
Emma
1996, Romance/Drama, 2h 1m
52 Reviews 50,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
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. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Emma Woodhouse
Mr. Knightley
Harriet Smith
Mrs. Weston
Rev. Elton
Mrs. Elton
News & Interviews for Emma
Critic Reviews for Emma
All Critics (52) | Top Critics (18) | Fresh (44) | Rotten (8)
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Paltrow carries it all as lightly as a breeze on Highbury hills.
November 27, 2019 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review… -
Emma's' unforced charm is a remarkable achievement for a first-time writer-director.
February 27, 2018 | Full Review… -
A good and creditable final curtain on Jane Austen.
November 28, 2017 | Full Review… -
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 | Full Review… -
Suddenly you remember how merciless and cutting Austen's satire can be, even in the brutal '90s.
August 19, 2006 | Full Review… -
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 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Emma
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Apr 23, 2011"Maybe it is our Imperfections that make us so wonderful for each other" An interesting study of a young upper class woman Emma Woodhouse (Gwyneth Paltrow) whose position of privilege in English country society allows her to meddle in the private affairs of others! She tries to be a matchmaker for her friend Harriet (Toni Collette) with the nice young reverend Elton (Alan Cumming), but it turns out he was only interested in Emma! Problems ahead for everyone involved. Throughout the movie, Emma's unsuccessful matchmaking attempts and other obstacles help her to see the error in her ways and to consequently become a better person. The two most important men in Emma's life are her father (Denys Hawthorne) and Mr. Knightley (Jeremy Northam), her lifelong friend who is the shining star in the movie. He perfectly blends upper class haughtiness with gentlemanly strength to create a character every female secretly wants to be swept away by. No offense but Ewan McGregor looked hideous in comparison.Deb S Super Reviewer
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Sep 09, 2010I don't know why everyone loves this movie I thought it was extremely boring.Cassie H Super Reviewer
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Jan 04, 2010Before Gwyneth became annoying, she actually created some memorable performances. This was..I believe...the first film of hers that I saw and despite my dislike for period pieces, I enjoyed it.John B Super Reviewer
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May 31, 2009Emma was an adaptation of Jane Austen novel. I saw some of her other novels and I have to say she was such a good writer with good sense of humor. Emma was a fun movie with great dialog and good acting. Gwyneth, once again, amazing, like she was in Shakespeare.It was not such a deep and moving story, but it was enjoyable. If you are an Austen fan I recommend you Emma.Daisy M Super Reviewer
Emma Quotes
Mr. Knightley: | Vanity working on a weak mind produces every kind of mischief. |
Frank Churchill: | Is your horse just washing his feet or are there darker forces at work? |
Emma Woodhouse: | The latter I'm afraid. Something has happened to the wheel and I cannot move. |
Frank Churchill: | Well you'll just have to live here then. Bye-bye. |
Mr. Knightley: | Whom you going to dance with? |
Emma Woodhouse: | With you if you'll ask me. You've shown yourself to be a fine dancer despite all your protests and it shall not be improper for us to dance. After all we are not brother and sister. |
Mr. Knightley: | (Laughing) Brother and sister?! No, no... No indeed we are not... |
Mr. Knightley: | [laughing] Brother and sister?! No, no... No indeed we are not... |
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