This spectacular, eloquent version of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility was the pinnacle of the spurt of Austen adaptations released throughout 1995 and early 1996. This honor results in great part to Emma Thompson's brilliant screenplay, which won her an Oscar, and the stellar performances by leads Thompson, Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, and Hugh Grant, and a host of supporting actors (most notably Hugh Laurie, who provides some comic relief with his curt, stuffy character). Rarely have classic novels been given such lavish, royal, emotionally moving treatment.