User Reviews

I adore Jane Austen and I found this to be my least favorite of the four Austen inspired Hallmark 2024 Love-uary offerings. I went in with an open mind and while I appreciated a more true to the story telling of Sense and Sensibility, I feel like they didn't have the time to do it justice. I continually found myself thinking of the 1995 Ang Lee version and comparing actors. The other thoughts I had were around the casting choices made by Hallmark's Mahogany and how in the time of Bridgerton this seemed really unnecessary and at times inappropriate.

When the casting takes you away from the story, I think you have let your audience down. Especially if the goal is to introduce a wonderful story to a new audience.

The Jane Austen story that this attempts to tell is that of the Dashwood sisters (two in particular) who are displaced from their family estate when their father passes away leaving their half brother to inherit everything. Left destitute thanks to their brother not fulfilling his promise of seeing to his step-mother and three step-sisters, in part thanks to his greedy social climbing wife who has his ear, the Dashwood women end up in a modest dwelling on a distant cousin's property.

Elinore , the eldest Dashwood sister, falls hard for her sister-in-law's half brother, who is believed to be quite above her station in her current position. While Marianne, the younger and more romantic sister, is dreaming of the dashing and Devil may care Willoughby, all while a certain Colonel Brandon is watching from the sideline.

It is a lovely story that I encourage you to pick up and read...I am just not sure I can endorse this film, through no real fault of the actors. And while I appreciate the attempt to breathe new life into a classic story, I think this falls short of doing said story justice. Not a recommendation to my fellow romantics.

6.2 stars.

The thought came to me about 10 minutes into the movie that if I want to watch Austen's 'Sense and Sensibility', I will simply revert back to the one and only that I've seen. This being about 29 years ago, and I was profoundly moved by that version. We all know I'm referring to the one with Thompson and Winslet. I don't particularly have any desire to ponder whether or not there's any other version to consider. The 1995 version was such perfection for me, it will be difficult justifying the allocation of my precious time to watching this one. I think Hallmark is being pretentious by creating another film based solely on the unadulterated novel itself. They should have added some twists and tweaks like they recently did with the pride and prejudice film. Trying to make an authentic remake of the original movie was a risky endeavor that did not pay off. I let the meter run for a good 30 to 40 minutes and realized this falls way flat. So I move onward to the next Hallmark film in my library. Cheerio.

I think people are losing their minds over the wrong things. I mean, are there better adaptations, mini series, and movies? Yes.

Are any of them hallmark? No.

This is one of Hallmark's best, mostly because hallmark wasn't super involved, this taking place in England with mostly English actors (finally).

Colorblind casting (or almost colorblind...they seemed a little conscious when it came to Fanny and her "step" brothers...they could have just gone full colorblind and been siblings) didn't change the production outside of the stupid way it made Edward a stepson...which changes his whole standing, but the actresses held their own quite well.

The only criticism I think holds weight is that a made-for-tv movie doesn't have enough time to tell the story properly. They had to cut or shorten so much that kind of kills the story for people who want it all - but much like the Kiera Knightley Pride and Prejudice, it can be a taste that gets people who've never experienced Austen into her world.

I didn't see this in other reviews, but my other criticism is in the dialogue. There were several times where the dialogue either falls flat or is just weird and doesn't fit the feel. I don't blame the actors for it - it's in the writing.

I also think Edward's way too modern speech to his mother (that's not even in the book) was wholly unnecessary. So unneeded.

Other people complain about the casting, which I think speaks for itself (side-eyes those individuals).

They complain about the outfits, which are a bit too elaborate for the poor we're dealing with, but it's *Hallmark* and they aren't capable of understanding time periods and appropriate clothing or hair (have you SEEN When Calls the Heart? Check your historical ideations at the door. They are obsessed with makeup, modern hairstyles, and inappropriate time period inclusions).

In fact, everything wrong with this film is typical hallmark. Rushing the wrong parts, misunderstanding the source material, not understanding history...

But if you're used to Hallmark's 🙄, then you'll see past the flaws and find an adequate and cute little film.

One question - why?

Why on earth did this remake have to be made?

I say this as one who loves this book it is my second favourite Austen novel (after Persuasion) and I have read it multiple times and seen various versions on screen. And this... this drivel is an insincere adaption and the acting is awful, the accents iffy and it seems hurried and forced.

There's no romance at all you never feel the couples falling for each other. Wooden as. Poor poor Jane! Even the presence of the brilliant Martina Laird did nothing for me.

