About Sense and Sensibility (2008)

Sense and Sensibility is a British television drama adaptation of Jane Austen's 1811 novel of the same name. Directed by John Alexander, this 2008 series aired on BBC One from 1 January to 13 January. The TV series faithfully follows the story of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, as they undergo the trials and tribulations of love, reputation, and wealth.

Making / Production

The production of this series was helmed by some of the best professionals in the industry. It was a BBC production, with Rebecca Eaton executive producing for WGBH Boston. The series was filmed in stunningly beautiful locations across England, including Surrey, Devon, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire.

Actors

• Hattie Morahan played Elinor Dashwood, the eldest Dashwood sister. Morahan effectively portrayed her character as both sensitive and sensible.
• Charity Wakefield was cast as Marianne Dashwood, the younger, more impulsive sister. Wakefield skilfully embodied Marianne's emotional and high spirited nature.
• Dan Stevens, best known for his role in Downton Abbey, excellently portrayed Edward Ferrars, who develops a romantic connection with Elinor.

Trivia / Interesting Facts.

• This is not the first television adaptation of Sense and Sensibility. Previous ones were aired in 1981 and 1995.
• The bank note handed over in the first episode was a £10 note, which did not exist in Regency times.

Awards

The series didn't win any awards, but its striking performances and excellent production values were highly praised by fans and critics alike.

Quotes

• "What do you know of my heart? What do you know of anything but your own suffering." – Marianne Dashwood
• "If I could but know his heart, everything would become easy." – Elinor Dashwood

Music, Soundtrack

• The music for the series was composed by Martin Phipps, who has won multiple BAFTA awards for his work on other television dramas.
• The soundtrack perfectly echoes the moods and themes of the series, bouncing between light and airy for the joyful scenes, and more dark and somber for the dramatic moments.