Persuasion (1995)

"Overall, it’s the sincerity of the film that wins the audience over. Persuasion is the perfect balm for anyone feeling a little downtrodden. It reminds us no matter what missteps we make, there might be hope of a happy ending after all."

"Austen fans: Prepare to be swept away."

"It's as if everyone concerned with the production knows that, if given time and patience, Austen's genius will emerge. Thanks to assured performances, exacting direction and, of course, inspired writing, it does, in subtle, glorious ways."

"Much of the movie's emotional work has to be done by their faces and eyes, while other people speak of other things, and to see that happening is frustrating, because it happens so slowly, and romantic, because it happens at all."

"Michell somehow tenses a simple narrative into suspense; the camera catches every glance between the former lovers and probes every scene for signs of hope."

"Vanessa Redgrave has never been more likable on screen than in her buoyantly athletic turn here."

"The film offers the same pleasures as an Austen novel, as the audience sinks into a comforting, orderly world where life-shattering disruptions are handled with elegant ease."