Brief Synopsis: When Mr. Dashwood dies, he is required by law to leave his entire estate to John, his son by his first marriage. This leaves his second wife and her three daughters in a precarious position. While they look for a suitable place to live, John’s brother-in-law Edward comes to visit and falls in love with Elinor, the oldest Dashwood daughter. But he’s not free to marry her because of a foolish childhood engagement.

Meanwhile, Marianne, the second Dashwood daughter has fallen hard for Willoughby, a young man from a neighboring estate. She ignores the attentions of Colonel Brandon and chases Willoughby, right up until she discovers he is otherwise engaged.

In the end it all comes right. Edward is disinherited and his fiancée marries his younger brother. He’s given a parrish by Colonel Brandon and marries Elinor after all. Marianne, after getting over her grief for Willoughby, finally learns to appreciate the good Colonel.

What I liked about it: I like Jane Austen books, although this has never been my favorite. I enjoy Hugh Grant as an actor (although I despise him as a person). The scenery was incredible. The “cottage” the Dashwood girls are forced to live in is a stunning stone house overlooking a tidal estuary that would be a wonderland for birding.

What I didn’t like about it: I’ve never been a fan of Emma Thompson, and I didn’t think she was particularly well cast here. The story continues not to be my favorite Jane Austen story.

Bottom line: I gave it a 7. If you like Jane Austen, you’ll undoubtedly like this movie.

Other comments: I am a bit hard pressed to understand how Marianne was so attractive to so many men when she had such an unaccountable disposition to wander out and about in thunderstorms and need rescuing.