Love & Friendship

Roadside Attractions | Release Date: May 13, 2016

6.8	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 118 Ratings

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TVJerryMay 28, 2016

Don't get excited when you find out that this is based on Jane Austen's novella "Lady Susan." Although it's set in the lovely 18th century locales of the author's other tales, the central character (Kate Beckinsale) is unlike her typicalDon't get excited when you find out that this is based on Jane Austen's novella "Lady Susan." Although it's set in the lovely 18th century locales of the author's other tales, the central character (Kate Beckinsale) is unlike her typical heroines. She's a selfish, dishonest, scheming widow who manipulates everyone around her to find husbands for herself and her daughter. Although Beckinsale is lovely, she doesn't possess the charismatic qualities that could have made the character compelling. She dominates the dialogue and there's lots of it…not much of it as clever as needed. The only memorable character (Sir James Martin) is played with delightful dizziness by Tom Bennett. The surprisingly colorful costumes are exquisite and there is a lively pace that keeps the film afloat. It may look like a typical Austen flick, but lacks the elegant charm and romantic appeal we've come to expect from the genre.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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Brent_MarchantMay 26, 2016

Excellent production values, capable acting and witty writing aside, this period piece comedy ultimately comes off as largely inconsequential. The dry humor is mildly amusing, and the conniving protagonist plays like Joan Collins Lite, butExcellent production values, capable acting and witty writing aside, this period piece comedy ultimately comes off as largely inconsequential. The dry humor is mildly amusing, and the conniving protagonist plays like Joan Collins Lite, but otherwise there's not much to this lightweight fare to significantly engage the viewer's attention. Just because it's Jane Austen doesn't mean it's good.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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foxgroveJun 6, 2016

The reasons that this less well known Jane Austen novel has taken so long to reach the screen becomes all too obvious in this unsatisfactory adaptation. Whilst the screenplay is very literate and not without its moments of humour, the barrageThe reasons that this less well known Jane Austen novel has taken so long to reach the screen becomes all too obvious in this unsatisfactory adaptation. Whilst the screenplay is very literate and not without its moments of humour, the barrage of verbiage finally adds up to little in the way of real drama. The cast give it their all and Kate Beckinsale is suitably conniving and manipulative as Lady Susan. Ultimately, though, it remains a resolutely small and unambitious chamber piece. The high production values that helped elevate both ‘Emma’ and ‘Sense and Sensibility’ are sorely missing here, even if the costumes on display are beautiful in themselves. Love and Friendship is finally and fatally undone by its lack of dramatic incident.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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jgzegerApr 8, 2017

Kate Beckinsale is good and the costumes in this movie are great, but I think it will appeal mostly to fans of Jane Austin films about 18th century British upper class society, their lives and loves. I'm not.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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LeZeeSep 29, 2016

A mother's quest to find a perfect man for her beloved daughter!

I am not the audience for it and I realised that only after watching it. There's no other way, besides, I like Kate Beckinsale a lot and don't want to miss it out. I likeA mother's quest to find a perfect man for her beloved daughter!

I am not the audience for it and I realised that only after watching it. There's no other way, besides, I like Kate Beckinsale a lot and don't want to miss it out. I like periodic drama, those colorful costumes, horse riding, proper English and the culture, all of them very interests me. Particularly Jane Austen's work, I don't think anybody would miss it if they know her masterworks.

But my issue was the presentation. It looked a lot like a stage drama than a motion picture, anyway all the Jane Austen work is like that only. I'm not doubting the actors, in fact, not just my beauty queen Kate Beckinsale, all of them were good. Also thought the story was good which I felt kind of similar to 'Emma' by the same author, yet I'm disappointed with the way it was narrated for the screen.

I know some people liked it, and my choice of words may annoy them, but I don't want to offend them or the film, just wanted to say what I felt, that's all. My bad luck, the film was not what I wanted. Slow film, but the length was good enough to forget any lags in the pace. Other than one thing what I said bothered me the most, this is a nice film, definitely not bad to watch it once. I said that believing you might be different than me. So that is an indirect suggest, but if you are another me, I'll favour you to skip it. Anyway, many would watch it by the time go on and going give their's the good, the bad and the ugly opinions and nobody can stop it.

5/10… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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badgerryan19May 19, 2017

Very good production values, acting, and surprisingly funny at point. Kate Beckinsale stands out big time in this adaptation of Jane Austen's book. I thought it was a bit slow for me though.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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