Sense and Sensibility Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two sisters navigate romance and societal expectations after their dad dies and leaves them broke, basically Regency-era dating with extra steps and dramatic fainting.

🍿 Sense and Sensibility: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Dashwood’s Loss of Fortune

Following the death of Mr. Dashwood, his estate, Norland Park, is inherited by his son John from his first marriage, leaving Mr. Dashwood’s second wife and their three daughters, Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret, in a precarious financial situation. John’s wife, Fanny, quickly establishes herself at Norland Park and thwarts any attempts by John to provide for his stepmother and half-sisters. The Dashwood women are left with a small income, significantly reducing their social standing and marriage prospects. The unfair inheritance laws of the time severely limit their options and place them in a vulnerable position.

Relocation to Barton Cottage and New Acquaintances

The Dashwood women are offered a cottage on the estate of Sir John Middleton, a relative of Mrs. Dashwood, in Devonshire. They relocate to Barton Cottage, where they are welcomed into the local society. Marianne quickly attracts the attention of both the older, respectable Colonel Brandon, and the charming John Willoughby. Elinor, meanwhile, forms a connection with Edward Ferrars, Fanny’s brother, though their budding relationship faces obstacles due to Edward’s family expectations and his own lack of fortune.

Romantic Entanglements and Deceptions

Marianne falls deeply in love with Willoughby, who embodies her romantic ideals, while Colonel Brandon harbors unrequited feelings for her. Elinor’s hopes for a future with Edward are dashed when Lucy Steele, a manipulative and impoverished young woman, reveals that she and Edward have been secretly engaged for years. The social pressures and constraints of the time create complex and often heartbreaking situations for all involved.

Betrayal and Illness

Willoughby abruptly leaves for London, leaving Marianne heartbroken and confused. It is later revealed that he has become engaged to a wealthy heiress to restore his financial standing after being disinherited. Marianne’s distress leads her to wander in the rain, resulting in a severe illness that threatens her life. Colonel Brandon’s unwavering care and devotion during her illness further highlight his noble character.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Elinor Dashwood (Emma Thompson): The eldest Dashwood sister, representing ‘sense,’ who prioritizes reason and duty in her romantic pursuits.
• Marianne Dashwood (Kate Winslet): The younger Dashwood sister, embodying ‘sensibility,’ who embraces passion and emotion in her quest for love.
• Edward Ferrars (Hugh Grant): A kind and intelligent, but reserved, man who develops a close bond with Elinor, despite family and social obstacles.
• Colonel Brandon (Alan Rickman): A respectable and honorable older gentleman who silently admires Marianne, offering her unwavering devotion.
• John Willoughby (Greg Wise): A charismatic and attractive man who wins Marianne’s heart but proves to be unreliable and driven by social ambition.
• Mrs. Dashwood (Gemma Jones): The widowed mother of Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret who strives to support and guide her daughters through difficult circumstances.
• Fanny Dashwood (Harriet Walter): John Dashwood’s greedy and snobbish wife, who manipulates her husband and is dismissive of the Dashwood women after their reduced circumstances.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Elinor Dashwood: “I have been very selfish.” – Elinor says this with deep emotion after learning the truth about Edward and realizing she misjudged him.
• Marianne Dashwood: “I wish, as well as everybody else, to be perfectly happy; but, like everybody else, it must be in my own way.” – Marianne expresses her strong-willed desire for love on her own terms, even if unconventional.
• Colonel Brandon: “My heart is, and always will be, yours.” – Colonel Brandon’s heartfelt declaration of love for Marianne.
• Edward Ferrars: “I have come here with no expectations, only to profess, now that I am at liberty to do so, that my heart is, and always will be, yours.” – Edward’s heartfelt confession when he finally declares his love for Elinor.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $16,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $43,182,776
• Worldwide Gross: $134,582,776

💥 Sense and Sensibility Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adored this movie! I’m a sucker for period dramas, and this one didn’t disappoint. The costumes were gorgeous, the scenery was breathtaking, and the acting was superb. I particularly loved the relationship between Elinor and Marianne – you could really feel their sisterly bond. And that scene where Elinor finally breaks down after learning about Edward? Heartbreaking! This movie is a must-watch for any Jane Austen fan.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Jane Austen adaptations”
  • “Viewers who appreciate period dramas”
  • “Those who enjoy stories about love, family, and social customs”
  • “People who enjoy British films with strong performances”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild thematic elements related to social inequality.”
  • “Brief depictions of illness and medical procedures.”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Emma Thompson’s nuanced performance and sharp script elevate this period piece beyond mere costume drama. Ang Lee’s direction captures both the wit and the heartache of Austen’s novel, creating a truly memorable cinematic experience.
• RogerEbert.com: “A faithful adaptation with a stellar cast. Winslet shines as the romantic Marianne, while Rickman brings a quiet dignity to Colonel Brandon. Though lengthy, the film remains engaging due to its strong performances and compelling story.

