Contrive and contrivability

Sense and Sensibility (1995)

Directed by Ang Lee this film is based on the novel of the same name and features Emma Thompson (who also wrote the adaptation), Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman and Hugh Grant. The second wife and daughters of a rich man in 19^th century England find themselves having to deal with poverty after the man's death.

While there are some changes between the novel and the script of this film it does a good job of covering the ideas of gender and class in the period it is set in but this is always a story of rich people problems rather than the grim life of the poor as seen in Dickens for example. I really liked the contrast in personality between the two sisters as well as the surprising level of humour to be found with in the script however the events of the plot rely on coincidence or contrivance too much for my taste. The film is well made and has some excellent locations that fit the story really and there are some good performances from the cast, Hugh Laurie has some great scene stealing moments.

4/5