Emma (1996)
84%RT Audience Score: 77%
Awards & Nominations: Won 1 Oscar
3 wins & 7 nominations total
Emma marks an auspicious debut for writer-director Douglas McGrath, making the most of its Jane Austen source material — and a charming performance from Gwyneth Paltrow
Emma” is a delightful romp through the world of Jane Austen, with Gwyneth Paltrow leading the way as the charming and witty Emma. The film boasts a top-notch cast, with no weak links to be found. While some critics may find fault with the film’s lack of answers to tougher questions, I found myself transported to a world of wealth and romantic intrigue that was visually stunning and just plain fun. And let’s not forget Sophie Thompson’s unforgettable turn as the talkative Miss Bates. All in all, “Emma” is perfect for warmhearted family entertainment, and a must-see for fans of Austen’s work.
Production Company(ies)
Amazon Studios, Stay Gold Features, Kindred Spirit
Distributor
Miramax Films
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
Evershot, Dorset, England, UK
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG for brief mild language
Year of Release
1996
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Color:Color
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Sound mix:Dolby Dolby Digital
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Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
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Runtime:2h 1m
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Language(s):English
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Country of origin:United States
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Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Aug 2, 1996 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 5, 1999
Genre(s)
Romance
Keyword(s)
starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeremy Northam, Toni Collette, Greta Scacchi, Alan Cumming, Juliet Stevenson, directed by Douglas McGrath, written by Jane Austen, Douglas McGrath, romance, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Michael Wilmington, David Ansen, Chris Peachment, Lisa Schwarzbaum, Hal Hinson, Trevor Johnston, Rachel Wagner, Mike Massie, Julia Swift, Alan Jones, PG, Miramax Films, produced by Steven Haft, Patrick Cassavetti, Jane Austen adaptation, matchmaker, upper class society, meddling, love, friendship, period piece, charming performance, witty dialogue, good acting, good sense of humor, enjoyable, fun, memorable performances, top-drawer cast, visually stunning, warmhearted family entertainment, unforced charm, remarkable achievement, perfect for warmhearted family entertainment, visually stunning trip, magical spell, bright and breezy drama, fun along the way
Worldwide gross: $22,231,658
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $42,434,577
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,412
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 4,627,544
US/Canada gross: $22,231,658
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $42,434,577
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,141
US/Canada opening weekend: $240,649
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $459,338
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,430
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $6,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $11,452,473
Production budget ranking: 1,616
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $6,167,157
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $24,814,948
ROI to date (est.): 141%
ROI ranking: 793
Jeremy Northam – Mr. Knightley
Toni Collette – Harriet Smith
Greta Scacchi – Mrs. Weston
Alan Cumming – Rev. Elton
Juliet Stevenson – Mrs. Elton
Director(s)
Douglas McGrath
Writer(s)
Jane Austen, Douglas McGrath
Producer(s)
Steven Haft, Patrick Cassavetti
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Won 1 Oscar
3 wins & 7 nominations total
Academy Awards
All Critics (53) | Top Critics (18) | Fresh (45) | Rotten (8)
Paltrow carries it all as lightly as a breeze on Highbury hills.
November 27, 2019 | Rating: 3.5/4
Michael Wilmington
Chicago Tribune
TOP CRITIC
Emma’s’ unforced charm is a remarkable achievement for a first-time writer-director.
February 27, 2018
David Ansen
Newsweek
TOP CRITIC
A good and creditable final curtain on Jane Austen.
November 28, 2017
Chris Peachment
Daily Telegraph (UK)
TOP CRITIC
Perhaps the highest praise that can be given Paltrow is that there are no appreciable performance gaps between her green talents and the rest of the truly top-drawer cast.
September 7, 2011 | Rating: B
Lisa Schwarzbaum
Entertainment Weekly
TOP CRITIC
Suddenly you remember how merciless and cutting Austen’s satire can be, even in the brutal ’90s.
August 19, 2006
Hal Hinson
Washington Post
TOP CRITIC
When the going gets tougher the film doesn’t have many answers, and the odd unsettling surge of over-emphasis betrays an eye on the American market.
January 26, 2006
Trevor Johnston
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
Terrific chemistry between Emma and Mr Knightley in this one
April 7, 2022
Rachel Wagner
Rachel’s Reviews (YouTube)
The performances are grandly convincing, with Sophie Thompson as the talkative Miss Bates a particularly unforgettable role.
September 11, 2020 | Rating: 7/10
Mike Massie
Gone With The Twins
If you allow yourself to be transported to this world of wealth and romantic intrigue, you will be rewarded with a visually stunning trip that may not leave a lasting impression but sure is fun along the way.
May 10, 2020 | Rating: 7
Julia Swift
My Champlain Valley
This bright and breezy drama weaves a magical spell, with Paltrow at its charming centre.
November 27, 2019 | Rating: 4/5
Alan Jones
Radio Times
Perfect for warmhearted family entertainment.
January 1, 2011 | Rating: 4/5
Ellen MacKay
Common Sense Media
May 7, 2007 | Rating: 1/5
Chuck O’Leary
FulvueDrive-in.com…
Plot
Emma Woodhouse is a congenial young lady who delights in meddling in other people’s affairs. She is perpetually trying to unite men and women who are utterly wrong for each other. Despite her interest in romance, Emma is clueless about her own feelings, and her relationship with gentle Mr. Knightly.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Nothing to add here about Emma.
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