This Tuesday 250 years have passed the birth of one of the most influential writers in world literature. Jane Austen was born on December 16, 1775 in Steventon, Hampshire, England and was the seventh child of Reverend George Austen. Although she published her novels at the beginning of the 19th century in a world where women were not accepted as talented writers, over time her characters, conflicts and social observations gained the appreciation of millions of people.
For this reason, cinema always returned to its books to reinvent its stories in an audiovisual framework. As a tribute to his legacy, we leave you with a selection of them The five best films based on his novels:
Directed by Ang Lee and released in 1996, meaning and feelings It established itself as one of the most prestigious adaptations of the Austen universe. The story centers on sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, two young women in 19th century England who, after the death of their father and the loss of the family inheritance, are forced to move and face an uncertain future. While Elinor embodies reason, self-control and prudence, Marianne represents passion, drive and absolute devotion to love.
The screenplay was written by Emma Thompson, who also starred in the film alongside Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman. Upon its release, it received widespread acclaim from critics and the industry: it won the Golden Globe for Best Drama Film and Best Screenplay, won the Golden Bear at the Berlin Festival, and earned Emma Thompson her second Oscar, this time for the screenplay, presented by Sir Anthony Hopkins.
It is currently available on Netflix with a duration of 2 hours and 16 minutes.
Released in 2005 and directed by Joe Wright, pride and Prejudice It is one of the most famous adaptations and popular works by Jane Austen. The film is based on the novel, first published anonymously on January 28, 1813, which is considered the author’s most famous and one of the first great romantic comedies in literary history.
The plot revolves around the five Bennet sisters: Jane (Rosamund Pike), the eldest and loveable; Elizabeth, known as Lizzy (Keira Knightley), intelligent, wry and independent; Lydia (Jena Malone), impulsive and carefree; Mary (Talulah Riley), reserved and thoughtful; and Kitty (Carey Mulligan), impressionable and shy. They all live with their parents in Longbourn, a rural estate whose inheritance will remain in the hands of their cousin, Mr. Collins, in the absence of men. In this context, Ms. Bennet sees marriage as the only way to secure the future of her daughters.
The film received four Oscar nominations: Best Actress, Best Original Score, Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design. It is currently available on Prime Video and runs for 2 hours and 1 minute.
Published in 2020, Emma It’s a British film. Director: Autumn de Wilde, screenplay: Eleanor Cattonbased on the novel of the same name by Jane Austen. The original story corresponds to the English author’s fourth novel, which was published in three volumes in 1815, and is characterized within her work by the ironic portrait of its protagonist.
The movie stars Anya Taylor-Joy, who plays Emma Woodhousethe daughter of a rich landowner who lives in a small rural town. Emma is intelligent, privileged and confident in her talent for bringing couples together. She enjoys working as a matchmaker among her acquaintances, especially with her protégé. Harriet Smith (Mia Goth)a young woman from a humble background. However, his good intentions lead to a chain of misunderstandings and sentimental entanglements.
As the story progresses, the protagonist is forced to confront her own contradictions and rethink her vision of love until she discovers that what she sought for others was always closer in the hands of her friend than what she had imagined for herself. George Knightley (Johnny Flynn).
The film is currently available and streaming on Prime Video 1 hour and 59 minutes.
Published in 2022, conviction is a dramatic film by Carrie Cracknell. It is the English author’s last work, published posthumously in 1818, and one of the most mature and melancholic of her literary output.
The story revolves around Anne Elliot, a young woman from a fallen noble family who, years ago, was persuaded by those around her to reject the man she loved, Captain Frederick Wentworth, due to his low social status and lack of economic stability. This decision will forever shape her life and plunge her into deep regret. However, due to a series of financial difficulties affecting Sir Elliot’s family, Anne and Wentworth will meet again.
The movie stars Dakota Johnson as Anne Elliot accompanied by Cosmo Jarvis as Frederick Wentworth And Henry Golding as Mr Elliotwhich represents a more recent adaptation of the work. At the moment, conviction It is available to watch on Netflix and has a duration of 1 hour and 49 minutes.
Published in 1999, Mansfield Park is a British romantic comedy based on the novel by Jane Austen. The film was written and directed by Patricia Rozema and is characterized by a bolder and more critical reading of the original text.
The story follows Fanny Price, played by Frances O’Connora young woman who, at a young age, is sent to live with her wealthy aunt and uncle at the Mansfield Park mansion. There she receives an education aimed at training her according to the norms and customs of high society, with the expectation that she will achieve a suitable marriage. However, Fanny proves to be an intelligent, sensitive and independent woman, qualities that put her in constant tension with the environment she is trying to shape.
The film is currently available and streaming on Prime Video 1 hour and 51 minutes.
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