Persuasion (DVD, 2008)

I recently saw this on PBS but was very disappointed. As an avid Jane Austen reader, this version simply did not capture the mature development of characters or the complexity or intesity in which the main character "Anne" faces her life trials. Often modern 20th century jargon in conversation replaced the beautiful and eloquent passages from the original text and I did not find the story convincing. Also, it was difficult to get over the actor who played "Captain Wentworth". I thought he should have been older and darker in look to portray a man who has spent his early life on the rough seas as an officer and has had some time to mature with experience. And the actress who portrayed "Anne" was also not very convincing. I think Amanda Root played a better "Anne" and I have to recommend that version over this more recent PBS adaptation.

I purchased this item wondering if I really needed another version of Jane Austen's Persuasion. I already owned the version with Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds, which I truly enjoy. What more could another version offer?

After viewing this new one with Sally Hawkins and Rupert Penry-Jones, I am so glad I invested in it - this is not just another version of Persuasion. It is masterfully done and completely pulled me into the personalities, lives and dilemnas that faced Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth.

In the older version Amanda Root as Anne suffered quietly and with control. In this version, Sally Hawkins as Anne expressed such heartfelt emotion in her private/alone times as she dealt with all the shattered hopes, indignities and unfair obligations that were placed upon her so as to completely pull me in to her heartbreak and pain. And Rupert Penry-Jones is wonderful as Captain Wentworth who while judging those responsible for his pain regarding Anne, creates his own anguishing dilemna that he now fears will end all his future hopes.

The righting of all that went wrong culminates beautifully in the final scene with Wentworth's total adoring and caring for Anne and Anne's display of absolute love and joy.

I have viewed this version of Persuasion numerous times already and will continue to do so for many years to come. The supporting cast was excellent also and added such depth and richness to the story. All together this Persuasion show so beautifully that true love, even when all hope seems lost, is still a possibility worth striving for.

I cannot think of one negative thing to say about Persuasion (2008), except that I wish it were longer - and isn't the hallmark of a good movie that it leaves you wanting more! I believe Jane Austen would give it a standing ovation; I know I do!

Review by Marie

I purchased this version because I heard rave reviews about it. The scenery was beautiful, the acting was well done, but for me the version with Amanda Root & Ciaran Hinds was by far the better movie. I do understand that Masterpiece Theaters had a time frame to stick with and many shots had to be edited and cut but one of the most important parts in the book is when Anne and Captain Harville were conversing about differences between who loves more between the two sexes, within earshot of Captain Wentworth, Anne's one true love. Check out the other version, I am sure you will love it more. Ciaran Hinds is more convincing as a rugged sailor over this young puppy!

As a devoted Jane Austen fan, I was excited about the Masterpiece series. However ,despite being beautifully filmed, the shortness of the production left out many subplots & character developments for which Miss Austen is famous . Persuasion is just behind Pride & Prejudice in my favorites list of Miss Austen's works, so I was very disappointed how the ending was portrayed. The character of Anne Elliott also seemed a bit melodramatic & wimpy instead of the strong yet remorseful woman she was. Check out the Amanda Root & Ciaran Hinds version for a closer version to the book.

I own the other version of Persuasion with Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds and it is a wonderful version, however I found many things to like about this version as well. I can't agree that Sally H. had no facial expression. Not everyone shows emotion to the same degree, especially Anne Elliot who is used to not making a dramatic display. I felt more strongly for Sally H. in her part than I was moved to in Amanda R.'s. I also found this newer version clarified a few things better than the other version... like how Wentworth's behavior to Louisa had likely brought on some expectation of a proposal to her and her family, though he didn't neccessarily intend it. However, I do agree that a young woman would not have run around the city the way they had her do, but it did give a clear sense of her desparation to grab what she felt was her last chance at true happiness.

So I give this version 4 out of 5, but watch the AR and CH's version as well. Your feelings may easily differ from mine.

WoW! This is a Great movie! The entire PBS Masterpiece Jane Austen Series is great.
The writing, actors and scenes are wonderful.
This is great, but I actually prefer the older title. (The one done in the 2000)
None the less if you love Jane Austen books and movies you will want to add this one to your collection!

Best movie I have seen in years but it could have been longer! I didn't want it to end! I love all of Jane Austen's movies but this was by far the best of all. Sad that they failed to include some scenes as Wentworth visiting his brother, for instance, that would have added greatly to the movie's story.

