Emma

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Emma

PG

Released Aug 2, 1996

2h 1m

Romance

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

84%

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56 Reviews

76%

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50,000+ Ratings

In this adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel, pretty socialite Emma Woodhouse (Gwyneth Paltrow) entertains herself by playing matchmaker for those around her. Her latest "project" is Harriet Smith, an unpretentious debutant, while Emma herself receives the attentions of the dashing Frank Churchill (Ewan McGregor). However, Emma's attempts at matchmaking cause more problems than solutions and may ultimately jeopardize her own chance at love and happiness.

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Critics Consensus

Emma marks an auspicious debut for writer-director Douglas McGrath, making the most of its Jane Austen source material -- and a charming performance from Gwyneth Paltrow.

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Michael Wilmington

Chicago Tribune

Paltrow carries it all as lightly as a breeze on Highbury hills.

Rated: 3.5/4

Nov 27, 2019

Full Review

David Ansen

Newsweek

Emma's' unforced charm is a remarkable achievement for a first-time writer-director.

Feb 27, 2018

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Chris Peachment

Daily Telegraph (UK)

A good and creditable final curtain on Jane Austen.

Nov 28, 2017

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Edward Porter

Sunday Times (UK)

It leaves out some of Austen’s subtleties, but in its own way — as sunny, elegant entertainment — it hits the spot.

Jan 31, 2023

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Wesley Lovell

Cinema Sight

This is a movie that is as handsome and approachable as the day it was released even if it isn’t one of Austen’s best works in terms of its adaptation.

Rated: 3/4

Nov 26, 2022

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Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

Terrific chemistry between Emma and Mr Knightley in this one

Apr 7, 2022

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Jim H

There was no pause in dialogue for the first 16 minutes. That's not cinema...it's a play. No offense to the source material or to the actors, director, etc.: this is a novel that doesn't translate to screen. In order for this to work as cinema, there has to be disregard for the source material (which they didn't do). The alternative is what this film did: make it a play, and put a camera in front of it.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

06/09/25

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Butter L

I've seen every "Emma" ever made and this 1996 version is THE best. Everyone in it (from Gwyneth Paltrow and Ewan McGregor to Jeremy Northam) is great, but Alan Cumming's and Toni Collette's portrayals of the vicar and disadvantaged bestie (respectively) are pure hilarity GOLD! The Anya Taylor-Joy version from early 2020 was beautifully appointed with great sets and costuming, but the acting and action don't hold a candle to this '96 version. (Plus, all the male leads in the 2020 version looked weirdly alike - - I had a hard time figuring out who was whom.) Skip 2020's - - this 1996 gem is the one to watch.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/16/24

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The H

Ewwww, brother ewwww

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/29/24

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Trafalgar L

Jane Austen's classic novel comes to life with the help of Gwyneth Paltrow. Paltrow's portrayal of the titular character is superb. This adaptation makes the most of its source material and does it in the most respectful way possible. If you like "Clueless" then you'll love "Emma"

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/12/24

Full Review

H.M. J

This is my least favorite Emma adaption. A big Austen novel fan, Emma is probably one of my favorite books. Gwenyth Paltrow is flat as the primary character with little to no chemistry on screen with either of her supposed love interests. The best actors in the flick, who saved it for me, were the actresses playing Ms. Bates and Mrs. Elton. They showed the other actors how to walk the bright, playful line while also staying true to character, which I believe is what the director was going for. However, the primary actors missed this marked, playing bright and light and missing the feeling of the time and the book. Watch instead Romola G in BBC's rendition. She is an amazing Emma. The best Mr. Knightley can be found in the 2020 version, which falls short in other ways but does that role justice.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

07/18/23

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Audience Member

Very well done! Very fun to watch!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/22

Full Review

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Douglas McGrath

Director

Gwyneth Paltrow

Emma Woodhouse

Jeremy Northam

Mr. Knightley

Toni Collette

Harriet Smith

Greta Scacchi

Mrs. Weston

Alan Cumming

Rev. Elton

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Synopsis

In this adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel, pretty socialite Emma Woodhouse (Gwyneth Paltrow) entertains herself by playing matchmaker for those around her. Her latest "project" is Harriet Smith, an unpretentious debutant, while Emma herself receives the attentions of the dashing Frank Churchill (Ewan McGregor). However, Emma's attempts at matchmaking cause more problems than solutions and may ultimately jeopardize her own chance at love and happiness.

Director: Douglas McGrath
Producer: Steven Haft, Patrick Cassavetti
Screenwriter: Jane Austen, Douglas McGrath
Distributor: Miramax Films
Production Co: Miramax Films
Rating: PG
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 2, 1996, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 25, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $22.2M
Runtime: 2h 1m
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo

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