I kept on comparing it to the Ang Lee masterpiece. I have long believed Emma Thompson is Elinor Dashwood no one else will ever be able to fill those shoes. And this proves it.

Simply awful.

Hallmark needs to stay in its lane and stick to pumping out crappy romcoms; under no circumstances should they try to remake a classic. This version is an affront to all things Jane Austen and the multiple Oscar nominated Ang Lee version.

The lack of chemistry between the "romantic" leads is appalling. The costumes are apparently an effort to replicate the worst of the Featherington girls in Bridgerton. The acting is wooden, especially by the males. Willoughby, supposed to be a charming bad guy, comes across like a robot.

The whole thing was a cluttered, disjointed, unorganized mess.

The rating of two is entirely because of the scenery. Period.

If you are a Jane Austen fan, the plot should come as no surprise. I suppose, it's also true that if you are a Hallmark fan, the plot will still not be too great a surprise.

Having seen & loved most of the adaptations of Sense & Sensibility, my expectations weren't very high here. Between the most excellent BBC version and Emma Thompson/Ang Lee version, there is perfection.

This version wasn't perfect. It also wasn't horrible. The actors definitely hit all the right notes. I thought they did an excellent job with what they were given to work with in terms of script and direction.

The changes to the script seemed designed to make things different or fresh. Or, maybe the changes are just more appealing to the Hallmark audience. As an Austen fan, I felt they were unnecessary, but were not too distracting.

My only real complain, and the reason I couldn't justify rating it higher, was the direction. However, I suspect that was more of a Hallmark issue than anything else.

But overall, it was a perfectly fine adaptation. Certainly not the best, but not a terrible way to spend a couple of hours. And most definitely one of the better Hallmark - Austen "Janurary" movies of 2024.

I'm sure theses are lovely and talented actors but the performances here just do not convey any emotion or feeling. This adaption was very choppy and rushed not allowing the time in scenes when needed in order to express the necessary emotions. I have enjoyed the other JA movies on Hallmark this month but sadly this one misses the mark. I have seen several of the performers in different vehicles and portrayals were great so perhaps the failure here is the script or direction. Watch this for yourself if you want to decide for yourself or perhaps take my advice and watch one of the other excellent adaptations.

I have given this film a high rating for several reasons. It's not perfect but ADMIRABLE. First and foremost, for the BRAVERY of Hallmark to take on such a film with a diverse cast. I had a strong feeling that the audience would reject it under the guise of the comparison between other more well known versions of this film. Hallmark remakes most well made feature films and their themes. And those feature length films have the luxury of time, i.e., 2 hours and 16 minutes of the Ang Lee version, which Hallmark only has 1 hour and 26 minutes to complete the story in. If you keep an open mind and watch this with fresh eyes, you might just enjoy a fresh take by Hallmark.

The other reason for the high rating is that the acting was wonderful for Hallmark. Hallmark proved that we do live in a world where anything is possible.

I do think they built the romance in a slow yet deliberate manner which the actors did justice to.

I think Jane Austen would have appreciated this adaptation, given its time constraints, that opened her world to diverse actors at this time in history, just as she opened the world to women authors in her era.

My fellow Hallmarkees, please give this a chance...and don't compare...just enjoy! Those of you who have rated it harshly, watch again without the comparison.

I really wasn't expecting to love it. I've seen nearly ALL of the Hallmark movies ever made. I did love and enjoy this film, as did my husband, usually a harsh critic.

Thank you Hallmark for taking a risk. Well done!

I really, really wanted to like this movie and I tried but there are just too many things wrong. Not the casting. I actually thought the acting was quite good with the exception of Willoughby. I would have switched the actor from Willoughby to Brandon and vice versa

Dan Jeannotte couldn't shave for this movie? That kind of historical inaccuracy is unforgivable. They know better. The dresses were too thick. Too brightly colored and generally too flashy. I think the poor Dashwood sisters would not have such jewelry or clothes. And their home was much too grand.

It would have still been so, so much better with an all black cast. Next time please do it that way.

No. Just no.

This version should never have been made. The acting was incredibly horrible. Such.bad.acting.

I am SO disappointed. I adore all Jane Austen books. I HAVE all Jane Austen books. And the movies.

The man who plays Willoughby is soooo boring and dull.

And the women's clothes!!!!! We're like like...Whatttt??? They were not authentic at all, not in the least. Oh, be still my heart.

I do like the actor who plays Sir John Middleton. He did an adequate job.

The storyline felt very rushed. There was no chemistry between those who were "supposed" to be in love. None.

Ughhhh. Skip this one altogether.

