Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Gwyneth Paltrow | ... | Emma Woodhouse | |
James Cosmo | ... | Mr Weston | |
Greta Scacchi | ... | Mrs Weston | |
Alan Cumming | ... | Mr Elton | |
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Denys Hawthorne | ... | Mr Woodhouse |
Sophie Thompson | ... | Miss Bates | |
Jeremy Northam | ... | Mr Knightley | |
Toni Collette | ... | Harriet Smith | |
Kathleen Byron | ... | Mrs Goddard | |
Phyllida Law | ... | Mrs Bates | |
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Edward Woodall | ... | Mr. Martin |
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Brett Miley | ... | Little Boy |
Brian Capron | ... | John Knightley | |
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Karen Westwood | ... | Isabella |
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Paul Williamson | ... | Footman |
Emma Woodhouse is a congenial young lady who delights in meddling in other people's affairs. She is perpetually trying to unite men and women who are utterly wrong for each other. Despite her interest in romance, Emma is clueless about her own feelings, and her relationship with gentle Mr. Knightly. Written by Philip Brubaker <coda@nando.net>
By no means my favourite Austen novel, and Paltrow is by no means my favourite actress, but I found the film almost totally delightful. Paltrow does a good job, and Cummings, Stevenson and the one who plays 'Miss Bates' are all absolutely terrific. The period detail is not alienating; the feel of the movie is just right, in fact. But the real 'find' is Jeremy Northam as Mr Knightley. There could not be more perfect casting, IMO. I hated Mr K in the novel, but found him wonderfully human and humane in the film. Northam's good looks and smiling eyes are no hindrance to enjoyment, either! Highly recommended. AnaR