This is far from being the best adaptation of a Jane Austen novel.While there is a defined story line, it is often difficult to follow due to the way in which the action jumps from place to place with little or no explanation. This makes the film disjointed, something which is made worse by the tendency of some of the players to rush or mumble their words. Chloe Sevigny, as Lady Susan's friend and confidante, Alicia Johnson, is particularly guilty in this respect.The sets, costumes and general atmosphere are excellent although the production lacks any real impetus. The acting ranges from good to indifferent, some of the actors seeming to be doing little more than entering, reading their lines and then disappearing again. That said, Kate Beckinsale makes a fair fist of her leading role and Tom Bennett, as the excruciatingly awful Sir James Martin, is something of a scene stealer. However, the object of Lady Susan's enduring affection, Lord Manwaring, barely appears, which one could also wish of his wife who screeches and wails to no purpose and surely behaves in no way like a late 18th lady.Would I watch it again ? Perhaps, on a wet Wednesday in winter when there was nothing else to do, but I wouldn't go out of my way for it.

Love & FriendshipIt's a bit cheesy, ridiculous and ironic tale retold in a light manner and keeps it all on surface despite of possessing such a deep and layered concept. Having said that, it doesn't suggest in any way that it doesn't lacks issues; it is chalky around the edges and volatile on emotions. The screenplay is fast paced and well structured; something that is unfamiliar to such genre, and that is what hooks the audience and keeps them on the edge of the seat. The technical aspects like production, costume and make-up design along with background score, is not one of its strength. The adaptation by Whit Stillman is smart and finely edited which latter also helps him on executing the anticipated vision as it grows effortless. It is quite difficult to portray such manipulative dislikeable character (addition to that she is hilarious too in her brutal sarcastic nature) and still mark an impression; is one of the main reason why Kate Beckinsale seems an appropriate choice. The tone of the feature is poised and visually rich that may come off a bit pretentious as it lacks proper technical aspects that should have actually been supportive and instead falls against it. Love & Friendship is not so lovable but surely a trustworthy friend that has an immensely powerful central character that changes one's perspective through its twisted yet somewhat justifying act.

Lady Susan Vernon takes up temporary residence at her in-laws' estate and, while there, is determined to be a matchmaker for her daughter Frederica -- and herself too, naturally. I love Kate Beckinsale as an actress but my god this film was awful first of all both the actors and the characters are boring and their stories weren't even that interesting. The humor was dumber than a rock it's basically that boring and straight face English humor that most of this films use in general and believe me it's not good. The plot is also not that interesting either i mean common, am i supposed to care about a woman who tries to marry her daughter but also find someone of her own haven't we seen that before like millions of times? This is without a doubt Kate Beckinsale's worst film and unfortunately another example of how bad critics are. (0/10)

I always like Period drama. This movie is just average. It's just too fast and too many characters to follow. The old English language is a little hard to grasp. I admit that my English is not that good unfortunately. I would have to watch it again to fully appreciate what's going on.