Persuasion [VHS]

Movie adaptations of Jane Austen’s classic novels were all the rage (relatively speaking) in the mid-1990s. Clueless updated Austen’s Emma, which was more conventionally adapted in another version (Emma) starring Gwyneth Paltrow. Emma was produced yet again, this time for British television, as were a celebrated miniseries of Pride and Prejudice and this splendid film of Austen’s Persuasion. Persuasion is the story of a love that survives eight years of dormancy and the frustrating obstacles of class prejudice in 19th century England. Anne (Amanda Root) is captivated when she meets the dignified naval officer Capt. Wentworth (Ciarán Hinds), but she is advised to discourage his romantic overtures because he has no fortune. They meet again eight years later, but now Capt. Wentworth has become wealthy while Anne’s father is in reduced circumstances in the wake of reckless extravagance. A series of circumstances ensue which prevent Anne and Wentworth from expressing their mutual and inevitable love. The film’s success depends entirely on the subtle, superb performances of Root and Hinds. The film builds slowly, occasionally leaving you wondering if anything at all is going to happen. When it does, you realize how carefully crafted a film this is, and the final result is grandly rewarding. –Jeff Shannon

User Reviews

This one caught me by surprise. At first, I thought it was too slow, and I began to lose patience with it. But I continued watching, and was so excited with how the plot developed. If you're a fan of English 19th century social structure type of movies, this one will work for you. Even if you've not read Jane Austen's book, the movie tells the story very well. -- Superb

This was great! Good picture and got here soon as they said that it would arrive. Very Pleased -- Persuasion

Video works fine - BUT arrived in busted box. Was in a padded brown mailing envelope. Please take not that for the future. -- Persuasion...DVD

I was sorely disappointed in this adaptation of the novel. The action moved at a snail's pace. The actors, those portraying Anne and Wentworth in particular, exhibited little emotion or empathy for one another other than strange stares.
The dialogue was hard to follow because some of the actors swallowed their words. The actor portraying Anne's father is a case in point. Maybe if I were from England I would better understand him. I was tempted to use the close captioning at times.

I can't really classify this one as a romance because the actors left me cold. No romance there.I gave it one star, but it didn't even deserve that one. If this were my only experience with Jane Austen, I would be hard put to understand her reputation as a writer.She must be turning over in her grave.

-- Terrible adaptation

Simply put, this is the best version of Persuasion. The acting and the adaptation are head and shoulders above the recent PBS version. Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds are excellent as the thwarted lovers and the supporting cast gives the other characters real dimension. This version is not afraid to let Austen's humor and wit sparkle. This is the one you will want to watch over and over.The Smarter Home Office: 8 simple steps to increase your income, inspiration and comfort -- The best version of Persuasion ever!