Sense and Sensibility
US (1995): Drama/Romance/Comedy
Emma Thompson scores a double bull's-eye with this marvelous adaptation of Jane Austen's novel. Not only does Thompson turn in a strong (and gently humorous) performance as one of the Dashwood sisters --the one with "sense" -- she also wrote the witty, wise screenplay. Austen's tale of 19th-century manners and morals provides a large cast with a feast of possibilities, notably Kate Winslet as Thompson's deeply romantic sister. Winslet attracts the wooing of shy Alan Rickman (a nice change of pace from his bad-guy roles) and dashing Greg Wise, while Thompson must endure an incredibly roundabout courtship with Hugh Grant, here in fine and funny form. All of this is doled out with the usual eye-filling English countryside and handsome costumes, yet the film always seems to be about the careful interior lives of its characters. The director, an inspired choice, is Taiwan-born Ang Lee, who brings the same exquisite taste and discreet touch he displayed in his previous Asian films (such as Eat Drink Man Woman). (Amazon.com)
7 nominations, 1 Award
· Best Achievement in Writing (Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published) 1995: Emma Thompson
· Best Picture of the Year 1995: Lindsay Doran - Producer (Mirage, Columbia)
· Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role 1995: Emma Thompson
· Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role 1995: Kate Winslet
· Achievement in Cinematography 1995: Michael Coulter
· Achievement in Costume Design 1995: Jenny Beavan and John Bright
· Achievement in Music (Original Dramatic Score) 1995: Patrick Doyle