Okay. Everyone is bashing this version. Yet you all agree it's a Hallmark movie. It doesn't have the money the original version had or the well known actors but as with all Hallmark movies, it was well done in the context of what it is. The actors were great it flowed as the story was written. With the time constrictions it did very well. I love this Austen story and yes the original screen adaptation was wonderful. But to rate this one so poorly is more a reflection of not understanding all the restraints to bring this version to the screen. Hallmark is diversifying within the limits and restraints of TV movies.

This doesn't need to be compared to other versions, since it's Hallmark, that comes with a...hmm, stigma maybe? In other words, you know what you're getting.

As someone who loves Austen, I really liked this. The leads were great, particularly Elinor and Edward; some of the dialogue felt a bit modern if that makes sense, in that I didn't feel like it came directly from that era. But I feel like in general, most period pieces don't get it right 100% of the time.

Bottom line is, don't pay attention to the reviews or the ratings, whether you're a newbie or an Austen devotee. Just watch it for yourself and see what you think! Solid 6/10.

A big ugh.

Period pieces or contemporary versions based on classic novels etc - are great when they are done well and are respectful to the original material and time period and if changed and "updated" provide plausible context for the changes.

The 1995 Pride and Prejudice, Doctor Thorne, Downton Abby are examples of terrific period pieces.

On the opposite end, the Keira Knightley Pride and Prejudice, Anya Taylor-Joe's Emma, CW's Reign among many others were just horrid...

This Hallmark version of Sense & Sensibility was sad and bad on all levels. Felt like a high school student trying to make an "updated" film.

The anachronistic concept did not make sense to begin with.

Why not use the story line and do something in a believable circumstance and setting?

If wedded to a "period piece" then how about changing the setting to, for example, early 1900s USA?

Or do a modern version like Clueless (Emma)?

The actors seemed miserable..

And completely weird to have Dan Jeannotte as the hero here.

If the point of the production was to recast, then Edward should have been played by a Black actor - so many talented Black British actors like Alfred Enoch or Ashley Walter or Gary Carr to name a few.

It's Hallmark, so you know it's gonna suck.

But this one goes even deeper into the dregs of poor movie making.

The acting is horrible. Third rate actors with the worst fake accents you will ever hear. Nothing about this period piece is right. Nothing.

From the dime store costumes to the amateurish directing and right through the over all complexion of this moronic equity piece.

Jane Austen is spinning in the grave for sure.

I was bored out of my mind and shocked that this movie was made in the ridiculous way it was made. Just keep clicking you clicker and pass right by this one. The less support the more likely real movies will be made in the future.

This was better than I had thought it would be. I'm not an enthusiast of "period" drama and expected to delete part-way through. I was truly surprised that it held my attention. I came to quite like the main characters and felt they did a decent job. The lead actress is lovely and talented. The countryside and overall scenery were gorgeous, a truly enjoyable, refreshing part of the movie. The costuming was absolutely atrocious. They seemed unable to pick a period of clothing and stick with it, even if one could ignore the gaudiness of the colors etc. The poor cast looked like they had been clothed by a trashy theater troupe...odd, since some pieces looked newly made.

Overall, after seeing all the of Hallmark's Loveuary offerings, this one ranks second for me behind "An American in Austen" .

The costumes are stunning! I don't think people appreciate the dresses, shoes and hairstyles that make these movies so wonderful. The diversity in the casting made me very happy! There are a lot of Austen snobs who do not like to see different interpretations. It helps to create a whole new audience of Jane Austen and isn't that what the world needs?? Another review stated the accents were horrible, but many of the cast is English ??

I appreciate Hallmark bringing these movies to a audience that may have never read Jane Austen. I would wish for everyone to give it a try. It is beautiful to watch.

If a movie deserved a director cut, it would be this one!

I've never read Sense & Sensibility, so this was my first exposure to the plot. The movie is gorgeous with fantastic locations and a wardrobe that fits well with the time period. The acting is top notch throughout the movie with each lead selling their character traits and flaws perfectly. I could feel the tension and emotion in every scene that sold that 'longing for love' theme.

What this movie suffered from was the Hallmark mandatory run time. This story has so much going on in it that it unfortunately leaves the movie jumping from scene to scene. This really doesn't allow the drama or character development to breathe as nicely as it could have with a much longer run time. If you're unfortunate enough to walk away or look away for five minutes, you may miss something critical. Each scene is tied together loosely and requires active attention to make sense of everything. The only thing that made me wonder "why?" was the Victorian inspired violin solo of Seal's "Kiss from a rose". Great song, but doesn't fit the movie theme.

