Masterpiece Theatre: Sense & Sensibility (2008)

The final adaption in the Austen series brings mixed feelings. While I adore the story of the once privileged Dashwood sisters, sensible Elinor (Hattie Morahan) and romantic Marianne (Charity Wakefield), this version lacked in a few areas. Marianne charms two suitors, stoic Col. Brandon (David Morrissey) and cad John Willoughby (Dominic Cooper). Elinor seeks a simpler life and engages in a puzzling courtship with aspiring clergyman Edward Ferrars (Dan Stevens). The ups and downs are love in the 19th Century will resonate with romantics of all ages.

This BBC production is par for the course; it's beautiful. The cottages are charming, the English countryside idyllic and the sprawling manors lavish.
It's unfortunate that writer Andrew Davies interprets Austen's novel as a two part and bloated mini-series. Davies conjures larger than life characters for the supporting roles that irritate. The Dashwood sisters are surrounded by incompetence that just annoys. The entire Ferrars family, the Dashwood cousins-- they are all present, but so over the top in form it detracts from an otherwise solid film.

The beloved story of Sense and Sensibility is here amid the fallacy of character. It's much to easy to compare this adaptation with 1995's Emma Thompson and Kate Winslett production {my favorite}. Davies' modern adaption is sensual and romantic. I just wish he would have as much time relishing in the 'happily ever after' as he did the misery of love abandoned.