Pride & Prejudice Movie Review:

Yes, it's yet another lavish adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel, but at least these filmmakers make it properly cinematic, finely focussing the story while keeping it gritty and realistic. Viewers who compare it to another beloved version might be disappointed, but this is a superb film all its own.

Mrs Bennet (Blethyn) is at wit's end worrying over the future of her five eligible daughters. As it's 18th century England, marrying is especially important for girls from less-than-wealthy families. Mr Bennet (Sutherland), meanwhile, is at wit's end after living with six women for too long. The story's told through the eyes of second daughter Elizabeth (Knightley), who squares off against the sullen and apparently cruel, but very rich, Darcy (MacFadyen), and finds love when she least expects it.

The plot and characters are so familiar that it's a real trick to put it on screen in an original way, but cast and crew find new life in it. Wright films with prowling camerawork that explores the environment and keeps everything squarely in Elizabeth's perspective, giving the story a more personal impact. The superior design and costumes avoid flowery excesses in lieu of simple authenticity. And performances are excellent; Knightley is a revelation, giving her first multi-layered star performance, holding every scene with a mixture of wit and emotion, and developing a terrific low-burning chemistry with MacFadyen. Blethyn is a splendid bundle of nerves, Sutherland is wonderfully soulful, and Hollander shines in the comic-relief role as Collins. Dench even turns up to show off her expertly towering imperiousness.

Meanwhile, the script makes the most of Austen's iconic narrative and snappy dialog, leaving side characters on the side for a change and sharply highlighting class distinctions and desperate social situations. The Bennet girls' post-modern spirit may feel rather far ahead of their time, but this draws us in effectively, and the film's only false note is in the overwrought romantic climax, although even that is nicely internalised. So the nicest surprise is that the film is so delightfully entertaining that it sometimes makes us forget every other adaptation we've seen.

Rich Cline

When Mr Bingley (Woods) moves into the county’s stately home, Mrs Bennet (Blethyn) sees this as her chance to introduce her to one of her five daughters. Mr Bingley instantly takes a shine to her eldest daughter Jane (Pike) but it is Mr Bingley’s friend Mr Darcy (MacFadyen) that so intrigues her sister Elizabeth (Knightley). When she actually speaks to him however, she finds that Mr Darcy might not actually be the man she hopes he was but there is more to this mystery, quick man than she might think.

Jane Austin’s classic novel has been adapted for the big and small screen many times and in different ways but can this latest version of ‘Pride & Prejudice’ standout?

The 1995 BBC mini series is still considered the hallmark version of the novel so any adaptation would be compared to the Colin Firth/Jennifer Ehle starrer making it a very hard act to follow. Also any big screen adaptation has to do the novel justice with a two-hour time frame. The problem is that this seems like a bit hatchet job as the barebones of the story only make it to the screen.

Fans of the novel and the mini series will be disappointed with this fact as the classic is streamlined at the determent of most of the supporting characters. The film concentrates solely on the Elizabeth and Mr Darcy on and off love story but while this might be the heartbeat of the film there is much more to the novel than just there story.

While the story might not be as complete as some may have hoped, the look and the performances of the piece are very suited to the novel and the period. The look of the movie is superb and captures the era extremely authentically. The film is exquisitely shot, with locations and Stately homes bringing the story to life.

Both Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen are extremely good as Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Keira Knightley finally gets the chance to show that her tag as the next big thing is justified with a compelling and spirited performance. Her version of Elizabeth is as strong a heroine as ever and she commands the screen every time she graces it. Matthew MacFadyen has some very large shoes to fill as Mr Darcy but he does an impressive job playing the dark and brooding literary character. He has the look and the persona to make his own mark on the role and he also has the dramatic skill to pull the role off. The chemistry between the two leads is also spot on, creating that spark that drew people into the story in the first place.

A very accomplished supporting cast has also been assembled to support the two leads. Brenda Blethyn almost steals the show as Mrs. Bennet, the mother who is obsessed with getting her daughters married off. Tom Hollander plays Mr. Collins with real aplomb. Rosamund Pike gets a role that might actually kick-start her career and get her past the Bond girl curse. Add to this some scene stealing performances from Judi Dench and Donald Sutherland and you have a fantastic cast.

This version of ‘Pride & Prejudice’ might not be the full story that fans might be longing for but the positives far outweigh the negatives, making this a very enjoyable version of the Jane Austin classic. While the pomp and circumstance might be a bit too much for some, this adaptation is an enjoyable two hours for fans and everyone of the fairer sex who is a true romantic at heart.

Jamie Kelwick

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