Emma

With the enduring interest in the novels of Jane Austen, an author eons ahead of her time as far as writing stories that dealt with women's view of the world, it is not unexpected that the film makers repeat versions of these rollicking tales. This may be the fourth or so version of EMMA and for this viewer it is the most successful. A large part of the success of this version of the novel is both the screenplay by Sandy Welch and the direction by Jim O'Hanlon who elect to open the graphic gates of Highbury with a sequence that shares with the audience the background of the diaspora of the children whose parents have died and whose lives will eventually come together as adults. It works very well in setting the scene and the mood of class distinction so prevalent in England of the period.

Emma is brought fully to life by Romola Garai and this role further establishes her as one of the more important character actresses on film. The remainder of the cast is perfectly balanced, with Michael Gambon as Emma's ever needy father, Jonny Lee Miller as the perfect Mr. Knightley, Lousie Dylan as the ditsy Harriet Smith, Tamsin Grieg as the hilariously boring and mouthy Miss Bates, the striking Blake Ritson as the vicar Mr. Elton, talented Laura Pyper as Jane Fairfax, and Jodhi May as the governess turned neighbor Anne Taylor. The ensemble casting is as fine as any of the Austen transitions to the visual and the cinematography and costumes are first class.

The words may not all belong to Jane Austen (Sandy Welch has introduced some very apropos new lines), but the feel of the novel would likely please the author as much as it pleases the audience. The 4 episode BBC production comes in two CDs and the quality of production is superb. In every way, this EMMA is a joy.

Grady Harp

I was surprised to see the new Emma. It's back to the way Jane Austen wrote it. It's a slowly unfolding story about a not too pretty girl with character flaws. She has a temper, she gossips, she hurts peoples feelings, and she can't keep her promise to stop matchmaking. But she grows on you.

The plot is close to Austens novel. The only funny aspect comes from Gambon, although everybody's acting is good. I like it, when actors act with their eyes, in stead of rambling on about it. I think you'll notice more subtle hints if you know the story.

The first two episodes are not romantic. But then, you know Jane Austen pays a lot of attention to describing how to behave when you're a rich civilian in the country.

Brilliant! Everything from the acting, the costumes, storyline, and music was just so superbly done. This version of Emma far surpasses its predecessors. Romola, actress staring as Emma, puts Pultrow to shame.

This movie sets itself apart from other versions of Emma. The storyline is very much dictated by the actual book. The actors and actresses really captured the characters in the story; it made all the difference in being able to identify and understand the characters.

Also, the setting and costumes they chose really captured the times. The color palate was sensational.

If you are a true Jane Austen fan, you will love this film. It is a must for your Austen collection!! WELL DONE!!

Definitely the best Emma I've ever seen! The casting was perfect; it is a must watch that goes on the shelf with the other greats, Pride and Prejudice, Wives and Daughters etc. Emma was my favourite book out of all Jane Austens works and this film really does it credit! Michael Gambon is a great actor, he plays Emmas father so well! Jonny Lee Miller is my favourite actor to ever play Mr Knightley, he pulls it off with such ease. In the book he is described as having 'a cheerful manner that always did him good' and that is just how JLM portrayed him. Other Actors always seemed to play him to be a stern man who never smiles much etc, but he plays him just as I imagined he would be! Very impressed. Mr Elton is perfect! Handsome and thinks too much of himself. Romola Garai does play Emma very well. It took me a little while to get used to her but it didn't take me long to decide she definitely plays Emma better than anyone I've seen before. I've watched it twice and Im going to watch it again, most unusual for me I usually can only bear to watch a film once and I only watch it twice if its very good, three times means it amazing! You guys must see it, You will enjoy it if you like the book! Its a must watch!

So far this is proving to be a great series - up there with BBC's Pride and Prejudice. Jonny Lee Miller plays a very good Mr Knightley. He comes across as a slightly softer character than when Mark Strong played Mr. Knightley - but it's done well. The interaction between him and Emma is very enjoyable to watch - I love all the dialogue. I must say, although I like Jonny as an actor, I wasn't sure how he'd come across in this role but he's doing it very well. I will buy this on DVD when it comes out as it's one to keep. It has a very romantic feel to it and the filming is excellent. I love it when they do a great adaption and put the right actors in the right roles. If you haven't seen this - I would highly recommend it.