 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Sense and Sensibility
- Review Date: October 11, 2005
- PG
- Genre: Romance
- 1995
Common Sense Media says
A lush and witty telling of Jane Austen's novel.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there's nothing objectionable for younger kids in this movie, but the plot is too sophisticated for them to follow, and features some emotional intensity.
What's the story?
Directed by Ang Lee, Emma Thompson's adaptation of the Jane Austen novel follows the Dashwood sisters as they try to redeem a lost fortune by marrying well, and end up finding love. Sensible Elinor and sensuous Marianne are left impoverished after their father's death because the law awards their estate to a half-brother. They retreat to a little cottage by the sea and hope to marry well. This is a trying task, however, since Elinor (Emma Thompson) falls for a young man who is previously engaged, and Marianne (Kate Winslet) is literally swept off her feet by a handsome rogue. Despite their marked temperamental differences, Marianne and Elinor are devoted to one another. As they find love, lose it, and find it again, sentimental Marianne learns the value of restraint, and sensible Elinor discovers that composure melts in passion's flame. And, as in many Austen novels, the sisters are plagued by gossipy neighbors and selfish in-laws, but throughout it all they manage to handle these challenges with grace and humor.
Is it any good?
Sense and Sensibility shows how women in upper-class Georgian England, though privileged, had relatively few choices in life. Romantics and anyone with a penchant for this author's work will have a ball. This beautiful, humorous movie creates a buzz of excitement around the Dashwood sisters' romantic intrigue. Some of the characters you'll love to hate (the Dashwoods' horrible sister-in-law and gloating Miss Steele), and others you'll absolutely adore (little Margaret Dashwood, the future pirate).
What makes this adaptation so endearing is its loving depiction of the Dashwood family as a high-spirited and supportive clan. One trio of 12-year-old girls considers this a favorite and admits to watching it repeatedly. For them, the movie strikes the same wistful chord as the blockbuster Titanic, and it even ends happily!
What families can talk about
Families can talk about why "costume dramas," such as this one, are popular. Did you enjoy seeing how people once lived, dressed, and interacted? Do you think all people living in Georgian England enjoyed such clothes, balls, servants, and wealth? Why aren't more films about the far more numerous common people of the time? This may also be a good time for parents to introduce Austen's books to their teens.
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AGE
Great Movie!
This movie is one of the best Jane Austin movies ever! It is a little bit boring if you aren't into it, but some explanations could help! Once you are into it, though, you want to watch it time and again. Great performance by Hugh Grant and the guy who plays Colnel brandon (i feel terrible I can't remember his name!)
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AGE
I love this movie!!
I'm a HUGE Jane Austen fan, so I love this movie. However, not previously mentioned is a small but well done performance by Hugh Laurie. So dead pan and wonderful! All in all, a great movie, though some of the intricacies of society and the social norms of the time would make some scenes in this movie seem more important. There's some social drinking, but nothing major other than that.
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AGE
Jane Austen would be proud
First of all, let me say that I am in awe of Emma Thompson for taking a book nearly devoid of dialogue and turning it into a witty, authentic-sounding screenplay. Then in additional to the brilliant adaptation, there are wonderful performances, lush scenery, astonishing period costumes, and a lovely score. Romantics everywhere will swoon.
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AGE
very good
Great movie for the family although most little kids won't understand it, that's why i said it should be for 10 and up. There is a part where they talk briefly about how someone got someone pregnant and then left her. But its short, and my little sister didn't catch anything. Some of the characters are obnoxious but its funny. I like Pride and Prejudice better but this one is great too.
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AGE
Fun Jane Austen flick
A good movie, although definitely not up to the par of A&E's Pride and Prejudice. The entire cast is excellent, and the set and costume designs are beautiful. There is really nothing of concern in it aside from a subtle reference to a character's illicit relationship with a young girl, and she is said to be pregnant and on the point of delivery. However, this is done in such a way that younger kids won't grasp the meaning. Altogether a great movie, and lots of fun for any Jane Austen fan! (or Harry Potter fan; the movie stars Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, and Kate Winslet, and Imelda Staunton has a supporting role Mrs. Palmer!)
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AGE
Wonderful Movie!
I just LOVE this movie! I have seen it three times already. The only reason I would have older kids watch this is because most would either not understand or be entertained by it. The one worry some may have is that there is talk of a man running off after getting a woman pregnant. However, this is done very tastefully without anything explicit.
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AGE
Another great Austen novel on film
Excellent love story of course by Jane Austen. This one I watch over and over and am enthralled with the actors performances. Moves you to tears and makes you want cheer!
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AGE
Teenagers would like this movie if they like Jane Austen...
This is one of my favorite Jane Austen novel-based films. Very nice story. Some of the characters' cleavage showed, although not too often.
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AGE
Lovely and entertaining
Some parts of this movie were a bit cheesy, but otherwise, it was sweet and romantic. The filmography was beautiful and the acting was really well done. Kate Winslet's character doesn't behave very well, meaning that she snubs a nice guy for some wild partier. Well, the closest a person could get to a wild partier in the Regency period. Parents might have to talk to their kids about what is happening in the movie because some kids may not understand completely what is going on because of the lagnuage used and such. A really beautiful movie!
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| Topics: | book characters |
| Studio: | Sony Pictures |
| Director: | Ang Lee |
| Cast: | Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet |
| Genre: | Romance |
| Run time: | 136 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | January 1, 1995 |
| DVD release date: | September 25, 2004 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | mild thematic elements. |
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