Sense and Sensibility

How this film uses it

The story starts with an inheritance. When Henry Dashwood dies, his house goes to his son John and his wife Fanny, who move into the family home. Money shapes where the sisters can live and who can marry whom.

Where to see it

The inheritance. Mr. Dashwood dies, John and Fanny move into Norland Park, and the Dashwood women are left with 500 pounds a year.

How this film uses it

Elinor, Edward and Lucy form a triangle where each pair has its own story. Lucy tells Elinor that she and Edward have been secretly engaged for 5 years. Elinor loves Edward, but she keeps this quiet.

Where to see it

Lucy's secret. Lucy confides to Elinor that she and Edward have been secretly engaged for 5 years.

How this film uses it

Elinor hides her feelings behind manners and duty. Emma Thompson plays her with a steady face. Lee focused on body language and had Thompson practice tai chi to help her do things more simply.

Where to see it

Elinor and Lucy. Elinor stays composed and keeps Lucy's secret while her own hopes about Edward fall apart.

How this film uses it

Marianne's first meeting with Willoughby happens on a rainy hill, and her later walk in the rain leads to a near-fatal illness. The weather and the open land make her feelings physical. Lee shot the hill scene around 50 times, and Kate Winslet collapsed from hypothermia.

Where to see it

Marianne in the rain. She is caught in the rain on a hill and Willoughby rescues her. Later she walks a long way in torrential rain to see his estate, falls seriously ill and is rescued by Colonel Brandon.

How this film uses it

Elinor holds herself together all film, so her breakdown feels earned. Thompson cried through most of Edward's speech, and Lee asked her not to turn her head toward the camera. Thompson told Hugh Grant it would work as funny as well as touching.

Where to see it

Edward's return. He says Lucy has married his brother Robert, and Elinor bursts into tears when she learns he is free.