fbpx

Why This Quiet Drama Stands Apart From Normal Summer Fare

By Andrea Raffin, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16888661

Why This Quiet Drama Stands Apart From Normal Summer Fare

NOTE: EMMA will be available for streaming on Netflix in September. This is a portion of our review of EMMA. For the full review, including a breakdown of content, violence, sex, language and nudity, click here.

Emma, played wonderfully by Gwyneth Paltrow, is a well-to-do young woman who has taken it upon herself to be a matchmaker to her contemporaries in early 19th Century England. She tries to set up the less-advantaged and slightly homely, Harriet Smith, with the Reverend Elton. However, the Reverend Elton confesses his love to Emma. When Emma doesn’t return it, the Reverend Elton marries elsewhere. Meanwhile, Harriet turns down a marriage proposal from a kind farmer, while Emma’s brother-in-law, Mr. Knightley, is looking down on Emma with ridicule. Emma next tries to pair Harriet with Frank Churchill, but fails. Harriet instead falls for Mr. Knightley, arousing Emma’s jealousy for she has grown fond of Knightly. Yet, through frank discussions and reappearing suitors, all turns out very well.

In every way, EMMA stands apart from the normal summer fare. It is a quiet drama that isn’t interested in bad weather, witness protection programs or spies. It is interested in love and marriage. The narrow view of gentility and courtship stimulate us with a sense of chaste fun, while also giving us a sense of monotony, simultaneously. Without the biting and brilliant wit of a script by Emma Thompson who wrote SENSE AND SENSIBILITY, nor the severity and focus of the director for PERSUASION, EMMA stands apart as slightly flawed, but nonetheless, entertaining and moral.

 

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.