Sanja Van Huet

Ok... I am a self confessed Janeophile. I reread the books and have collected as many movie and series versions that I can get my hands on (still can't source Ruby in Paradise tho!). I watch them on repeat, even the cringy ones (Prada to Nada anyone?). So, I was open for anything. I read the negative comments on the Dakota Johnson version of Pursuasion and was a little hesitant. But..... I actually loved it. I didn't mind the character sneaking wine and drinking from the bottle (c'mon... who hasn't done that!)? I didn't mind that the character swapped from the Austen-era script to modern day jargonese and slang, often in the same breath. I didn't care that several characters 'talked to the viewer' on occasion. The poetic licence taken in some scenes was entertaining and presented a different slant on the usual Jane trope. Mary's character was a narcissistic romp of pure joy for me. Those pouty facial expressions!!! Anne's character, instead of being the quiet undemonstrative wall flower, was a woman who demanded respect ...'don't call me a creature'; constantly rubbing her family's sensibilities the wrong way. Louisa's character was charming, genuine and caring, gorgeously acted with innocence and youthful joy. Sadly, some of the lines delivered by the suitable moody and soft as butter Captain Wentworth were difficult to decipher (was it a Welsh accent swallowing the words?). The cultural and ethnic diversity of the cast was so, so needed; challenging the unending whiteness of the original characters. Give me Henry Golding as Mr Elliot any time, especially with some of his suggestive lines and even more suggestive looks... Afolabi Alli's Captain Benwick was a total honey! Yes, a whole story line within the story was totally missing (Anne's sick friend Mrs Smith obviously wasn't meant to be) and the ending was particularly rushed to get it all tied up. Also, I am still wondering how Anne managed to get her lovely jewel coloured gowns, linen coats and whatever else into that small carpet bag of hers (shades of Mary Poppins, or Hermoine Grangers extension charm?). Don't go into this version expecting a loyal rendition. Approach it as entertaining with a modern tweak. A classic it isn't, but that isn't to say that it isn't fun to watch.

Feel good, schmaltzy, fun sound track and great special effects. Don't analyse... just enjoy.