avatarJanice Harayda

Summary

The new Netflix adaptation of Jane Austen's "Persuasion" is receiving scathing reviews, with some critics suggesting it is on par with the absurdity of "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" and even suggesting that those involved should be imprisoned for their treatment of the classic novel.

Abstract

Critics have harshly condemned the recent film adaptation of "Persuasion," with many expressing that it is an affront to Jane Austen's original work. The film, which stars Dakota Johnson, has been unfavorably compared to the 1995 BBC adaptation, which is held in high regard. The negative reception is exemplified by a British critic's particularly severe review, which not only dismisses the new adaptation but also recommends the 1995 version for its quality and faithful representation of Austen's novel, placing it alongside the iconic "Pride and Prejudice" miniseries featuring Colin Firth.

Opinions

  • The new "Persuasion" is seen as a major disappointment and a potential rival to the poorly received "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" in terms of disrespect to Austen's work.
  • A British critic vehemently disapproves of the new adaptation, suggesting metaphorical imprisonment for those responsible.
  • The 1995 BBC adaptation of "Persuasion" is praised as a superior alternative, with its quality being emphasized by comparing it to the beloved "Pride and Prejudice" miniseries with Colin Firth.
  • The article implies that the dialogue in "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" is cringe-inducing and that the mashup concept is generally viewed as a failure.
  • The critics' consensus is that viewers should opt for the 1995 adaptation of "Persuasion" over the new Netflix version.

Everyone involved in the new ‘Persuasion’ ‘should be in prison.’

Dakota Johnson in “Persuasion” / Netflix

Did you think no Jane Austen movie could be more of a travesty than Pride and Prejudice and Zombies? I skipped that one after reading the novel that inspired it, an Austen mashup awash with cringe-inducing zombie dialogue like: “Mah dear Ewiza, he muss be love you, aw he never wuh have called in dis famiwiar way.”

If the critics are right, Netflix’s new Persuasion may rival Pride and Prejudice and Zombies among the Austen-linked abominations. My favorite pan came from a British critic who argued convincingly that “everyone involved should probably be sent to prison.” She urged you instead to see the superb 1995 BBC Persuasion, which — in her view and mine — ranks up there with the Pride and Prejudice miniseries that had “Colin Firth in a wet shirt.”

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