Persuasion

This is another story which, I believe, was published after Austen's death.  It is an interesting one; for while it has all the humourous components of a Jane Austen novel, it may also be linked to her own life.  Jane Austen was dissappointed once in love, and lost her man.  So did the novel's main character, Anne.  But unlike Jane Austen, Anne is reunited with her would-be-soulmate 8 years after parting.  Whether or not time has changed them, I leave you all to the novel.  This is not one of her most popular works, but personally, I think it's a gem.  Read it if you can, if you enjoy a bit of drama, if you love tragedies averted, or if you have a crush on sailors.  There's something in it for you!

There have been three film versions made:

1) Persuasion (1971) - this movie does a good job of covering the whole story.  The rest of it, I can't say much for.  The Admiral has a good voice for the part, but none of the sailors look like sailors, and the girls...well, I wouldn't have married if I were a man either if all girls were like that.  :S   Acting is pretty awesome - that's sarcastic.  And Anne's hair; well it just makes me cringe.  If you would like to see why I wouldn't marry if I were a guy, or if you want to hear the Admiral's voice which I find very good for the part, here is a clip. Note that the main character, Anne, is the one sitting in the chair saying nothing, looking haggard, and probably secretly regretting the fate of her hair:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3owT4OYNHq8

2) Persuasion (1995) - If I could "persuade" anyone to watch a particular version, it would definitly be this one!!  In my humble opinion, it is the best.  Accurate portrayal of the characters, ridiculous characters coupled with humanity, perfect casting, and very accurate costumes.  The music is cute too, in its own way.  I have heard many people complain that the leading man is not handsome.  Well...he isn't.  I can't defend that.  But I would recall to the world that it is not only handsome men who are worthy of our notice, and also that, despite his odd look, he DOES look like he is a sailor; browned and weather beaten, and his acting is good, if rough (which is again, very sailor-like).  I would include a clip, but I think the film is too good for that, so here is the opening of the movie, which you may choose to explore: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnEslmemgTI

3) Persuasion (2007) - this version is ok.  It's terrible in some respects and brilliant in others.  The casting is good, but the hair is a little dodgy, especiallly on Anne, who is CLEARLY dosed in hairspray.  The story is a bit disjointed and one cannot form much of a relationship with any of the secondary characters, however, the main acting is good, and the music in the opening is breathtaking.  Locations are good, ending is good.  Worth watching once, for sure.  One of my favourite scenes, mostly because of the daring approach of scenery.  Watch from 4:15 - 6:18.  Slight spoiler warning:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ-PbkVe0RQ