I bought this before I realized I could see it on PBS. I watched it on PBS before it arrived and found it to be poignant, emotional, and good. However it is not as good as the version with Amanda Root from the 1990's. Persuasion is about second chances and this little movie shows that admirably.

I prefer the 1995 version so much more than this. I did like Anthony Head as Sir Walter and whoever was William Elliot but I didn't care for any one else. I did like the end but I will stick with the 1995 version as my favorite version of the book.

In my opinion this is one of the better acted versions of Persuasion. It was much as I pictured it in my immagination when I read the book. Hawkins and Penry-Jones had apparent chemistry and were very believeable. The actors for the minor characters also did an excellent job portraying the sarcasm and absurdity with which Austen viewed her world. If you are a Jane Austen fan I definitely recommend this version of Persuasion. If you are not familiar with Austen this is a great place to start. The cinematography and sound were also excellent.

This is a great variation of Jane Austin's classic novel. It is a 2 hour version, so it does not follow the book exactly, but for anyone who loves Austin this is a great version.

This is my most loved book, and an entertaining movie. My heart melts everytime I hear Captain Wentworth confess "she is perfection itself!" What a fabulous cast- I enjoy watching this very much- and incredibly glad I bought this from eBay, where the price was more reasonable than buying it from the pbs website. I also have to mention that I love the fact that the dvd case resembles a book- in fact when I opened the package, I thought that I had bought another copy, but was pleasantly surprised upon further inspection.

AFter seeing this beautiful film on PBS, I searched until I found it for my own. I love this movie! I have read Jane Austin's book and loved it, and this movie is just grand. (All of her books make wonderful movies, and not only that, but movies to watch again and again.) I have two other movie) versions of the story, and this one is superb. It's short (compared to the 4-hour one, which I also like) but gets all the important elements in in a reasonable time. I can watch it several times a day and still enjoy it, the actors are so good in their parts. Well done! I got my money's worth in this DVD. Thanks!

All right Jane Austen lovers! This is absolutely an amazing adaptation of Persuasion! The characters are amazing! Captain Wentworth, holy hottie! I just loved this movie! I bought it after seeing the tale end on the PBS special and have not been sorry! Everyone that I have lent it to have loved it too! Great for an evening in with your sweetie!

I Loved this Movie. It's almost exactly like the book! And It's very Beautifully made. Music Is Great! I think Everyone will enjoy this Movie as much as I did!

I am a huge Jane Austen fan and i just loved this movie. I saw it on Masterpiece Theatre and just wanted a copy of it for myself since I didn't want it to end.

this movie is a great adaptation of the jane austen novel. the actors are very believable and you can almost find yourself within their situation. i would highly recommend any fan of jane austens to view this movie.

This is Persuasion done to perfection. Of course some of the smaller details have been left out in order to keep within the time limit. But this has to be the best Persuasion to date. The acting is superb and Austen's characters were brought to life for me with Penry-Jones and Hawkins. The one scene I thought was a bit 'different' was the running through the streets of Bath, I liked the original idea from the book, the running was definitely a different take on that aspect of it.
All in all though, a brilliant DVD to watch.

Saw this movie on PBS and had to have it. Love Jane Austen and this movie is a great representation of the book.

i am a big fan of jane austin. pride and prejudice is my absolute fav. this is definitely going to be my second fav. very well done. lots of drama passion. love and hate. its got everything for someone who loves updates on a classic. good clean movies. cant go wrong

I really liked the way the main characters were portrait in this movie, both in love with each other from beginning to the end. The chemistry between the characters was very good, although I thought the male character was more handsome then the female.

I bought this for a gift, which she loved. It was easy to purchase and was delivered in record time.

I fell in love with this movie since I watched it on a rented DVD, but couldn't find it anywhere in US. In fact, I was so desperate that I bought a DVD (not region 1) from a UK seller. I could run it on my computer, but for some reason, no sound.

I jumped for joy again, when I finally see new Region 1 DVD on sale on ebay (again I couldn't find it anywhere else still). I bought it, paid for it, and it arrived in two days. I've watched it multiple times already.

The movie captures well the mood of the novel. It's not as glamorous and dazzling as the BBC Pride & Prejudice (TV), but it's signature Jane Austen courtship, romance, reflecting women in their times. I love it.