There is a lack of harmony between the two heroes

"Persugen"...a lack of creativity and a betrayal of the novel

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If you've read Jane Austen's 1817 novel Persuasion, or you're a fan of British novels, this Netflix movie isn't for you.

You don't have to read Austen's novel to know that the movie has nothing of substance.

This is a common fact that you find among those who are familiar with English literature.

The film's quote takes the general outline of the novel and ignores everything that makes it unique, especially as it is the author's fifth completed novel.

Adapting the novel: Ron Bass and Alice Victoria Winslow omit most of Austen's text in favor of writing a modernist character, in cooperation with theatrical director Carrie Cracknell, who applied to the film some of the trend of modernity in recent years, which affects the dialogue mainly with some other elements, such as the case of the series « Burgerton, which is also produced by "Netflix".

Of course, any able filmmaker can update a work on a classic novel without taking it out of its time and adding new elements to it.

Armondo Lanucci did it in "David Copperfield's Personal History", as did Greta Gerwig in "Little Women" in 2019.

And there's also an Autumn de Wild update of Austin's "Emma" in 2020, which has been paused due to the pandemic, and these three films have one thing in common: a degree of respect for the original source.

Which is missing from this movie.

In her criticism of the film, Clarice Louvre, a critic for The Independent, said: “The film does not contain even a single part that indicates that the authors have read the novel.

The funny thing is that the director herself told the New York Times that this novel is her favorite, but who will be interested in the audience, most of whom have not read the novel and are looking for pure entertainment.

The story elements are very familiar and follow the narrative set by Austin.

In 1814, Anne Elliot (Dakota Johnson) was engaged to Frederick Wentworth (Cosmo Jarvis).

In order to convince Anne that the man is not suitable for her (hence the title of the novel: Persuasion).

You break up with him and regret it.

Seven years later, Anne is still a spinster at 27, by which time she is past the age of marriage.

While Frederick gained fame and greatness because of his participation in the war against Napoleon.

They meet by chance and then become familiar with their presence on occasions, but the meetings are painful for them and they are exposed to several situations of misunderstanding that undermine the hopes of returning their engagement, especially when it turns out that there is some kind of relationship between Fredick and Louisa (Nia Toll), Anne's sister, and a relationship between Anne and her cousin William (Henry Golding). .

Regardless of the filmmakers' familiarity with Austen's novel, the heroine Anne is quoted differently from the novel.

In the film, she is cast in the mold of Elizabeth Bennett from "Pride and Prejudice" or Emma Woodhouse, the heroine of "Emma", who is sharp-tongued and exposed to frustrating situations.

We provide this information from a quick Google search, because the author of this topic has not read the novel: Anne, the heroine of the novel “Persuasion,” is sad and pensive and has learned to be convinced of her share in life until her emotional balance is disturbed.

And in a completely unsuccessful artistic decision by Cracknell, Anne “breaks the fourth wall” cinematically, that is, she looks into the camera and speaks directly to the audience.

A decision that was supposed to affect the viewer, but distracts him.

The film's approach to diversifying the races of the cast is limited to supporting roles.

As is known, any story set in the beginning of the 19th century in Britain will have all its characters only white and blonde.

But updating the story required breaking the rule. We have a mentor, Anne, who is her mother in the story, Lady Russell (Nicky Amuka Bird) of African descent, and Henry Golding of Malaysian origin, both of whom are good in their role, although the text hides the malign side of Golding's character.

The most remarkable character is Mr. Walter Elliot (Richard Grant) with an exaggerated performance that befits his character in the novel as written by Austen.

Although the two heroes retain the color of their skin, as in the novel, they are not successful options for the heroism.

Dakota reflects joy and happiness in almost all of her scenes, which may go along with "Pride and Prejudice" or "Emma", but it does not fit with this character, even when Anne reflects panic, it is unbelievable, and this is an interesting point if we review all of Dakota's previous roles we will find ranges Her performances varied well with the exception of her role in the "Al-Khamseen" trilogy.

On the other hand, Jarvis tries hard to appear pessimistic, pale and lacking in character, especially as a warrior just back from the war front.

Of course, there is no harmony between him and the heroine.

Turning Persuasion into a movie for the general public, especially those who liked "Burgerton" and "Mr. Malcolm List", proves a lack of Cracknell's creative imagination and a betrayal of the novel.

And if you do not distinguish between the name of the famous 19th century author and the capital of the US state of Texas, "Persugen" may suit you.

If you are looking for the spirit of the novel and a performance that does not include looking at the camera every minute, then stay away from this movie.

To view the issue in full,

The director stated that this novel is her favourite, but the film does not contain even a single part that indicates that the authors have read the novel.

If you do not distinguish between the name of the famous 19th century author and the capital of the US state of Texas, "Persugen" may suit you.

You don't have to read Austen's novel to know that the movie has nothing of its essence... it just ignores everything that makes it unique.

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