Emma is a funny, cutting, albeit very horny cracker of a film

A FEW things struck me about this Austen remake. First, was everyone in this period fit? Second, for certificate U, this really is a horny film. And third, there is a lot to be said for sex before marriage. If Emma, George and Harriet had merely cracked on, they’d have saved themselves a lot of […]

A FEW things struck me about this Austen remake.

First, was everyone in this period fit? Second, for certificate U, this really is a horny film.

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Emma is a gorgeous period piece that still somehow manages to appeal to the Instagram generation[/caption]

And third, there is a lot to be said for sex before marriage.

If Emma, George and Harriet had merely cracked on, they’d have saved themselves a lot of bother.

But where’s the fun in that? This is a cracker of a film – all bonnets and coquettish glances – but with a nod to the Instagram generation.

Smug Emma, so convinced of her own matchmaking skills, neglects to realise when she herself is falling head over heels.

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The story follows smug Emma, who is so convinced of her own matchmaking skills she neglects to realise when she herself is falling head over heels[/caption]

What director Autumn de Wilde has brought to the party is a perfectly judged modernisation.

Yes, it’s still a period piece (and gorgeously so).

But Emma herself could easily be getting through the whole thing on a Whats-App group or a few subtle sub-tweets.

The film’s casting is impeccable.

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Plus the film’s casting is impeccable – Anya Taylor-Joy and Johnny Flynn are perfect[/caption]

Anya Taylor-Joy is perfect and Johnny Flynn, one of our most interesting leading men, brings some ruffled danger to proceedings.

A supporting cast including Josh O’Connor, Miranda Hart and a wonderfully twitchy Bill Nighy make every scene a joy.

It’s funny, poignant, cutting and very good indeed.

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Emma (U) 125mins

★★★★☆

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