BBC's 2009 Emma Mini-series: My Review

This BBC produced mini-series was first broadcasted in UK last autumn and early this year in US on PBS channel. I really enjoyed watching all 4 episodes based on adaptation of Jane Austen's novel of the same name. Therefore I selected this series adapted by BAFTA award winning screenwriter Sandy Welch (North and South, Jane Eyre, Our Mutual Friend) to re-watch as part of the Everything Austen II challenge. This was among the first task which I had completed but had not have the opportunity to write a review till now. I'm sure you know the story by now so I just jump right to the heart of things which I love about this show.

Starring Romola Garai in the titular role, she exactly embodies the handsome, clever and rich Emma Woodhouse. Although quite a number of reviewers on the net have complained that there was very little of Austen's witty language in it, I feel that it attracts modern viewers to watch period dramas. If this is Sandy Welch's intention, then I salute her for introducing Austen's novels to a younger generation who may not read her works.

Mr. Woodhouse, Emma Woodhouse and Mr. Knightley (L-R)

Ms Garai was very convincing in her portrayal of the meddlesome, arrogant at times but kind-hearted matchmaker with good intentions for her friend, Harriet Smith. She is willing to make sacrifices to help care for her valetudinarian father (played by the great Michael Gambon) for the sake of his happiness and comfort. This is one of the qualities that I value most in a person and she definitely personifies an obedient and caring daughter. The loving and tender father-daughter relationship was one of the aspects which I enjoyed watching. I would never have imagined that the death of Emma's mother influence Mr. Woodhouse to be hypochondriac and worries all the time about his health and that of his family.

Mr. George Knightley (left) and Mr. Woodhouse (right)

I slowly warmed to Jonny Lee Miller's perfomance as George Knightley, the hero in this series. Mr. Knightley is Emma's reproachful neighbour and owner of Donwell Abbey, the estate adjoining the Woodhouse's Hartfield. He is also Emma's brother-in-law through her sister, Isabella's marriage to his brother, John. I was initially skeptical when I heard that Millier was to play Mr. Knightley as I was hoping other unknown actor would have taken up this role as he was the leading actor in Jane Austen's Mansfield Park 1999 movie. Other than his confrontation with Emma at the end of the first episodes, he delivered a good performance overall and showed his caring nature when he rescued Harriet Smith from further humiliation at the hands of Mr. Elton. The Crown Inn ball dancing with Emma was where I actually get to see proof of his manifestation of love for Emma which was not really displayed till now. The proposal was especially sweet for me as he was hesitant on how to approach this delicate subject.

As for the other characters, I sympathise with the plight of Tamsin Greig's Miss Bates as a poor spinster brought low from her genteel upbringing after the death of her father, Mr. Bates. She was splendid chattering away non-stop to her fellow neighbours yet manage not to appear too annoying except to Emma. Rupert Evan's Frank Churchill was at times quite rude and spoilt who really does not deserve Jane Fairfax's loyalty and love. On the other hand, Laura Pyper's Jane Fairfax acts in a passive and mousy manner which is not how I feel it should be compared to other incarnations in the 1990's Emma movies. Only once did she stand up to Mrs. Elton's remarks when her secret was nearly revealed.

Miss Bates and Jane Fairfax

Frank Churchill

Blake Ritson who plays the obnoxious Mr. Philip Elton is spot-on as was his on-screen wife, the former Miss Augusta Hawkins (Christina Cole). They are well-made for each other as both are social-climbers in the delightful little village of Highbury.

Mr. and Mrs. Elton

Another secondary character who deserves a mention is Miss Harriet Smith, Emma's new best friend but social inferior. Harriet really looks a little silly in her hairstyle of curls which adorned her face. Their friendship is always one-sided as she always takes Emma's advice even to the extent of rejecting Mr. Martin's proposal.

Harriet Smith

Besides the actors' depiction of main characters, I also admire the gorgeous cinematography and costumes especially ladies fashion. In all scenes, Emma always wears bright and colourful dresses which really sets her up as the queen of Highbury society. Mrs. Elton adorns gaudy dresses and showy jewellery which is appropriate because she is aspiring to be Highbury's first lady of consequence after her marriage to her caro sposo. As a consequence of the Bates' reduced circumstances, the choice of earthly and pastel colour suits them. I can't say much about the men though as I am not a good judge of men's clothings.

Box Hill picnic

After watching quite a number of Jane Austen's adaptations, I can safely say that the settings in this mini-series are spectacular and really capture the feel of a period drama. Although critics have panned the series and ratings in UK have plummeted over the course of the episodes, I would most certainly recommend this mini-series to any Austen or costume drama fans who are willing to spend four hours watching this breath-taking series.

Here's a quick preview of Emma to whet your appetite if you are unsure whether to watch it or not. Enjoy!

This is my eighth review for the Everything Austen II challenge hosted by Stephanie's Written Word. I still have four more to go!