Honestly, this is the last of the recent Austen adaptations I wanted to watch. The book used to be my least favorite Austen story. It's since grown on me over the years, so I wanted to see how they'd it on the screen. Now I like movies that try to honor most of the book. I'd read that it bares little resemblance to the book and had modern touches like missing plot points, personality changes, reassigned dialogue and overt sexuality.
Going in expecting very little, it was a pleasant surprise. You can still see how Fanny is ruled at the whim of those above her. She's way too outspoken to honor the book-Fanny, but Frances O Connor does make you like her more than the book does. Other than her, most of the other characters are quite similar to the book and well acted. Johnny Lee Miller is excellent(as always).
If you love Austen, you'll just have to put the book aside and watch with an open mind. If you don't go in with an open mind, you'll probably dislike much of it. I went in with low expectations and left glad that I saw it.
Going in expecting very little, it was a pleasant surprise. You can still see how Fanny is ruled at the whim of those above her. She's way too outspoken to honor the book-Fanny, but Frances O Connor does make you like her more than the book does. Other than her, most of the other characters are quite similar to the book and well acted. Johnny Lee Miller is excellent(as always).
If you love Austen, you'll just have to put the book aside and watch with an open mind. If you don't go in with an open mind, you'll probably dislike much of it. I went in with low expectations and left glad that I saw it.