Have you ever watched the 2011 romantic comedy film “Prada to Nada” and wondered if it was based on Jane Austen’s classic novel “Sense and Sensibility”? If so, you’re not alone.
The two stories share many similarities, and it’s easy to see why people might mistake them for one another. In this article, we’ll explore the connections between “Prada to Nada” and “Sense and Sensibility,” and answer the question once and for all.
Plot Summary
Before we dive into the similarities between the two stories, let’s first take a quick look at their respective plots.
“Sense and Sensibility,” published in 1811, follows the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, as they navigate love, loss, and societal expectations in 19th century England. After their father dies and his estate goes to their half-brother John, Elinor and Marianne are forced to leave their family home and move to a small cottage in Devonshire. There they encounter a cast of characters including Edward Ferrars, Colonel Brandon, Willoughby, Lucy Steele, and Mrs. Jennings.
“Prada to Nada,” released in 2011, is a modern retelling of “Sense and Sensibility.” It follows Nora and Mary Dominguez after their father dies suddenly. They are left penniless when they discover that he had gambled away all of their money.
Forced to leave their Beverly Hills mansion behind, they move into their aunt Aurelia’s modest home in East Los Angeles. There they meet Edward Ferris (notice the name similarity? ), Bruno, Olivia Lupe Dominguez (a nod to Mrs. Jennings), Rodrigo Fuentes de Alba (a nod to Colonel Brandon), Gabriel Dominguez (a nod to John Dashwood), and others.
Similarities
Now that we have a basic understanding of the plots, let’s dive into the similarities between “Prada to Nada” and “Sense and Sensibility.”
- Family Drama: Both stories center around sisters who are forced to leave their family home and face financial hardships after their father dies.
- Love Interests: In both stories, the sisters fall in love with men who may not be suitable matches due to societal expectations or other complications.
- Wealth vs. Poverty: The contrast between wealth and poverty is a recurring theme in both stories.
The Dashwood sisters must adjust to living in a small cottage after being accustomed to a life of luxury, while the Dominguez sisters must adjust to life in East Los Angeles after growing up in Beverly Hills.
- Societal Expectations: Both stories explore the societal expectations placed on women during their respective time periods. The Dashwood sisters must navigate the rules of Regency-era England, while the Dominguez sisters face pressure to conform to their Mexican-American heritage.
Differences
Of course, “Prada to Nada” is not an exact replica of “Sense and Sensibility.” There are some key differences between the two stories that set them apart.
- Setting: “Sense and Sensibility” takes place in 19th century England, while “Prada to Nada” is set in modern-day Los Angeles.
- Culture: While both stories deal with themes of family, love, and societal expectations, they do so within different cultural contexts. “Sense and Sensibility” explores English aristocracy, while “Prada to Nada” explores Mexican-American culture.
- Characters: While there are similarities between the characters in both stories, they are not exact replicas.
“Prada to Nada” introduces new characters, such as Bruno, Olivia Lupe Dominguez, and Rodrigo Fuentes de Alba, who do not appear in “Sense and Sensibility. “
The Verdict
So, is “Prada to Nada” based on “Sense and Sensibility”? The answer is yes and no.
While the two stories share many similarities in terms of plot and themes, “Prada to Nada” is not a direct adaptation of “Sense and Sensibility.” Rather, it is a modern retelling that updates the story for a new audience.
Whether you’re a fan of Austen’s classic novel or a lover of romantic comedies, both “Sense and Sensibility” and “Prada to Nada” are worth checking out. Who knows? You might just find yourself enjoying both versions of this timeless story.