I've now seen all 3 and Amanda Root and Ciarin Hinds has to be the best!

In the 1971 miniseries with Anne Firbank, Firbank's acting was in keeping with the style of that era. She was adequate, but not inspiring. She also looked older than you would anticipate the character to look. (Don't count Firbank out; she was excellent in her portrayal of a royal in the miniseries "Lillie" with Francesca Annis) Amanda Root quietly and sweetly blows you away in her portrayal of Anne Elliot in the mid 90s version of the Austen classic. I was throughly disappointed in Ciarin Hinds' turn as Rochester in the mid 90s version of "Jane Eyre".....Hinds is TERRIFIC as Captain Wentworth in Persuasion. I am looking forward to purchasing the newest version of Persuasion with Sally Hawks, as I have not yet viewed it.....OK all you period piece lovers, I have but one question.....Should I borrow it from the library first? (smiley face moment)

Rupert Penry-Jones so hot =)

I have only seen the Sally Hawkins one, but I have to say that i MUCH prefer Rupert Henry Jones over Ciarin Hinds, at least in looks :)

I've seen both the Ciaran Hinds and Rupert Penry Jones versions.
The two are great but I slightly prefer the Ciaran Hinds and Amanda Root adaption.

But it was awful :P Well, IMHO, anyway.