Perhaps the most beloved among filmmakers remains one of the most famous English writers of the 19th century, the author of magnificent female novels, each of which has been repeatedly filmed, Jane Austen. Mansfield Park, a 1999 film and 1983 mini-series, was so popular that director Ayan B. Mac Donald turned to the novel again, and in 2007 another version was shot for television.
The novel tells about the fate of young Fanny Price, who, by the will of fate, left her father's house and was brought up for raising wealthy relatives - the family of her mother’s sister, who successfully married the rich baronet Thomas Bertram. At the age of 12, Fanny leaves his relatives in Mansfield Park and is brought up with three Bertram children. Rich relatives constantly remind the girl of her second-class origin. However, Fanny is growing up a modest, patient and virtuous girl. From her very first day at Mansfield Park, she has been in love with her cousin Edmund, the only one who takes care of her and participates in games and fun with a poor relative.
Years pass, Fanny grows into a charming girl, modest, sweet, full of virtue. During the departure of the owner of the house to India, where the Bertram plantations are located, a couple of young people arrive in Mansfield Park from London - the sister and brother of Henry and Mary Crawford. Fany, with a pain in her heart, watches her beloved care for Mary. At the same time, Henry is fond of Maria, the eldest of the daughters of the estate owner, who already promised her heart to the stupid rich Rausworth. After her marriage and departure, Henry turns his favored attention to Fanny and proposes to her. However, the girl is not sure of the sincerity of the feelings of young Crawford, and he is refused, which upsets his uncle, Sir Thomas. After a while, a terrible message arrives in Mansfield Park that Henry nevertheless managed to seduce Mary, and, having left her husband, fled with a young lover, disgracing the whole family. Edmund, seeing the true face of the Crawford and their greed, directs his eyes to Fanny. He finally understands how dear this girl is to him, how sincere and honest she is in her thoughts and motives. Lovers combine a happy marriage.
In the 1997 film, directed by Patricia Rosem, the main roles were played by Francis O`Connor and
Johnny Lee Miller. The picture turned out to be bright and juicy and earned a lot of positive reviews from both film critics and film lovers and novels
Jane Austen. The mini-series Mansfield Park, directed by David Giles and released in 1983, is truly considered the best adaptation of the book. A magnificent play of actors, full-scale shooting accurately conveyed the spirit of 18th century Great Britain. The 2007 film adaptation of
Billy Piper and
Blake Ritson in the lead roles, released on television, caused a huge amount of controversy and negative reviews.
In any case, the novel and films made on it remain vivid examples of the magnificence of the works of the English writer and do not leave anyone indifferent.