Overall, I enjoyed this movie however, it is my second least favourite this Jane Austin season. If you've not seen the other Pride & Prejudice movies (except Love and Jane), do yourself a favour and give those a watch.

Sense and Sensibility offers a visual feast with its exquisite costumes and gorgeous scenery, . The meticulous attention to detail in the wardrobe transports the audience to the regency era, enhancing the immersion into this classic tale.

What sets this version apart is its commendable commitment to diverse casting. The inclusion of a diverse ensemble breathes fresh life into the familiar narrative, challenging traditional norms and providing a more inclusive representation of society. This decision adds a layer of authenticity to the adaptation, making it more relatable and resonant with contemporary audiences.

Beyond the visual and casting achievements, Sense and Sensibility succeeds in capturing the essence of Austen's exploration of love, class, and societal norms. The film navigates the delicate balance between sense and sensibility, humor and poignancy, creating a well-rounded emotional journey for the audience.

I'm intrigued by a version of "Sense and Sensibility" with a predominantly black cast. Sign me up! However, I have to admit, I initially had doubts about the quality since it's a Hallmark production. Don't get me wrong, Hallmark content is like comfort food-light and easy-but historical romance typically demands more complexity, from costumes and locations to the actors' ability to embody their roles.

So far, I'm pleased with the casting choices; the actress is stunning, and the actor is handsome. However, Dan Jeannotte stands out to me. It's not that his acting is lacking, but his wardrobe and styling make him appear older and less charming.

Another point on styling: If Hallmark ventures into historical romance adaptations like this, perhaps they could provide costume training for the actors. I was quite bothered by Meg's awkward gait in her costume; it seemed cumbersome, causing her to walk awkwardly like a duck.

If you like romance, you like Jane Austen, you like the original story of sense and sensibility, you'll like this but I agree with another review here the costumes are awful, the crushed velvet and the weird floral and purple and black terrible terrible terrible and not accurate. The acting was OK. If you really want to make it a POC adaptation, then make everyone a person of color and call it a day. Nobody really cares, but you seem to want it to be like the new Bridgerton. Of course the homes were beautiful the scenery was beautiful. The cottage was much much nicer than the Ang Lee adaptation-that cottage was pretty sparse in comparison to where the Dashwoods had come from. I do hope coming soon they have a marathon of all these movies on a Saturday or Sunday. It was enjoyable to be in Jane Austen.

Firstly, I have to admit, I didn't watch this because I couldn't watch this. I can't tarnish my adoration of Emma Thompson's screenplay of Sense & Sensibility. I wish that Hallmark would have taken a more creative adaptation of the story and then used the diverse actors.

I have watched several of these types of adaptations and really enjoyed them.

As a fan of everything Jane Austen, I do have my limits. I have watched the other Hallmark movies in this series. They were okay.

I know Hallmark has been trying to reach outside of the box and for a couple of their holiday movies they aced it.

Please try again.

I am a huge fan of period dramas, so I was thrilled that Hallmark Channel gave this Jane Austen classic a go with a diverse cast. I went into my viewing experience with a reasonable mindset: this is Hallmark's version, and it is a made-for-TV movie. I was pleasantly surprised that this rendition exceeded my expectations. The acting was enjoyable and featured some familiar faces. I instantly recognized Dan Jeanotte from other Hallmark Channel projects and Bethany Antonia from "House of the Dragon". Additionally, the sets, scenery, and costumes were lovely. Everything from the estates to the countryside to the vibrantly colored dresses was well done. Also, the music was beautiful and seemed inspired by Bridgerton's soundtrack. As a music junkie, I was so excited to hear "Weak" by SWV and "Kiss from a Rose" by Seal! In my opinion, Deborah Ayorinde gave a wonderful performance as Elinor. She is a beautiful actress and portrays Elinor with much grace and poise. Overall, I enjoyed this movie and found it to be very entertaining. I hope Hallmark Channel will continue dabbling with more period dramas and maybe even a series.

This was a sad and blatant attempt to profit from the success of Bridgerton, with anachronistic choices (mixed-race cast, contemporary music played in the classical style, modern costume choices). Don't blame the actors. The script was woefully missing lots of connective tissue. If you hadn't ready the book or seen one of the earlier film adaptations, I'd be surprised if you could follow the characters and complexity of the plot. It lost too much of what the author intended to convey about society in her day.

Mix up the cast. I'm good with that. But do something original in that vein. What Hallmark did has already been done by someone else. I'll go back to Hallmark copying Hallmark.