Sense and Sensibility

BBC's Sense and Sensibility is a vivid adaptation of the classic novel written by Jane Austen. The captivating drama, which is split into three hour-long episodes, was first aired in 2008. With an ensemble of celebrated actors, magnificent period costumes, and picturesque filming locations, this rendition captures both the glamour and complexity of life in the early 19th century English upper-class society with brilliance.

The story centers around the lives of the Dashwood sisters: Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret. Screenwriter Andrew Davies punctuates Austen's narrative with his own idiosyncrasies to make the characters relatable for modern audiences, all while still remaining true to the novel's original essence.

The oldest sister, Elinor Dashwood, portrayed exquisitely by Hattie Morahan, is the epitome of 'sense'. She is sensible, rational, and incredibly self-controlled. On the other hand, Marianne Dashwood, played passionately by Charity Wakefield, is impetuous, romantic and emotional, the embodiment of 'sensibility'. The balance and contrast between the two sisters allow for both compelling individual character development and a captivating exploration of their deep sisterly bond.

The plot begins with the death of their father. The Dashwood girls, along with their mother Mrs. Dashwood, played by the sublime Janet McTeer, face proliferation of financial and social insecurity. They are forced to move from their grand family estate to a humble cottage on a distant relative's property due to an injustice prompted by traditional inheritance laws.

Throughout the series, the narrative skillfully navigates the tumultuous world of romance, secret engagements, societal expectations, sibling rivalry, and moral dilemmas. The audience is kept engaged by witnessing how Elinor and Marianne navigate their complex love lives while grappling with their own character traits. The characters' romantic endeavors are far from a fairytale, just as Austen wrote them. In true Jane Austen fashion, deep social commentary on love, friendship, class, and status underpins their resonant personal journeys.

Dan Stevens, of Downton Abbey fame, gives a remarkable performance as Edward Ferrars, Elinor’s love interest. While Dominic Cooper embodies the spirited and unpredictable John Willoughby, who adds a considerable amount of dramatic tension to the storyline.

This highly acclaimed adaptation is directed by John Alexander, who was celebrated for successfully transferring Austen's written descriptions and the characters’ internal states of mind to the visual medium of TV. There are numerous moments of subtle acting and beautifully composed images that perfectly express the emotions and thoughts of the original text. The entire miniseries presents a distinct ambience of the period, with its misty meadows, lush landscapes, and exquisitely designed indoor sets.

In terms of its musical composition, the series displays a notable accomplishment. Its score, composed by Martin Phipps, deservedly won an Ivor Novello Award for his enhancing soundtrack that embroiders the series with melodic emotion.

One of the striking features of BBC's Sense and Sensibility is its carefully cultivated character depth that reflects the nuanced complexity of real human emotions and motivations. Unlike many simplified or overly romanticized period dramas, this adaptation offers an immensely detailed, affecting exploration of human nature and society.

The show's astonishing accuracy in setting, costumes, and speech infuses an authentic flavor that takes audiences on a true journey back in time. It highlights how limited were the options for women during that period, making us value Austen's female characters who were trying to find personal happiness within a limiting social structure.

Sense and Sensibility by BBC is the perfect watch for any Jane Austen admirer or anyone who appreciates a period drama that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Its essence is encapsulated by Austen’s explorations of how sense and sensibility react under societal pressures and it eloquently shows how the balance of both can lead to true happiness. All in all, this adaptation is a beautiful blend of period authenticity, literary faithfulness and memorable performances, making it a timeless tribute to Austen's novel and her discerning insights into human character and society.