Series2008·52m·7.5

Sense and Sensibility

Drama

Sense and Sensibility is a 2008 British television drama, based on Jane Austen's 1811 novel of the same name. The screenplay was written by Andrew Davies, who said that the aim of the series was to make viewers forget Ang Lee's 1995 film version. As such, this series was more overtly sexual than previous Austen adaptations, and Davies included scenes featuring a seduction and a duel that are suggested in Austen's novel but absent from the feature film. A story of two sisters attempting to find happiness in the tightly structured society of 18th century England. Elinor, disciplined, restrained and very conscious of the manners of the day, represents sense. Outspoken, impetuous, emotional Marianne represents sensibility.

Play now

Cast

Hattie Morahan

Elinor Dashwood

Charity Wakefield

Marianne Dashwood

Dan Stevens

Edward Ferrars

David Morrissey

Colonel Brandon

Lucy Boynton

Margaret Dashwood

Janet McTeer

Mrs. Dashwood

Linda Bassett

Mrs. Jennings

Claire Skinner

Fanny Dashwood

Mark Williams

Sir John Middleton

Rosanna Lavelle

Lady Middleton

Dominic Cooper

Willoughby

Episodes

Details

Status: Ended
Network: BBC One
First aired: 2008-01-01
Last aired: 2008-01-13
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 3
Languages: English
Age rating: —
Production: GBHBBC Worldwide

Gallery

Reviews

Peter McGinn

11/4/2021

9.0

I really enjoyed this miniseries version of the Jane Austen favorite. The acting was superb and the screenplay tight and well-written. Andrew Davies rarely disappoints with his adaptations. Seeing minor changes between this series and the Emma Thompson movie, I am curious as to which scenes stuck closer to the source novel. But this is merely curiosity; it would not affect my appreciation of either version. I have never been one to insist productions to hew exactly to books, as long as changes do not alter the intentions within the arc of the story. This is a fine ensemble piece and true to the spirit of the novel.