250 years after her birth, the five best films based on Jane Austen books

This Tuesday 250 years have passed of the birth of one of the most influential writers of universal literature. Jane Austen was born on December 16, 1775 in Steventon, Hampshire, England, and was the seventh child of the Reverend George Austen. Although she published her novels at the beginning of the 19th century in a world in which women were not accepted as skilled writers, her characters, conflicts, and social observations managed to be valued by millions of people as time went by.

That is why cinema returned again and again to its books to reimagine its stories in the audiovisual framework. In tribute to his legacy, we leave you a selection of the five best films based on his novels:

Directed by Ang Lee and released in 1996, Sense and feelings It established itself as one of the most prestigious adaptations of the Austen universe. The story focuses 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 dedication to love.

The script was written by Emma Thompson, who also starred in the film alongside Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman. Upon its release, it received wide recognition 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 screenwriting, presented by Sir Anthony Hopkins.

Currently, it is available to watch 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 recognized adaptations and popular works of Jane Austen. The film is based on the novel published for the first time anonymously on January 28, 1813, considered the author’s most famous and one of the first great romantic comedies in the history of literature.

The plot revolves around the five Bennet sisters: Jane (Rosamund Pike), the oldest and sweet-natured; Elizabeth, known as Lizzy (Keira Knightley), intelligent, ironic 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 property whose inheritance, in the absence of males, will remain in the hands of their cousin, Mr. Collins. In this context, Mrs. Bennet conceives marriage as the only possibility of ensuring the future of her daughters.

The film received four Oscar nominations: Best Actress, Best Score, Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design. It is currently available on Prime Video and runs for 2 hours and 1 minute.

Released in 2020, Emma It’s a British film. directed by Autumn de Wilde and written by Eleanor Cattonbased on the novel of the same name by Jane Austen. The original story corresponds to the English author’s fourth novel, published in 1815 in three volumes, and is distinguished within her work by the ironic portrait of its protagonist.

The film stars Anya Taylor-Joy, who plays Emma Woodhousethe daughter of a rich landowner who lives in a small rural town. Intelligent, privileged and convinced of her talent for bringing couples together, Emma enjoys working as a matchmaker among her acquaintances, especially with her protégé. Harriet Smith (Mia Goth)a young woman of humble origins. However, his good intentions lead to a chain of misunderstandings and sentimental entanglements.

Throughout the story, the protagonist is forced to face her own contradictions and review her vision of love, until she discovers that what she sought for others was always closer than what she imagined for herself, in the hands of her friend, George Knightley (Johnny Flynn).

The film is currently available on Prime Video and runs for 1 hour and 59 minutes.

Released in 2022, Persuasion is a dramatic film directed by Carrie Cracknell. It is the last work that the English author wrote, published posthumously in 1818, and one of the most mature and melancholic of her literary production.

The story centers on Anne Elliot, a young woman from a fallen aristocratic family who, years ago, was persuaded by her environment to reject the man she loved, Captain Frederick Wentworth, due to his low social position and lack of economic stability. This decision will mark her life forever 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 film stars And at Elliat’s Elliot’s Past, Johnon Johnson, John. accompanied by Cosmo Jarvis como Frederick Wentworth y Henry Golding como Mr. Elliotgiving a more updated adaptation of the work. At the moment, Persuasion It is available to watch on Netflix and has a duration of 1 hour and 49 minutes.

Released 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 distinguished by offering a bolder and more critical reading of the original text.

The story follows Fanny Price, played by Frances O’Connora young woman who is sent from a very young age to live with her wealthy aunt and uncle in the Mansfield Park mansion. There she receives an education designed to train her according to the norms and customs of high society, with the expectation that she will achieve a suitable marriage. However, Fanny reveals herself to be an intelligent, sensitive and independent woman, qualities that place her in constant tension with the environment that tries to shape her.

The film is currently available on Prime Video and runs for 1 hour and 51 minutes.