Sense and Sensibility (1995)

98% of critics liked it
(52 reviews)
88% of users liked it
(121,005 ratings)

The recipient of seven Oscar (R) nominations, this film version of Jane Austen's classic 1811 novel stars Emma Thompson as Elinor Dashwood. With her mother and sisters, Elinor struggles financially after the death of her father, who bequeathed the Dashwood estate to his oafish son by an earlier… More The recipient of seven Oscar (R) nominations, this film version of Jane Austen's classic 1811 novel stars Emma Thompson as Elinor Dashwood. With her mother and sisters, Elinor struggles financially after the death of her father, who bequeathed the Dashwood estate to his oafish son by an earlier marriage. While sorting out the family's affairs, the shy, self-sacrificing Elinor secretly falls for her stepbrother-in-law, Edward Ferrars (Hugh Grant), a sensitive, well-educated bachelor who cannot court her because of his foolhardy youthful engagement to the greedy Lucy Steele (Imogen Stubbs). The grateful Dashwoods are offered a modest country home by family friends, which they accept. Once relocated, Elinor's brash, spirited sister Marianne (Kate Winslet) falls for a dashing local, John Willoughby (Greg Wise), a womanizer who nevertheless seems to share her affections. A prominent neighbor, Colonel Brandon (Alan Rickman), also falls in love with Marianne, but she is oblivious to the older man's affections. Eventually, Willoughby fails Marianne, breaking her heart, until she realizes Brandon's feelings. When Edward's family disowns him, Lucy marries his brother instead, leaving him free to pursue an exultant Elinor. Thompson won the film's sole Oscar (R) for her screenplay adaptation of Austen's novel. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 2 hr. 16 min.
Directed By: Ang Lee
Written By: Emma Thompson
Genres: Drama, Romance, Comedy

In Theaters: Dec 14, 1995 Wide
On DVD: Jan 1, 1998
Studio: Columbia Pictures

Critic Reviews

Todd McCarthy, Variety
Thompson's script manages the neat trick of preserving the necessary niceties and decorum of civilized behavior of the time while still cutting to the dramatic quick.
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
I can't say I remembered this 1995 feature too clearly a couple of days later; but I certainly had a good time as I watched it.
Janet Maslin, New York Times
We need no further proof that this material is ageless.
Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
The sensibility may be a bit off, but there is more than enough sense involved in this mid-Atlantic Austen to make up the difference.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Sense and Sensibility is an enjoyable film, and yet it left me somehow unsatisfied.
Susan Stark, Detroit News
It's bliss.
Ellen MacKay, Common Sense Media
A lush and witty telling of Jane Austen's novel.
, Film4
A stylish, witty and substantial adaptation of Jane Austen's novel.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
For once, Thompson turns in a gimmick-free performance, and the rest of the actors range from fine to fabulous.
Michael Dequina, Film Threat
A little funny, a bit sad, an all-around entertaining.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
Thompson and Winslet give fine performances ably supported by the rest of the ensemble.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
Unlike most of the usual rolling hills, costume period drama, Merchant-Ivory type, century-old novel movies, Sense and Sensibility succeeds quite handily.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
A little funny, a bit sad, and all-around entertaining.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Though old-fashioned, this version of Austen's popular book is most enjoyable due to Ang Lee's skillfull helming, Emma Thompson's astute screenplay, which deservedly won the Oscar, and excellent ensemble headed by Thompson and Kate Winslet.
Jeanne Aufmuth, Palo Alto Weekly
Enduring love, heartbreak, undying passion and bitter betrayal. What more could you ask from Jane Austen, and for that matter, from a film?
Dragan Antulov, rec.arts.movies.reviews
Seeing a world that seems kinder, gentler, nobler and simpler to our own can have its own theraputic value.
Robert Roten, Laramie Movie Scope
A host of fine performances support the great screenplay, photography and editing of the film.

