Rating: R
Movie Release Date: May 2, 2003 (UK) / July 11, 2003
DVD Release Date: December 23, 2003
Plot 411: A once-brilliant British writer and his family fall into poverty and his eldest daughter plots to marry the rich American who owns their property.
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this movie in all its post-Jane Austen glory. The plot is pretty similar to most of Austen's work - a family in poverty, daughters of marrying age and eligible beaus. However, the setting to this film was the '30s. Bill Nighy is brilliant as always. His character is a writer who hasn't written a word in 12 years. He struggles with inspiration despite all the love and support of his family. When two American men arrive to claim their inheritance, which includes the land on which the family lives, Topaz (Tara Fitzgerald) decides it's time to help her stepdaughters find a husband in order to save the family from ruins. The eldest daugther (Rose Byrne) quickly assumes the role of most eligibe bachelorette and sets her sights on Simon (Henry Thomas). Younger sister Cassandra (Romola Garai) is the intellectual of the group, who keeps a diary and is the narrator of the film. Marc Blucas plays younger brother Neil. The plot twists and turns and loops around as romantic hurdles develop. It's a coming-of-age romance set in a landscape that is reminiscent of the 1800s despite being clearly set in the 1900s. I loved the starkness of the familhy's castle home and the open spaces of the surrounding woods. I wished there was a bit more conflict in the plot, which would've created a steeper story arc. Still, I liked the overall storyline and eventual resolution.
Watch It: For a Pride And Prejudice-like coming-of-age romantic drama that doesn't quite live up to Austen's genius.
Movie Release Date: May 2, 2003 (UK) / July 11, 2003
DVD Release Date: December 23, 2003
Plot 411: A once-brilliant British writer and his family fall into poverty and his eldest daughter plots to marry the rich American who owns their property.
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this movie in all its post-Jane Austen glory. The plot is pretty similar to most of Austen's work - a family in poverty, daughters of marrying age and eligible beaus. However, the setting to this film was the '30s. Bill Nighy is brilliant as always. His character is a writer who hasn't written a word in 12 years. He struggles with inspiration despite all the love and support of his family. When two American men arrive to claim their inheritance, which includes the land on which the family lives, Topaz (Tara Fitzgerald) decides it's time to help her stepdaughters find a husband in order to save the family from ruins. The eldest daugther (Rose Byrne) quickly assumes the role of most eligibe bachelorette and sets her sights on Simon (Henry Thomas). Younger sister Cassandra (Romola Garai) is the intellectual of the group, who keeps a diary and is the narrator of the film. Marc Blucas plays younger brother Neil. The plot twists and turns and loops around as romantic hurdles develop. It's a coming-of-age romance set in a landscape that is reminiscent of the 1800s despite being clearly set in the 1900s. I loved the starkness of the familhy's castle home and the open spaces of the surrounding woods. I wished there was a bit more conflict in the plot, which would've created a steeper story arc. Still, I liked the overall storyline and eventual resolution.
Watch It: For a Pride And Prejudice-like coming-of-age romantic drama that doesn't quite live up to Austen's genius.
Skip It: If you're seeking a dynamic plot and lots of upheaval.
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