All in all, this was a good adaptation of Emma, but not the best I've seen. On the technical side, I find no fault with it. The cinematography is good, the music is well composed and fitting. My complaints lie mainly with the casting and characterization. Romola Garai did maintain Emma's playful nature, but carried it a bit too far for my taste. She lacked the air of sophistication that set her apart from some of the other characters. Jonny Lee Miller does a poor Knightley, in my book, reciting the lines but lacking so much of the character. Christina Cole is a way too perky Mrs. Elton, and Tamsin Greig is too subdued for Miss Bates. The only casting points I can't find fault with are Blake Ritson and Michael Gambon. Ritson gives Mr. Elton an air of piety and aloofness that increases as the story goes on, becoming more and more obnoxious, which is perfect. Gambon is the best Mr. Woodhouse I've seen, fully deserving of the Emmy he was nominated for.
There are certain other points I'm not crazy about, like the fact that this version takes far more liberties with the story than some of the others. However, overall, it's a decent telling.
There are certain other points I'm not crazy about, like the fact that this version takes far more liberties with the story than some of the others. However, overall, it's a decent telling.