Read all 17 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

This is a beautiful adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel, starring a bunch of beautiful and brilliant actors and actresses. Having read the book, I don't think this movie left much out. So, if you're a fan, don't worry, and see this movie.
Mike S

Ang Lee made this? Talk about being a jack of all genres. I mean, it's certainly not every director who can make the jump from this to such a completely dissimiliar movie as Hulk, and yet maintain a good overall quality. Anyway, a certain friend of mine here on… More
Ang Lee made this? Talk about being a jack of all genres. I mean, it's certainly not every director who can make the jump from this to such a completely dissimiliar movie as Hulk, and yet maintain a good overall quality. Anyway, a certain friend of mine here on Flixter (you know who you are lol) will probably give me the evil eye for saying this, but I must admit that I've never read a single novel by Jane Austen, so this was all very new to me. Lee's directing is pretty solid and as were most other elements of the film, but unfortunately the story was way too chick-flickish for my taste. There wasn't a whole lot going on and I can't say I was much on all the uptight formalities in the dialogue and acting. Being a period piece though I suppose it comes with the territory. All in all, a fairly good movie with some nice performances by its radiant cast. I was just hoping it would be a bit more than an average drama.
Jameson W

Great film, just not my type! Fantastic perfomances all around, especially by Kate Winslet, who never fails to impress me. I thought Emma Thompson did a great job in adapting the screenplay. I haven't read the novel, but it's so hard to get good adaptations, but this was… More
Great film, just not my type! Fantastic perfomances all around, especially by Kate Winslet, who never fails to impress me. I thought Emma Thompson did a great job in adapting the screenplay. I haven't read the novel, but it's so hard to get good adaptations, but this was nice. She also gives a strong performance, too. The costumes and overall apperance of the film were nice. This is a great film, I can't deny that. However, the 140 minute running time is a bit much for me. It's not boring, and not really slow either, it's more uneventful than anything. But again, this is a very good film. See this one for Emma Thompson's Oscar winning Screenplay and for the performances. I recommend it!
Morgan S

Thank goodness for this movie because it did help me understand the book better. When I read the book, I was so confused as to who was in love with who...but I was not lost at all with this movie. It was quite enjoyable. Great performances from the entire cast. I always enjoy seeing… More
Thank goodness for this movie because it did help me understand the book better. When I read the book, I was so confused as to who was in love with who...but I was not lost at all with this movie. It was quite enjoyable. Great performances from the entire cast. I always enjoy seeing Alan Rickman step a toe from his usual brooding roles and he did in this movie. As I said a toe out. Its always amusing to watch him act "natural" I do love his sexy voice and he is still one of my favorite actors. Hugh Grant, who I normanlly find somewhat annoying was tollerable in Sense and Sensibility. Kate and Emma are very good together and very true to the characters in the book. I also enjoyed the performance of the girl who played the younger sister, she was super cute! All in all this was a very good flim. Well put together and true to the book and it didnt drag on as I thought it might...I look forward tow watching it again.
Randy T

"Can he love her? Can the soul really be satisfied with such polite affections? To love is to burn, to be on fire, like Juliet or Guinevere or Eloise..." I think Jane Austen's real gift is how she captures the complexity of love and relationships without smothering… More
"Can he love her? Can the soul really be satisfied with such polite affections? To love is to burn, to be on fire, like Juliet or Guinevere or Eloise..." I think Jane Austen's real gift is how she captures the complexity of love and relationships without smothering the spirit and romance of it all. Add to that Ang Lee's brilliant direction and knock-your-socks-off performances from Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet and you've got a real timeless classic.
Film C

love sense and sensiblility!! you couldnt get more of an excellent cast really could you?! its a great movie thats a brilliant romance period drama that has to be seen!!
Dean M

