Comments on: Emma (2009) – BBC’s Whimsical Miniseries

By: Simon

Simon — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 15:23:15 +0000

I have just found this site whilst looking for where the house that Emma and Mr Woodhouse live in, i very informative review of the film, i too found Romola to be an excellent Emma, i just warmed to her, by far the best adaptation i have seen, i rate it along the same lines as the 1995 BBC version of Pride & Predudice. The whole piece was just so well knitted together and i loved Emma’s more vulnerable nature and the relationship with Johnny Lee Miller.

By: Amber Topping

Amber Topping — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 16:04:07 +0000

In reply to Sowbarrnika A. Miller is so perfect as Mr. Knightley, I agree. The 2009 one is my favorite adaptation.

By: Sowbarrnika A

Sowbarrnika A — Sun, 30 Jan 2022 18:51:29 +0000

In reply to Sowbarrnika A. Sorry typo there. Emma 2020 is charming in its onwn way, but Emma 2009 is the best!

By: Sowbarrnika A

Sowbarrnika A — Sun, 30 Jan 2022 18:49:51 +0000

In reply to Rissi. I have to admit that Knightley played by Miller is absolutely amazing. I binge-watched the series only for him twice in the same week. His love for her is so subtle and no one could have pulled it off better. I watched Emma 2020 and didn't like it at all.i mean it was good in its own way Emma 2009 is the best.

By: Amber Topping

Amber Topping — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 17:46:18 +0000

In reply to Hokie. Yes, this adaptation is just so wonderful. I may need a re-watch too.

By: Hokie

Hokie — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 18:09:08 +0000

I adore everything about this adaptation and have watched it numerous times. Mr. Miller and Ms. Garai are perfect as GK & EW. Garai’s interpretation shows Emma as being totally immersed in the everyday life of Highbury unlike the more snobby/standoffish Emma of Anne Taylor-Joy in the 2020 film. Emma is a leading citizen of the small community and you can sense the admiration by friends and neighbors such as Miss Bates, Mr. Weston (before his marriage to Miss Taylor), Mrs. Goddard and Mrs. Cole. As many others have said, the length of this version makes for a better “fleshing out” of the characters and situations. Lead by the two main characters/actors, this is wonderful and I have a need to begin a re-watch this evening!!!!

By: Gary Dolan

Gary Dolan — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 16:06:52 +0000

This is a long thread. I have just (December 2020) watched this version for the 3rd time since 2009. I absolutely agree with two important points in this commentary. First, the length of this version allows for a much more complete telling of the story. More of the back story of each character, or of the context of a current event, permits us to appreciate the characters. I recently watched the 2020 theatrical version of Emma, which is very different and very delightful. If, however, one is not familiar with the plot of Emma, some events and interactions would be puzzling. Second, I loved Romola Garai in this part. At times I was struck by the almost giddy portrayal of Emma, but then I was convinced that this was intended to illustrate her slowly growing maturity and wisdom. This is a very good cast. When I started watching this Emma for the first time, I could not convince myself that Johnny Lee Miller was right for the part, but I came away with an great appreciation for the work he did. I also like the 1996 Kate Beckinsale Emma, even though her take on Emma is totally different. It has the length to do the story greater justice. Of all of the versions of Emma from 1996 forward, the 1996 Paltrow version is my least favorite, for a number of reasons. I found it almost unwatchable a few years ago when I returned to it to see if it was better than I originally thought.
So I heartily recommend this verison of Emma, a wonderful production.

By: Cat

Cat — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 15:14:26 +0000

In reply to Rissi. Agreed.. Jonny Lee Miller’s played Knightly to portray strength, honesty and the tini hints of vulnerability that escape in his expressions when with Emma melt my heart. The “dance” scene and “ have I no chance of succeeding” kiss scene just moves my heart. What talent as well as the ability to connect to role and co star....uhhhh Food for the soul. I will pull up either one of those scenes on Amazon prime, and watch them when I need a lift.

By: Muirmaiden

Muirmaiden — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 23:20:19 +0000

The BBC also produced an adaptation of “Emma” in 1972, which is more modest, and as is to be expected, with stagy interiors, but it’s an interesting take. I liked the other versions too, as all of them had their strengths and weaknesses.

By: Rissi

Rissi — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 18:09:00 +0000

In reply to Dixie-Ann.

I’m glad, Dixie-Ann. I enjoy this for the length and depth of the character! It wasn’t exactly what I thought (the photos made it look so elegant) in comparison to the other adaptations, but despite my petty complaints, I DO enjoy this version best. I’m wondering if part of Romola’s characterization stems from Emma’s youth (i.e., when the series starts she’s still quite young and therefore, immature, perhaps?). I don’t know in comparison to the book but either way, it’s not enough to bother. Like you, I loved the thread about Emma having never travelled. It upped the sweet romance. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. 🙂