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The final, completed, novel written by literary icon Jane Austen is a timeless story and has now been adapted to the screen with an A-list star retelling the dramas of the 19th century. Book
lovers and period drama fans are always on the hunt for a taste of Austen's stories. Despite being around for centuries, they can't quite get enough of her witty characters and
steamy romances. Persuasion offers both of those things, and so when the film adaptation was released in 2022, it was highly anticipated by Austen enthusiasts. A viewer took to Rotten
Tomatoes to share: "People are mad it’s not your usual Austen adaptation. It’s funny, it’s modern, it’s cute, it’s heart-wrenching… It’ll make you laugh and make you cry. It’s one of my
favourite movies. Even if the two have zero chemistry!" Starring American actress Dakota Johnson, which many considered to be a controversial move in itself, the movie sees her play
leading lady Anne Elliot after her recent move to Bath, England. The English woman, at 27-years-old, makes the move with her family in an attempt to cut down on their expenses, as they
decide to rent their family estate to an admiral and his wife. The wife's brother just happens to be Frederick Wentworth, Anne's ex-lover whom she was engaged to in 1806, before
she was persuaded by loved ones to call off the relationship. Eight years later, now both still single, the pair meet again and are given a second chance at love. One satisfied review
states: "I love this version of Persuasion. It's visually beautiful; the use of colour and light, the outdoor scenes, costumes, and even the wallpaper! Just gorgeous. It also
captures the humour of Jane Austen's novel in a way that feels more playful than previous versions. "Anne speaking directly to the camera lends itself to the viewer being in on the
joke. I'll admit I was ready to dislike Dakota Johnson as Anne but was pleasantly surprised with her portrayal." The film took a brave stance in casting an American actress to
play a quintessentially British character and decided to go for a more playful take, which has left some viewers divided. One person wrote: "Dakota Johnson's accent is all over the
place, and her acting skills are lacking. The story is so convoluted you can't keep up... especially if you are aware of what it truly is about... steer clear of this one." While
others have praised the film's bravery for trying to put a modern spin on a classic tale. They said: "Ahead of its time, this is that film which makes fools of its reviewers
quickest off the mark. Granted, it is a jarring first watch, especially for Austen-genre enthusiasts. Its fourth-wall-breaking, modernised dialogue and playful actor interpretations are
unexpected." Alongside Johnson on screen is Cosmo Jarvis, playing her love interest, in one of his biggest roles to date. The film also features acting performances from the likes of
Richard E. Grant and British child star Mia McKenna. Take yourself back in time and see if you can be persuaded by this period drama movie – will you fall in love with it or wish the book
was never touched? The 2022 fan-favourite adaptation of Persuasion is available to stream now on Netflix.