A Review of Emma: the latest Adaptation from the BBC

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Emma, the BBC's newest treatment of Jane Austen's beloved tale of matchmaking, folly, and love, truly surpassed all of my expectations. As I awaited the arrival of the back-ordered two disc, DVD set over the past month, I could not help but ponder what my viewing experience would hold when I finally held Emma in my impatient grasp.

Would it do justice to Austen's masterpiece? Would it surpass the previous film adaptations in my affections? Would I be compelled to view all four episodes--229 minutes--in one sitting?

Yes, yes, and yes!

Emma 2009 Adaptation from the BBC for Sale at Amazon

Emma (2009 BBC Version)

List Price: ~~$34.98~~
Sale Price: $17.49

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Romola Garai does not merely portray Emma Woodhouse; she IS Emma Woodhouse. Beautiful, charming, witty, Garai draws you into her world and will not let you go. Garai's expressive eyes are perhaps her most powerful quality, although she does bring her into being into her performance.

Free-spirited in one moment, heartbroken in another, Garai captures Austen's vision of Emma Woodhouse to delicious perfection. As for the handsome, wealthy, and wise Mr. George Knightley, I have no doubt Ms. Austen is as pleased as punch with Jonny Lee Miller as the patient, yet sometimes disapproving, friend who is destined to
be the love of Emma's life.

Harry Potter's Michael Gambon is Emma's protective, anxious father, and the soulfulness of Gambon's portrayal is nothing short of heart-wrenching. In past film adaptations, Mr. Woodhouse is regretfully quite one-dimensional as a character. Not so in this film, for Gambon's Mr. Woodhouse becomes so dear in the heart of the viewer that one can scarcely bear to see him peering fearfully out of his window as he watches his younger daughter leave Hartfield and the world of Highbury behind for a two-week surprise honeymoon.

Supporting characters in Emma are given vibrant life by Louise Dylan (as Harriet Smith), Rupert Evans (as Frank Churchill), Tamsin Greig (as Ms. Bates), and Laura Pyper (as Jane Fairfax). The delightful and heartfelt screenplay was penned by Sandy Welch. Emma was directed by Jim O'Hanlon and produced by George Ormond. Review is based on the two disc DVD set.

Btw, on Amazon's description , they list Mr. Knightley's first name as John. That is incorrect. Mr. Knightley (Emma's Mr. Knightley) is George. Emma's sister, Isabella, is married to George's brother, John.