Audience Reactions

The stunning visuals and period-accurate costumes transported me to 19th-century England.: The chemistry between Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet was brilliant.

Alan Rickman’s portrayal of Colonel Brandon was the most touching; you can feel his deep love and dedication.: The screenplay is well-written, the story engaging, and the performances are memorable.

Overall Consensus: A critically acclaimed adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel, praised for its strong performances, witty script, and beautiful cinematography. Some viewers may find it too long, but it remains a beloved classic for fans of the genre.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Adapted Screenplay)- 1996
2. Golden Globe Award (Best Motion Picture – Drama)- 1996
3. Golden Globe Award (Best Screenplay)- 1996
4. BAFTA Award (Best Film)- 1996

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Emma Thompson spent five years writing the screenplay, winning an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.”
• “Director Ang Lee was initially unsure about directing a period drama, but Emma Thompson convinced him.”
• “Kate Winslet, despite wanting the role of Marianne, was originally considered only for the smaller part of Lucy Steele.”

🖥️ How to Watch Sense and Sensibility?

Sense and Sensibility (1995) is readily available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for potential broadcast schedules on television networks. For those preferring physical media, the DVD and Blu-ray versions are also available at most retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Sense and Sensibility, you might like these similar films:

• Pride & Prejudice (2005): Another beloved Jane Austen adaptation exploring love, class, and societal expectations in 19th-century England.
• Emma. (2020): A more recent and visually stunning adaptation of another classic Jane Austen novel with similar themes of love, matchmaking, and social dynamics.
• Little Women (2019): A story of sisters navigating life and love during the Civil War era, focusing on themes of independence, ambition, and family bonds, similar to the sisterly relationship in Sense and Sensibility.
• The Age of Innocence (1993): A period drama exploring the constraints of society and the complexities of forbidden love in 19th-century New York, appealing to fans of historical romances.

🛒 Sense and Sensibility Related Products

• Sense and Sensibility (Collector’s Edition Blu-ray): A limited edition Blu-ray featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes, and a commentary track with Emma Thompson and Ang Lee. A must-have for serious fans and collectors.
• The Complete Novels of Jane Austen (Leather-Bound Classics): Beautifully bound collection of all of Austen’s novels, including ‘Sense and Sensibility’. Perfect for displaying on a bookshelf and revisiting these timeless stories.
• Sense and Sensibility (Kindle Edition): Read or re-read the original novel that inspired the film! Take Jane Austen’s classic story wherever you go.
• Sense and Sensibility Movie Poster (Framed): A beautifully framed print of the original movie poster, showcasing the film’s iconic imagery. A perfect addition to any home theater or living room.

🎧 Soundtrack

Sense and Sensibility features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Weep You No More Sad Fountains” – performed by Patrick Doyle
• “The Dream” – performed by Kate Winslet

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Emma Thompson’s Best Actress BAFTA for Sense & Sensibility

Watch Emma Thompson as she delivers a heartwarming speech after receiving the BAFTA award for Best Actress for her remarkable performance in Sense and Sensibility. You’ll get an insight into her artistic journey and the movie’s success.

Sense and Sensibility – Emma Thompson’s golden globe speech

Emma Thompson’s unparalleled screenwriting talent is recognized in this video as she wins the Golden Globe for Sense and Sensibility. Listen to her deliver a witty and captivating speech that reflects her passion for storytelling.

Hugh Grant Hilariously Presents Ang Lee with the BAFTA Fellowship | EE BAFTA Film Awards 2021

Get ready to laugh along with Hugh Grant as he presents the BAFTA Fellowship to the celebrated Ang Lee. This video will give you a glimpse into the recognition and celebration of Lee’s exceptional filmmaking, including his work on Sense and Sensibility.

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