could have used a final polish or two

as you said: i couldn't disagree more

Well most people who like this don't think much of Paltrow's bloodless, feeble, impossibly coiffured, modern, toned-down, Surrey romcom queen. More Downton Abbey than Donwell Abbey.

And whatever else you can call the script "too adventurous", "too extrapolated", "too modern" there are no parts of it which are even slightly unpolished.

As for acting, Romola's visit to Miss Bates after Box Hill ranks with the finest acting you'll find in any period drama. I've yet to see anything from Paltrow or Beckinsale in the same class. The fatherly scenes between Romola and Michael Gambon are not equalled in any other version of Emma and the scene with Emma trying to get out of one of the traps she has made for herself, when waiting for the invitation from the Coles is utterly pitch perfect and encapsulates the essence of Austen's humour.

You'll find other people have taken a second look at E09 and modified their views, if you have a look around.

badly designed dresses


Seriously? Most of the clothing from this drama seems to have come from earlier productions, which according to the trivia page here appears to be a common practice in this industry. As for the costumes Paltrow wears in the Miramax version, they're perhaps the least period-correct of all the costumes found in JA adaptations that came out in the 1990s. (Paltrow's dresses were too Audrey Hepburn/Breakfast at Tiffany's.)

Final Polish or two eh!

I preferred the raw and uncut Emma, lol. Lots of heart and humor. Just a vibrant production all around.

"What happens to a dream deferred?"

"But it won't be a part of my permanent collection. "

I'm always a bit perplexed when folks, who don't like a particular version, say, almost with pride, that they won't watch it again...can't stand it...won't make it part of their collection. I rather feel sorry for you. I have all four versions of Emma and enjoy EACH one in it's own right. If this one comes across as unpolished...well, I guess I enjoy that because I really like the "life" that comes through in this version. Why shouldn't a head strong, conceited, rich, "full of herself" girl like Emma not come off as a bit over the top? I don't mind Paltrow's and Godwin's more staid presentation, or Beckinsdale's distainful manners, they give variation to the story. But Garia's more exuberant Emma is a nice variation on the theme.

As to attention to detail, I rather enjoyed the backdrop this version built for each of the main characters. Mr W, Ms B, and Mrs B become more like real people rather than silly carictures.

I like TLM better than Strong as Mr K. And, being a guy, sex has naught to do with it.

This version presents a Mr K and Emma that really convinces me they could have liked each other. Strong/Beckinsdale...not so much. Strong's dealings with Emma are...strong, gruff, domineering, while TLM's Mr K comes across as critical, but definitely caring. In the Strong version, it's almost like a surprise ending; them getting together. That's not bad in it's own right, but it's a different story than a romantic buildup that is evident to the audience.