Persuasion

As someone who counts Persuasion as a favourite book I found this so far removed from Jane Austen's original. On the plus side I liked Dakota Johnson's Ann and quite enjoyed the way she talked to the audience.

I didn't enjoy her being turned into a lush. The actor who played Wentworth was awful- instead of an heroic, handsome character he came across as a real drip and looked scruffy all the way through. In fact there was far more chemistry between Ann and Mr Elliot and in this version they looked a better match. There were some good comic moments with Ann's dreadful family,

In an earlier film or tv version of Persuasion the drama built up so well that you really wanted Ann to catch him up at the end- in this version I couldn't have cared who she ended up with.

This was such a disappointment.

If you're going into this movie expecting a true adaptation of Jane Austen's Persuasion, you will probably be disappointed. However, on its own it's a nice movie. Not something I immediately want to rewatch, but especially for a Netflix movie it's perfectly enjoyable.

If you want to be talked to thru a movie this is your perfect cup of tea. If you enjoyed Jane Austen's books and previous film versions of Persuasion do not even watch. I am so disappointed. I have been waiting, waiting, and so excited for this new edition to come out on Netflix. I realize they had to try and put it more into modern times, but this is just a total fail! Rupert and Sally played this so so well. If you are there in the movie glued to the tv they did their job. They did. This version DID NOT! No. No. No.

Persuasion by Jane Austen is one of my favorite books....this movie is so loosely based on the book that it makes me sad to think that new viewers may think that this is what Jane intended.... Anne Elliott is completely mischaracterized.... Dakota Johnson is not Anne Elliott.... Anne would never drink out of a wine bottle.... Yuck...

If you loved the novel or are a purist, stop now and find another film.

This one has major changes and the main character has the tendency to tell you the story (literally, eyes into the camera) rather letting the performance show what the plot is about.

On the positive side, the camera work is beautiful. The score uplifting. And I'd say the cast did quite well, given the script they got.

However, no amount of Netflix money can cover the odd anachronisms and weak story telling that drop a classic to only slightly above average.

If you have good source material, why do this? Or at least if you want to experiment, do it right?