Watch Persuasion
- TVPG
- 2007
- 1 hr 33 min
-
7.4 (16,739)
Persuasion is a romance drama film directed by Adrian Shergold and released in 2007. It is based on Jane Austen's novel of the same name, which tells the story of Anne Elliot, a woman who experiences a second chance at love. The movie begins eight years after Anne Elliot's (Sally Hawkins) engagement to Captain Frederick Wentworth (Rupert Penry-Jones) is broken off, following the advice of her family and close friend Lady Russell (Alice Krige). Now 27 years old, Anne lives with her financially troubled family at Kellynch Hall in Somerset.
Anne's father, Sir Walter Elliot (Anthony Head), is a vain and worldly man who has overspent the family's funds, refusing to live within his means. To solve the family's financial problems, Sir Walter decides to rent Kellynch Hall to Admiral Croft (John Woodvine) and move his family to Bath.
While in Bath, Anne meets once again with Captain Wentworth, now a successful and wealthy naval officer. Although she still harbors feelings for him, she believes he has moved on and fallen in love with Louisa Musgrove (Jennifer Higham).
Meanwhile, Anne's cousin William Elliot (Tobias Menzies) makes a sudden appearance, seeking reconciliation with the family after years of neglect. William had previously been the heir to the Elliot estate, but was estranged from his family when he married a woman deemed unworthy by his father. Now, William has inherited the estate following his father's death and seeks Anne's hand in marriage to secure his position.
As Anne navigates through the social intrigues of Bath, she must decide between a secure future with William or following her heart, risking everything to reunite with Captain Wentworth.
Sally Hawkins delivers a powerful performance as Anne, masterfully conveying the character's inner struggles and emotional conflicts. Alice Krige and Anthony Head also shine as Lady Russell and Sir Walter Elliot, respectively, portraying their characters' vanity and domineering nature with precision.
The cinematography and production design are also noteworthy, bringing to life the Regency era with stunning visuals and attention to detail. The stunning landscapes of the English countryside and the elegant ballrooms of Bath provide a vivid backdrop for the story's romantic and societal themes.
Overall, Persuasion is a faithful adaptation of Austen's classic novel, exploring the timeless themes of love, duty, and societal expectations. With outstanding performances and beautiful visuals, it is a must-watch for fans of romantic period dramas.
Persuasion is a 2007 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.