Adapted by Andrew Davies (Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility) it follows the book more or less closely, taking a few liberties sometimes a bit…astonishing (we’ll talk about it a little bit further). JJ Feild was perfect as a young clergyman, wise and sensible, who finds himself attracted to Catherine Morland’s cheerfulness. His good looks and smile conquered our hearts immediately. Felicity Jones was refreshing as Catherine, the young naive and sweet girl obsessed with gothic novels. We couldn’t keep from laughing watching her daydreaming with brigands and duels and playing the damsel in distress. Such vivid imagination!
Carey Mulligan gives an incredible performance as the scheming and sensual Isabella. She certainly made our blood boil with anger in some of her scenes. An interesting note, Sylvestra Le Touzel – Mrs Allen – interpreted Fanny Price in 1983 version of Mansfield Park.
Now, about the liberties… Some scenes were spiced up (tipically of Davies) or entirely invented, like Catherine nude in her bath or Isabella in bed with Captain Tilney. Also, some of the heroine’s dreams created some scandal especially the bounding scene but, for us, it didn’t spoiled this version at all.
Besides the acting also the sets created with a lot of attention to detail and the scenery with it’s vibrant colors helped making a wonderful Austen adaptation!
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