Emma
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. Knightley.
Critics Sentiment
Emma and Knightley marry with all romantic plots resolved
Emma cruelly insults Miss Bates at the Box Hill picnic
The dramatic drop from Emma's romantic complications to her cruel insult of Miss Bates at the picnic, followed by recovery as Knightley confronts her moral failings
The film maintains generally positive reception throughout, with critics consistently praising the casting, especially Jeremy Northam and Sophie Thompson, while noting Paltrow's solid if sometimes detached performance. The emotional low point comes with Emma's cruelty to Miss Bates, which reviewers found genuinely heartbreaking, before building to a satisfying romantic resolution that teaches valuable lessons about friendship and love.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 23
Gwyneth Paltrow
Emma Woodhouse
Jeremy Northam
Mr. Knightley
Toni Collette
Harriet Smith
Alan Cumming
Mr. Elton
Ewan McGregor
Frank Churchill
Greta Scacchi
Mrs. Weston
Sophie Thompson
Miss Bates
Juliet Stevenson
Mrs. Elton
Denys Hawthorne
Mr. Woodhouse
Polly Walker
Jane Fairfax
James Cosmo
Mr. Weston
Kathleen Byron
Mrs. Goddard
Phyllida Law
Mrs. Bates
Edward Woodall
Mr. Robert Martin
Brian Capron
John Knightley
Karen Westwood
Isabella
Rebecca Craig
Miss Martin
Angela Down
Mrs. Cole
John Franklyn-Robbins
Mr. Cole
Ruth Jones
Bates' Maid
Crew
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