Ms. Emma Woodhouse
Recently I had the pleasure of watching BBC’s production of Emma. I enjoyed it greatly and wanted to tell you a bit about it! Also, if you have Amazon Prime you can watch it for free here!
Though I’ve not read the book by Jane Austen, I’ve read that the filmmakers made every effort to be true to the story. This newer version explained so much more than the earlier Emma starring Gwyneth Paltrow (though I did enjoy this version as well!).
The story starts out when Emma Woodhouse is just a baby and gives a brief background through to when she is about sixteen. Her older sister marries a Mr. John Knightley. Emma fancies herself the one responsible for the alliance and decides that she has a knack for matchmaking. A few years pass and she decides to put her matchmaking “skills” to work once again and matches her governess with a local widower.
Now about twenty or so, Emma finds herself alone with her widowed father. She quickly finds a new friend, Harriet, and seeks to help the young lady refine her manners. Not to worry, she has a match in mind for her new friend! There is a young, “handsome” vicar, Mr. Elton, whom Emma believes will be a suitable husband.
Meanwhile, Emma’s neighbor, Mr. George Knightley, visits Emma and her father frequently. He tries to encourage Emma to mind her business and not “help” others with her matchmaking skills. She does not appreciate his sensible counsel, but they are good friends.
Mr. Elton frequents Emma’s house and showers attention on both Emma and her friend Harriet. Of course Emma is certain that this guarantees a proposal for Harriet and promises her friend that she will be moving into the vicarage within the year! Unfortunately, Mr. Elton has his sights set on Emma and poor Harriet gets her heart broken. Emma certainly does not return his interest and abruptly refuses his proposal.
Two locals, Emma’s age, return for the first time since their childhood, Mr. Frank Churchill and Ms. Jane Fairfax. Jane is quiet and keeps to herself. It is said that since she doesn’t come from any money she will have to seek employment as a governess. Frank is loud and boisterous, full of fun and mischief, not the definition of a gentleman.
Emma is attracted to Frank’s fun-loving ways and the two get along famously. Unfortunately, Frank’s behavior doesn’t bring out the best in Emma. She forgets her manners and picks up on his foolishness. Mr. Knightley privately reprimands Emma and encourages her to be kind and remember her breeding. It is so interesting to see how Mr. Knightley seems to bring out Emma’s better qualities, while Frank does not.
Emma’s transformation from the beginning of the movie to the end is lovely to see. She earnestly desires to please her “oldest and dearest” friend, Mr. Knightley, and it is evident as she seeks to make amends for her past shortcomings. I do cringe for her when she makes a fool of herself along with Frank when the group of friends go to Box Hill for the day. Then she realizes what a mistake she’s made and tries hard to make up for it. Again, she grows into more of a lady as she seeks to do better.
And then the end of the movie comes, and what better ending then Emma getting married?! If you know the story, then you know whom she marries. If you don’t, then I do hate to spoil it for you! Just know that it does end happily and sweetly – the best way for any story to end!
If you enjoy sweet love stories, then you will like this movie very much! It inspired me to be extra sure to watch my behavior no matter whom I am around – I don’t need any “Frank Churchill’s” bringing out my less beautiful side! What about you, do you enjoy movies? Do they ever inspire you to hold yourself to a higher standard?! Do share!
Until Next Time!
Hope.