Cynthia Nesbit

I truly felt as though the book had sprung to life through this film - a rare thrill for me as I am difficult to please. Extraordinarily good use of light, close ups, and stunning landscapes made for phenomenal storytelling. Superb performances all around but I do wish Anne’s character could have been more dynamic. She becomes, even if most subtly so, more confident, headstrong and open-hearted as the story goes along, and I didn’t see much evolution on this, my first viewing of this film. I certainly plan to return to it many more times and may be “persuaded” to feel differently in future. Altogether the alterations in plot, sequence of events, and detail were necessary, subtle and tidy. I did regret that they moved up Anne and Captain Benwick’s great debate about love to the middle of the film. That is the lead up to the climax in the book (and makes me cry!) but it feels practically inconsequential here. I also don’t see why Mrs. Smith should be able to walk nor why none of her troubles or personal grievances with Mr. Elliot should have been addressed. And after such a long wait I think we all deserved a much longer first kiss!!!