Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lively Austen adaptation is full of charm and humor.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
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Where to Watch
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Emma (2009)
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In EMMA, wealthy young woman Emma Woodhouse (Romola Garai) spends her time using her self-proclaimed matchmaking skills to meddle in the love lives of those around her. After befriending Harriet (Louise Dylan), Emma sets her attentions on finding her the perfect husband. But when things don't quite go to plan, she begins to learn that love can't be organized, and perhaps she herself isn't quite as immune to it as she thought.
Is It Any Good?
There's no shortage of Jane Austen adaptations on-screen, but few really capture the essence to impress purists. This 2009 mini-series of the much-loved Emma makes a strong attempt, led by a vivid central performance from Garai as the cheerfully misguided matchmaker. Channeling some of the unpredictability and impulsiveness that Alicia Silverstone brought to the role in the 1995 teen adaptation, Clueless, alongside a more refrained and considered approach in keeping with the period, Garai quite rightfully steals the show and is captivating to watch throughout the four episodes. Only Tamsin Greig momentarily diverts attention from the Golden Globe nominee, her comedy chops honed to perfection as town bore Miss Bates.
The costume and set design are stunning, bringing the era to life in fantastic detail, from hushed parlors and elegant ballrooms to busy markets and acres of wide-open grounds. Period dramas can get a bad reputation as a bit of an endurance test, but these four episodes fly by, light and whimsical, and full of humor to boot. A strong adaptation to add to a prolific literary cannon.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how this version of Emma compares with others. What were the similarities and what were the differences? Which did you prefer? Why do you think the story still remains popular today?
What are Emma's motivations? Did you like her as a character? What character strengths did she show?
Discuss society's views on marriage in the TV series. How do they differ today?
What techniques are used to create a sense of time and place in the show? What is the appeal of period dramas such as this?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 24, 2010
- Cast : Romola Garai , Michael Gambon , Jonny Lee Miller
- Network : Max
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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