Sunday, August 2, 2009

Movie Review: Persuasion (Ciaran Hinds)

Persuasion (Ciaran Hinds), Grade: A-

It had been quite some time since I saw this so I was excited to view it again for the challenge, even though it's not technically on my list! I also viewed the newest BBC version as well and so I wanted to compare them, to see which one I liked best.

Well, I love them both! They both have different things that I liked.

I really like Ciaran Hinds's portrayal of Frederick better; I think he's just an overall better actor, even though he's isn't quite as handsome as Penny-Jones.

But I enjoyed Anthony Stewart Head as Sir Eliot a lot better than the other guy's portrayal! He just seemed to be more immature and childish.

The two ladies who portray Anne's sister: just awesome! The 1995 version has the Miss Bates actress from the Emma version of 1997 so she was just fun to watch in this kind of role!

The 2007 version I thought had a bit more suspense when it came to Frederick being married/engaged or not. The Crofts start to tell Anne about their brother getting married, but fail to mention that it's not Frederick, and it goes on for quite a few minutes before Anne finally realizes he's still single. Also at the end with the letter from Frederick the 2007 version builds up more suspense as she runs around everywhere looking for him in the rain!

I also enjoyed both endings...the 1995 version shows Anne getting ready to board the ship her new husband captains...she's like Mrs. Croft, she loves the sea and home is where her hubby is! But the 2007 version also is nice since they show more of their relationship at the end, which I always like!

It has been awhile since I've read Persuasion so I'm not sure which movie does a more faithful portrayal, but they're both great watches and am putting the 1995 version on my DVD buy list!

Part of the Everything Austen Challenge.

10 comments:

  1. I really want to see this! But my library system doesn't have it! Where did you find it?

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  2. I have only seen the newest version. I enjoyed and thought it was a pretty god adaptation of the book.

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  3. Heather, you left a comment about the Jane Austen mysteries on my blog. Do you know which title is the first one? For my cozy mystery challenge, I am checking out different series of various authors. Thanks! Kim

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  4. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Anthony Stewart Head makes everything better.

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  5. I don't really like the running around part in the newer version. The ending seems so rushed and incomplete. I love the 1995 version and really LOVE the novel. It ties with P&P for my favorite Austen book!

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  6. I'll be adding this to my Netflix queue!

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  7. Persuasion is on my challenge list. Maybe once summer is over and things calm down, I'll read it and maybe watch the movie!

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  8. I really loved this film version of Persuasion, and especially the casting of Amanda Root as Anne. But I'm still a little bit in love with Rupert Penry-Jones, the Wentworth of the 2007 version.

    Great review!

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  9. I have to agree: Anthony Stewart Head = WIN.

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  10. I do not agree that Ciarán Hinds "isn't quite as handsome as Penny-Jones". He is not a pretty young thing like most Austen movie actors but there is something in him that lets nobody indifferent. It's not only his talent, it's the intrinsic quality of the man himself. Somebody told me he was the best Irish actor alive. The recent turn in his career makes me believe it too.

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