--- title: "Sense and Sensibility: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/film/sense-and-sensibility/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/film/sense-and-sensibility" critics_score: 84 critics_reviews: 7 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Sense and Sensibility (1995): what the critics said Critics' score 84 from 7 reviews: 7 positive, 0 mixed, 0 negative. The reviews are consistently positive, with praise centred on the ensemble, the comedy and Ang Lee’s handling of Austen’s social distinctions. Thompson and Winslet receive particular attention, while Thompson’s screenplay is admired for preserving the irony and giving the characters emotional depth. Most critics find the film lively rather than dutiful: its period setting leaves plenty of room for humour, and Lee’s attention to behaviour keeps the relationships engaging. The differences concern how much polish and contrivance the adaptation can bear. Radio Times praises Lee’s period realism, but RogerEbert.com finds the production idealised and the plotting contrived, judging it less satisfying than Persuasion. The Los Angeles Times also has reservations about the direction and the script’s tone, though casting and narrative pleasures outweigh them. The spread runs from warm approval to enthusiasm; even the more reserved reviews find considerable wit and charm in the performances. ## Radio Times — David Parkinson Rating 5/5. Hiring Ang Lee was inspired; he brings refreshing period realism that lets Thompson's Oscar-winning script flourish. Winslet gives the standout performance in a strong ensemble. [Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-6ekz1n/sense-and-sensibility/) ## Variety — Todd McCarthy Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 3 December 1995. A witty and rollicking adaptation that is classy and entirely enjoyable; strong ensemble performances, handsome production and deft direction make it a treat bound for strong box office. [Read the review](https://variety.com/1995/film/reviews/austen-makes-bigscreen-sense-1200444233/) ## The New York Times — Janet Maslin Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 13 December 1995. The grandly entertaining film unites Jane Austen with director Ang Lee in a sparkling, colorful and contemporary comedy of manners that matches 'Clueless' for sheer fun. [Read the review](https://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/13/movies/film-review-in-mannerly-search-of-marriageable-men.html) ## The New Yorker — Terrence Rafferty Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 11 December 1995. A charming adaptation where common sense prevails over sensibility in an ideal rendering of Austen's down-to-earth manner; it is a gracious, unfailingly pleasant entertainment with strong performances, especially from Thompson and Winslet. [Read the review](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1995/12/18/fidelity-and-infidelity) ## Time Out — GA Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). The film is most enjoyable and faithful to Austen's themes and ironic wit, with fine performances from Thompson and Winslet supporting the ensemble. [Read the review](https://www.timeout.com/movies/sense-and-sensibility) ## Los Angeles Times — Kenneth Turan Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 13 December 1995. The audience-friendly Hollywood version of Austen that creates much good feeling with its fail-safe close; excellent casting and plot delight overcome some issues with direction and script tone. [Read the review](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-12-13-ca-13370-story.html) ## RogerEbert.com — Roger Ebert Rating 3/4. 13 December 1995. The film is enjoyable and civilized but not as satisfying as the earlier Austen adaptation 'Persuasion'; it has wit and charm from the actors but suffers from contrivances and an idealized production. [Read the review](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/sense-and-sensibility-1995) ## Empire — Deborah Brown 23 February 1996. The critic praises Emma Thompson's adaptation and screenplay for its comedy and emotional depth, along with strong performances especially from Thompson, Alan Rickman and supporting cast. Ang Lee's direction is highlighted for its restrained, character-focused approach that avoids typical period drama clichés. [Read the review](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/sense-sensibility-review/) ## Sight and Sound — Claire Monk Lee's adaptation is the most enjoyable and least complacent of recent Austen films, owing as much to the director's eye for social codes as to Thompson's droll feminist script. It stands out for its broad, self-mocking satirical energy and subversive spirit. [Read the review](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/subversive-spirit-satirical-energy-sense-sensibility-reviewed-1996) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/film/sense-and-sensibility.md