the runtime it has.

[@h.calvert3165]

Thank you so much for this, my artistic friend. My favourite Austen novel, brought to life beautifully in this fine film. A friend loaned it to me years ago, hearing how I loved the book. I truly enjoyed it, & really appreciate your thoughtful review. And yes, there were short hairstyles in the time period, often supplemented by hairpieces. Sometimes, a serious illness required the cutting of hair, which was becoming unmanageably tangled from long confinement to bed. ✂️

[@HildebrandProductions]

Thank you! I've only read 'Persuasion' and 'Sense and Sensibility' so far, but based on how much I enjoyed this one I can see it staying as my favourite. That's interesting, I'm not sure I've seen short hairstyles in other films set in the period, so that's why it stood out to me. But that makes a lot of sense.

[@rosezingleman5007]

@@HildebrandProductions See the older Mansfield Park, in which one of the unmarried women has short hair.

[@kuatolives6954]

Normally I´m into sci-fi, horror and fantasy movies - at least, when they are good movies. But for some reason I simply love this period drama! There are very few to equal its ... authenticity. Fore and foremost its the performances by the two leads - especially Amanda Roots portrayal of the main character - which captivates me and compels me to return to this movie over and over again. For the most parts this adaptation of Janes Austens Persuasion receives favorable reviews, mosty also due to the strong cast performances. But it was in this one I saw those performances reflected upon and highlighted best. So thank You! Very appreciated!

[@cherbibler3265]

There is another movie adaptation of Persuasion from 2007 starring Sally Hawkins and Rupert Penry-Jones, which I enjoy watching. It's not as good as the Amanda Root version (what could be?), but it has its merits. I agree with you 100% on this review, by the way.

[@HildebrandProductions]

I have heard of the 2007 adaptation, but only remembered it as I was editing the video. I'd be interested in checking that one out as well. Thank you!

[@someonerandom256]

I love this movie and Persuasion is my favorite Jane Austen novel. It's underrated, I think because it's a very subtle book with a lot of nuance. Also, not everyone relates to (seemingly) unrequited love. Sense and Sensibility is my second favorite, and I think it's due to Anne and Elinor being somewhat similar characters, that I personally find relatable. Edited to correct typo.

[@nabney7777]

The offer of changing the lease comes from the original ending that Jane Austen wrote - and then cancelled it to replace it with the letter-writing scene. So this was an instance of the adaptation trying to include all the material that Austen wrote (which is not to say that it was probably a mistake to include it).

[@redflump]

Yes, this is a personal favourite for me. The falling scene off "The Cobb" at Lyme Regis always features in these adaptations as Jane Austen visited Lyme Regis and the older part is the same today as it was then.

[@alessandrarocco1037]

This film is perfect

[@jilldickson1503]

I agree this is a great movie and does justice to a wonderful book

[@robertthomson1587]

A great review. I agree that this film was a wonderful adaptation of my second favourite Austen novel. (Mansfield Park is the first).

[@frankupton5821]

Credit to the director for allowing Mrs Clay her wonky tooth and freckles, from the novel. Also credit for Louisa being an un-actressy Miss Normal, as she should be, to make her a foil for Anne.

[@iria871]

vary eloquent review befitting of the source material i always felt this adaptation captured the essence of the book

[@HildebrandProductions]

It certainly did. Capturing the correct tone and embodying the characters that you can see in your mind is often a big weakness with adaptations, but this one did both, and more, brilliantly. Thanks so much!

[@julieborel3043]

Excellent review. Thank you! I saw this adaptation once long ago. I haven't read the book, at least not that I remember. After seeing your fine video, I plan to read the book and also rewatch the film (not sure in which order 😄).

[@HildebrandProductions]

Thanks very much. Hopefully I didn't spoil too much of the book!

[@ereagan4]

Love the 1995 Persuasion, but the 1971 mini series is my favorite 🥰

[@weekenderTone]

I think Sophie Thompson is Emma's sister. British TV and movies are so incestuous.

[@HildebrandProductions]

I had no idea! Thanks for mentioning that!

[@dominaevillae28]

I love this adaptation, however a couple of things bother me; 1) Elizabeth is supposed to be beautiful with beautiful manners, not slouchy and shouty, 2) the changing of Mr. Elliot’s motivations.

[@alessandrarocco1037]

The best for me

[@rlabarbera]

There was a very in vogue short pixie haircut during that time period ..."coiffure ala victime'' in France after the revolution. It probably trickled down to pretentious aristocrats in Europe. You see these weird styles pop up in various characters in film adaptations lol

[@dominaevillae28]

That makes sense for Mary Crawford in the 80s Mansfield Park.

[@dominaevillae28]

Mrs. Croft doesn’t have a short haircut; you can see long curls on her shoulder in the dinner scene.