Emma.

Focus Features | Release Date: February 21, 2020

6.3	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 125 Ratings

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User Reviews

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clover13Feb 23, 2020

Meandering, plotless, and boring, but the set design and costumes were incredible.

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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bigeyesFeb 29, 2020

Pretty but pointless. Vapid heroine, limp almost nonexistent plot, emotional arcs that run from c to c+. Beautiful visuals and a handful of charming moments. Go if you want eye candy, but put a tight leash on your expectations.

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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TomHugMar 20, 2020

I am semi-literate with Austen novels, but it seems like this movie more than many other adaptations requires fairly esoteric Austen insider knowledge and knowledge of the character backgrounds that would be developed in the novel, but is notI am semi-literate with Austen novels, but it seems like this movie more than many other adaptations requires fairly esoteric Austen insider knowledge and knowledge of the character backgrounds that would be developed in the novel, but is not in the movie, to really enjoy. There are some occasional well-acted and tender moments here, but mostly this is a prettily photographed but frequently boring movie.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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GreatMartinMar 6, 2020

Until I met a friend in 1967 I was a "Yes, I've read 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Sense and Sensibility' and that was my extent of 'knowing' Jane Austen. Over the years I have seen some movies based on the titles I mentioned and until I met theUntil I met a friend in 1967 I was a "Yes, I've read 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Sense and Sensibility' and that was my extent of 'knowing' Jane Austen. Over the years I have seen some movies based on the titles I mentioned and until I met the aforementioned friend I spelled the last name Austin! Little by little I read more of her books and, on my own, did some research on the author.

I really wasn't familiar with Jane Austen's "Emma" or the movies, including "Clueless", based on the book. This version has constant reminders of the title actress, Anya Taylor-Joy, of her big expressive eyes and curled hair. She sees herself as a matchmaker who boasts that she has never been wrong yet! Three hours later I still see the eyes and curls but except for that one line, I couldn't tell you what else she said!

I have mentioned before that recently I have had problems hearing in movies so I have been using earphones but though I could follow the storyline--being familiar with Austen's works helped--I had a hard time understanding any of the actors including Johnny Flynn, Josh O'Connor, Mia Goth and Amber Anderson but Bill Nighy, as Emma's father, gets across exactly what he is thinking and saying with his face, body and mere glances.

The PBS aspect of "Emma" meaning the lush England lawns, gardens and homes plus the costumes and hairstyles is Masterpiece Theatre at its best.

At times the music was jarring but at least it broke up the boredom I experienced watching the film.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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cflanmacMar 9, 2020

Even Bill Nighy can't save this appalling movie based on Jane Austen's wonderful book. Yes, the costumes are exquisite--no expense was spared--and the vistas were grand--but the acting was wooden; wooden except when the actor was OVER-actingEven Bill Nighy can't save this appalling movie based on Jane Austen's wonderful book. Yes, the costumes are exquisite--no expense was spared--and the vistas were grand--but the acting was wooden; wooden except when the actor was OVER-acting dreadfully. The occasional surprises were definitely unnecessary and distracting. As a former English professor I would recommend the 1996 version of Emma, with Kate Beckinsale, Bernard Hepton, Mark Strong, and Samantha Bond.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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jlhm17May 12, 2020

Not good. The acting felt like a high school play for at least a third of the movie. I got the feeling that most of the actors didn’t understand the characters as Jane Austen had written them, only as De Wilde wanted them to be portrayed.Not good. The acting felt like a high school play for at least a third of the movie. I got the feeling that most of the actors didn’t understand the characters as Jane Austen had written them, only as De Wilde wanted them to be portrayed. Johnny Flynn played Mr. Knightley nicely, and I would like to see him play the role in a proper version without all the bizarre moments thrown in (nose bleeds?? bare butts in front of fireplaces?? why??!). Mia Goth also did a good job with Harriet, and Miranda Hart was a fantastic Miss Bates. One of the biggest misses in this version was Emma’s relationship with her father. She hardly seems to notice Mr. Woodhouse! Her first thought after the proposal isn’t of Mr. Woodhouse but of Harriet. Her transformation into a better person fell flat too. I hardly noticed it. Pretty to look at but a very superficial, empty version trying to be artistic and avant- garde but falling flat.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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JonatanikFeb 3, 2022

I really disliked this film. Just so much eye candy and so little attention to what makes the novel great, i.e. subtlety, lightness of touch, nuanced characterization. I especially disliked the main character's flirting with the camera - why,I really disliked this film. Just so much eye candy and so little attention to what makes the novel great, i.e. subtlety, lightness of touch, nuanced characterization. I especially disliked the main character's flirting with the camera - why, oh why? Is it some Broadway pantomime or what? And Ford's general store being made to look like something out of the remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?? I find it difficult to believe that anyone who loves the novel can feel anything but annoyance, revulsion or just plain boredom sitting through this film.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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