In rural 1800s England things go bad for a young matchmaker after she finds a man for another woman.

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(novel), (screenplay)
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2,300 ( 202)
Won 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 7 nominations. See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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Denys Hawthorne ...
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Edward Woodall ...
Brett Miley ...
Little Boy
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Karen Westwood ...
Paul Williamson ...
Footman
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Storyline

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. Written by Philip Brubaker <[email protected]>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

Cupid is armed and dangerous!

Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for brief mild language | See all certifications »

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Details

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Release Date:

30 August 1996 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Ema  »

Box Office

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$240,649 (USA) (2 August 1996)

Gross:

$22,201,883 (USA) (22 November 1996)
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Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

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Color:

(Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Ruth Myers only had five weeks in which to create 150 costumes for the production, and she was constantly working on the set. See more »

Goofs

(at around 18 mins) When Emma draws a portrait of miss Smith, Emma doesn't wear earrings. However after Mr Knightly joins, Emma is seen with her earrings on. See more »

Quotes

Mr. Knightley: Men of sense, whatever you may say, do not want silly wives!
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Crazy Credits

Thanks to ... the people of Evershot. See more »


Soundtracks

Silent Worship
from "Ptolemy" (1728)
Written by George Frideric Handel (as G.F. Handel)
Words by Arthur Somervell
Performed by Gwyneth Paltrow and Ewan McGregor
Arranged by Arthur Somervell
©J. Corwen & Sons Ltd.
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User Reviews

Stop making comparisons and just enjoy it...
16 January 2001 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

For those JASNA devotees (Jane Austen Society of North America), this adaptation of Jane Austen's "Emma" will truly send them running for the hills.

But if you're willing to view Emma with the belief that this movie is loosely based on the novel, and enjoy it on its own merits, you'll truly enjoy yourself.

Emma (Gwyneth Paltrow) is the apple of her aged father's eye and spends her ample free time trying to play matchmaker. Having achieved some success by matching her own governess with the widowed Mr. Weston, Emma sets out to match easily persuaded, impoverished newcomer Harriet Smith (Toni Collete) with hilarious results.

Some have complained that the casting is "all wrong" but I don't agree. I think for the comedic spirit of the film, the actors were well chosen. Sophie Thompson nearly steals the show as the muddled but happy Miss Bates. Her silent mother, Mrs. Bates (played by Sophie Thompson's real-life mother Phyllida Law), also steals a few scenes. In my humble opinion, anybody who prefers Mark Strong (the A&E version) over Jeremy Northam in the role of Mr. Knightley has to be "addled in the attic" as it were. Not tall enough? I'm sorry but I wasn't watching how tall he was but that mesmerizing smile. I'm sure I wasn't the only one swooning in my seat.

This is no literary classic (the movie NOT the book!) so let's not make it something it isn't. What Emma truly IS..is an enjoyable romp with a healthy dollop of romance. Viewed in this light, you're in for a good time.

And yes, Ewan McGregor's wig IS hideous. My friends compared it to a dead cat but that would do the cat an injustice.


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