Intelligent, funny, faithful adaptation

Rating: 9/10 (22 October 2005)

This is a very entertaining movie, with engaging performances from all its leads. Jane Austin's wit and social observations are preserved, with some subtle but pleasing modern touches. The camera-work is superb; it is really shown to great effect in ballroom sequences, in which individual characters are in focus across crowded rooms. The atmosphere of the time is meticulously portrayed in various settings, pointing up differences in wealth and social status through many great touches (such as a mature male pig being herded through a house).
My only quibble was the sound of a modern grand piano, standing in for older instruments used on camera - I thought the sound editor should have used more authentic-sounding instruments to match the beautiful visual settings.
If you like period drama that keeps its sense of humour and remains true to its roots, go and see this movie. Very well done, indeed.