This adaptation of Jane Austen's comedy of manners involving the potentially dire fate awaiting the newly widowed Mrs. Dashwood and her three headstrong daughters, when their estate and fortune must (by law) pass to the deceased's male heir by a previous marriage is truly… More
This adaptation of Jane Austen's comedy of manners involving the potentially dire fate awaiting the newly widowed Mrs. Dashwood and her three headstrong daughters, when their estate and fortune must (by law) pass to the deceased's male heir by a previous marriage is truly superb movie. This classic tale is really emotionally and romantic for two adult daughters played by Emma Thompson (her own screenplay was very impressive that won her Oscar® for Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium) and Kate Winslet are gorgeous. Ang Lee's direction shows the same skill that it did in his latest movies and the scenery and costumes are beautiful (perhaps too beautiful).
Mark H

Stately, but lively story of the Dashwood sisters and their various suitors. Emma Thompson is shy, sensible Elinor, Kate Winslet, the brash, spirited Marianne. Compelling romantic drama is spiked with surprising wit and humor. One of those films that deservedly received Academy… More
Stately, but lively story of the Dashwood sisters and their various suitors. Emma Thompson is shy, sensible Elinor, Kate Winslet, the brash, spirited Marianne. Compelling romantic drama is spiked with surprising wit and humor. One of those films that deservedly received Academy Award nominations for acting, costumes, cinematography, music, and won for its screenplay, which Emma Thompson herself adapted from Jane Austen's first novel. One could quibble that at 136 minutes, it is a bit long, but that would be at best, a minor flaw.
Jeremy S

Completely encasing and entoxicating with it's beauty and simplicity. However the praise should go to Jane Austen
Cherry D

Elinor: "You've not said a word to her for a week." Marianne: "I have. I've said yes. and no" "Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds. Or bends with the remover to remove. Oh no! It is an ever-fixed mark that looks on… More
Elinor: "You've not said a word to her for a week." Marianne: "I have. I've said yes. and no" "Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds. Or bends with the remover to remove. Oh no! It is an ever-fixed mark that looks on tempests and is never shaken.." &hearts;
jay n

Wonderful chemistry between whole cast, beautiful scenery
Candy R

Good adaptation of Jane Austen novel.
Jennifer X

kate winslet's breakthrough performance is surreal. i didn't like hugh grant though. he looks like a homeless dog.
Wildaly M

Another beautiful Jane Austen adaptation. Emma Thompson outdid herself in this one.
Kylie B

Lovely adaptation of an Austen classic.
Tom E

Horribly boring period piece
Michael G

I just like this movie. Sue me.
Mark K

The cast, direction, writing, and production values are first class start to finish. It's what made these novels great, and the adaptation preserves the best parts of Austen's novels, and really brings forward the values of the time. It's a nice balance of humor,… More
The cast, direction, writing, and production values are first class start to finish. It's what made these novels great, and the adaptation preserves the best parts of Austen's novels, and really brings forward the values of the time. It's a nice balance of humor, romance, and occasionally serious situations. It deserved its awards. Even if you don't care for this kind of romance fare, this is the one to watch.
Andrew F

It was an alright movie that I kind of liked. In case you can't tell, I'm not that enthuiastic about it.
Remi L

"Sense and Sensibility" is the story of two daughters who must be married off after their father passes so that they can be provided for. Now these two (Kate Winslet's Marianne and Emma Thomspons's Elinor) must now prepare themselves for romance (or none at all)… More
"Sense and Sensibility" is the story of two daughters who must be married off after their father passes so that they can be provided for. Now these two (Kate Winslet's Marianne and Emma Thomspons's Elinor) must now prepare themselves for romance (or none at all) within the confines of courtship and marriage. I don't know what it is about these period pieces that just draws me in, but the girly girl in me thoroughly enjoyed Ang Lee's "Sense and Sensibility." This is Lee's niche: romance, drama, heartbreak. Not action films ("The Incredible Hulk"). It was different seeing Alan Rickman playing anyone other than Snape from the Harry Potter series, but he was very likeable and believable in his role as the stoic Colonel Brandon (though I missed his sarcasm and snark). Hugh Grant was loveable as always as Edward Ferrars, the eligible bachelor, the typical Knight in Shining Armor (with a secret). If you're into chick flicks and old school European romance, give this film a look-see.