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Jane Austen was a woman of great insight. Her writing is timeless, despite it's somewhat archaic language and overly proper society. Her novels have been reworked and retold countless times. And I have to say, they're all worth watching. The classic 'Emma' worked both as a period piece starring Gwyneth Paltrow, and as 'Clueless', a modern interpretation starring Alicia Silverstone. I loved them both. Both were pertinent to today's society. Both were just downright funny. Even her lesser told stories, like 'Mansfield Park'
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The most popular though, has to be 'Pride and Prejudice'. It's been retold on film at least six times, just as a period piece. In fact the mose recent, starring Keira Knightley and Colin Firth is probably my favorite of the 'classic' versions. Colin Firth makes a brilliant Darcy. But then there are the updated versions. There's practically no counting of the many films that are moderinizations, like 'Bridget Jones Diary' and 'Bride & Prejudice'. Some may be more accepted than others, but it still proves that her writing made a lasting statement.
I'm sure some would claim that movies like 'Bride and Prejudice' and 'Clueless', only serve to belittle a great classic author. But I disagree. I think that both movies stuck to the
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If you haven't seen 'Bride' yet, go rent it. Yes it's a musical. But it's FUN. It's exciting and exotic and funny, and it captures the story so well. I admit that I'm partial to musicals, but the dancing and music is really well done. It has it's cheesy singing moments, but that just adds to the charm. Overall it's a really romantic, touching piece that was well cast. I can only hope that director Gurinder Chadha (of 'Bend it Like Beckham') will decide to do another such adaptation. Maybe she'll tackle a Bollywood version of 'Emma' or 'Sense and Sensiblity'.
Happy Renting,
A.