The debate surrounding Netflix’s Persuasion seems to be never-ending. For one spectrum of the audience, it is a total hit with the Fleabag-fication of the character and giving a modern take to the dialogues for better understanding and breaking the fourth wall rather than having a boring narrator. However, on the other end of the spectrum are people who are disgusted and humiliated with this adaptation that reduces the gravitas and essence of Austen’s influential work to merely some Instagram-like catchphrases.
But, that’s not all. Even while talking about the acting performances, some are swooned by Dakota Johnson’s nuanced portrayal of the Austen heroine, Anne Elliot while some think she was never successful in bringing the true Anne to the screen. The best way for one to judge, of course, is to read the book and then watch the movie to find out if the trouble is real or not.
But, for the ones who want to stick to the world of motion pictures, here are some Jane Austen adaptions that are terrific and might just make you a better judge of how to look at Persuasion.
Also Read: Persuasion (2022) Ending Explained: Who Does Anne End Up With- Captain Wentworth or Mr Elliot?
5 Best Jane Austen Adaptations to Watch Right Now
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
The film that made sure that the Joe Wright and Keira Knightley duo prevails over the world of period dramas is the 2005 book-to-screen adaptation of Jane Austen’s timeless classic Pride and Prejudice. Starring Knightley in the role of the protagonist Elizabeth Bennet opposite Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy, this romantic drama is everything you need when it comes to love, marriage, feminism, class, gentry and more.
The film flaunts some extraordinary performances by the cast, which also includes Tom Hollander, Rosamund Pike, Carey Mulligan, Judi Dench, and Donald Sutherland amongst others and beautiful cinematography, direction and music. Not only is this the most faithful adaptation of Austen’s work but, it also was nominated and won very many accolades during its time, including the Academy.
The film is streaming now on Netflix.
Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Another period drama that is an adaption of Austen’s work that has a feminist core, Sense and Sensibility is directed by Ang Lee with a screenplay by Emma Thompson, who also stars in the film as one of the protagonists Elinor Dashwood. Our other protagonist is played by Kate Winslet, who is Elinor’s younger sister, Marianne. With Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman playing opposite these leading ladies, much like Austen’s work this story too shows seeking marriage but, the constant tug with freedom in the society. Watch it, here.
Clueless (1995)
The reason why Persuasion is not well-received is that there have been modern takes on Austen’s work from the 1800s and, they have always been impressive ones. Clueless in particular is the retelling of Austen’s Emma in the modern world we live in and it has become a cult classic over the years for its jump from traditional train to the mainstream world without coming off as lowly or cringe-worthy.
Written and directed by Amy Heckerling, the coming-of-age comedy stars Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy and Paul Rudd in pivotal roles. Scott Rudin and Robert Lawrence serve as the producers for the film. Watch it, here.
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Fire Island (2022)
The versatility of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice comes to life in this 2022 release directed by Andrew Ahn, and written by and starring Joel Kim Booster. Bowen Yang, Conrad Ricamora, James Scully, and Margaret Cho are also part of the cast. The film is inspired by Austen’s timeless classic and brings into play the main themes of romance and classism, irrespective of being set in the 21st CE.
Check out the film, here.
Love and Friendship (2016)
The lesser-known Jane Austen story which was adapted masterfully from the book to screen has to be this. Based on Jane Austen’s epistolary novel Lady Susan, the book, as well as the movie, is a celebration of women and the freedom they need to have and seek. A period comedy-drama, it stars Kate Beckinsale, Chloë Sevigny, Xavier Samuel, and Emma Greenwell.
The film is a tricky one as the story is based on the above mentioned work but, the title comes from Austen’s other work- a juvenile story called Love and Freindship, published in 1790. You can watch it, here.
Did you like this list? What according to you is the best book to screen adaption of Jane Austen’s work? Let us know all of your thoughts in the comments down below.
In case, you are planning to watch Persuasion on Netflix, here’s the trailer!
Persuasion Trailer
Read our review of the film, here.
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