Product ReviewsPersuasion (DVD, 2008)

Great Entertainment!

Great story...a classic. The production and the interpretation of the original Jane Austen novel are very nicely done. The only reason that it did not receive 5 stars is that it is a DVD and not a Blu-ray. A Blu-ray picture quality would have been phenomenal and the colors quite vibrant. I compare it to another BBC production of a Jane Austen novel, Pride and Prejudice, which was also released in a Blu-ray and you can see the difference. There is a Blu-ray version of Persuasion with Alice Krige, but it is an import from Spain, and therefore, no English subtitles (only Spanish subtitles). I have not seen that version so I cannot comment about the picture quality of the Blu-ray disc. Read full review...

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Not Bad

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.Read full review...

About equal to the Amanda Root Version. Very good.

This adaptation of Persuastion with SallyHawkings is as good or better than the BBC one with Amanda Roots. Both were excellent. I thought Rupert Penry-Jones was excellent as Captain Wentworth. The staging seems more intense in the Hawkings version.Read full review...

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Very Good Version of J A's Persuasion

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!Read full review...

Wonderful Acting!

I have an older version of Persuasion that I enjoyed-but this version is far better.

The actors were so enthralled with each other! I loved the actors that played Anne Elliot and Capt. Wentworth ( he was so handsome!)

Anyway, I really enjoyed this movie-especially the ending!Read full review...

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Pure Jane Austen for Jane Austen lovers!

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 MarieRead full review...

Persuasion (2008) version

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.Read full review...

Interesting variation.

Interesting variation. Short shrift on Mrs. Smith's role, but it's always been puzzling why she would not have warned her very dear friend sooner.

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A love story indeed but be prepared!

We really enjoyed this movie. What a different time this was where the upper class were so openly disdainful of those below them. The characters were played so convincingly that after watching it for the first time, I didn't like them because of their shallowness. There is romance and innocence but it didn't feel like it was the focus of this story as in other Jane Austen's stories. Well done!Read full review...

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Captured my attention!

I'm a big fan of Jane Austen and this my second favorite story from her, Pride and Prejudice being the first favorite. True, the actress is a bit annoying but I find myself still glued to the tv. Somehow I wish she would be a bit more glamorous to match up to her love interest's good looks, but this makes the movie interesting. I suppose in her younger years she was beautiful but waiting for him in anguish all these years has taken a toll on her beauty, but he can see beyond that. I like this movie!!Read full review...