This version is far worse than the 90's version. I did not like the actress that played Anne in this version. Frederick was acceptable, although could be a little more weather-beaten, but Anne was not good. She seemed desperate with all the crying and running around. In the book, Anne is affected by his presence in the beginning and reminiscing the past and her decision, but she is not crying and longing for him! She actually wants to avoid him! She grows to feel the full extent of love again and is behaving as a lady ought to behave in these times. In the 2007 movie version Anne is deeply touched by the news that Fredrick is back from the sea and she even cries! Book's Anne is more composed. The fact that in the movie, they made her write a diary seems enough to show her feelings about Fredrick, crying wasn't necessary.

This adaptation of Persuasion was so-so in my mind. The music and cinematography was pretty well-done, but there were some issues in casting (I think). Sally Hawkins was altogether to flimsy and breathless for my taste. In the book, Anne Elliot is somewhat of a beautiful mix of a Lizzy Bennet and a Fanny Price. In this film, she was just . .. odd. And of no personal offense to her, the scene where she is crying over Wentworth's alleged engagement is awful! The sniffling and wiping is just too much. I think she lacked some of the "spunk" Anne is supposed to have (though it is not much) Wentworth was definitely better than Anne, but there was almost a cockiness and immaturity that wasn't at all attractive. However, he was handsome and his expressions were good. Though these two had there qualities as separate characters, they did NOT go together as a couple. There was always an awkwardness about them- even when she is accepting his proposal (I won't even BEGIN on that disturbing "kiss"). Overall, I found that I wasn't even very rejoicing at the final scene where he has given her the house. Despite all these complaints, this was a nicely made adaptation. I would recommend watching it if you haven't already read the book.

I agree with those reviewers who suggest that it is pointless comparing the film adaptations with source novels. I would add that they do not live and die in comparison to previous adaptations either.The acting of the two leads has been criticised for lacking chemistry but I thought that the repression, surely a better title, is a vital part of the story. Here are two people who are afraid of expressing their true feelings.The scene near the end where Anne goes running is her expressing herself. The letter from Wentworth was the same for him. It is a love story of the time and should be viewed as such I think.I enjoyed it. Against my better judgement I agreed to see the BBC adaptation the following evening and will accept that it was better overall. But that doesn't take away the enjoyment that the ITV version can bring.It is a difficult to accept some of the mores from 200 years ago. I felt like kicking Wentworth's beam ends and telling him to act like a man. But then, nice though Anne is, I have to say that she's not the most exciting of heroines. I can accept that part of the story is how a brave and fearless sea captain, fresh from battles with the Spanish and French, can be put onto the back foot by love for a women, and the accepted norms of society, but even so one does feel like shaking him at times. My wife reckons he's the best looking Wentworth ever (a bit like a younger me she said but modesty forbids me to repeat it.) The camera-work was intrusive. In the opening scenes, with Anne running around, reflected at the end of the adaptation, I could see the point of hand held but it did get in the way at other times. And long lingering looks do not do it for me unless there is some deep need for them.An interesting take on a well established favourite so a brave attempt.The adaptation is well worth the few pounds the DVD costs. The only advice I'd give is to see it before the BBC one.6 stars might be seen as a little harsh but it is not a classic.

Sally Hawkins (Ann Eliot) plays for breathlessness and wimpering gagging for Captain Wentworth (Rupert Penry-Jones) in this version of 'Persuasion.' It soon becomes tiresome and one note, so all the scenery and societal comment come to naught. Bath looks good - even Nicholas Cage's pad on the Royal Crescent - as well as CGI Lyme! The costumes are nice, but silly subsidiary characters and overwrought sub plots sink this simple tale to the level of a US Showtime afternoon TV movie! The villain gets his comeuppance by report of a really secondary character, and what Julia Davis was doing cast as the elder sister when she looks old enough to be her father's wife! Good old Anthony Head - what a vain class-ridden poppycock! Not good enough by half.