Having just spent five hours watching this mini-series, I feel the need to warn IMDb readers just how surprisingly downbeat and unpleasant it really is, for the most part. I'm giving it only 4 out of 10 stars, because I don't much care for somber soap operas, even when they have a satisfying ending.
However, I must say that the movie is not without its good points. The entire cast is excellent, from the beautiful star (who is supposed to be a "rather plain" girl), all the way down to the heroine (who has a truly great closing line). And the production values, the scenery, and the dialogue are all very good as well.
It's just that the whole thing seems frequently bleak and/or shrill. And there's very little comic relief, except for the stepmother, who is played wonderfully, and also two other characters, who I think were supposed to be old maid sisters. (I have to admit to getting character overload when watching this kind of movie.)
Anyway, if a heavy romantic drama is your cup of tea, then you might enjoy this one. But give me the Gwyneth Paltrow version of Emma any day.
However, I must say that the movie is not without its good points. The entire cast is excellent, from the beautiful star (who is supposed to be a "rather plain" girl), all the way down to the heroine (who has a truly great closing line). And the production values, the scenery, and the dialogue are all very good as well.
It's just that the whole thing seems frequently bleak and/or shrill. And there's very little comic relief, except for the stepmother, who is played wonderfully, and also two other characters, who I think were supposed to be old maid sisters. (I have to admit to getting character overload when watching this kind of movie.)
Anyway, if a heavy romantic drama is your cup of tea, then you might enjoy this one. But give me the Gwyneth Paltrow version of Emma any day.