A shortened, simplified version of Jane Asuten's novel.

Rating: 7/10 (25 September 2005)

A very entertaining film. But not in the spirit of the novel, where nuance, restraint and decorum are of paramount importance. In the film, instead, the actors show and shout their feelings at top voice.
The most "unsubtle" issue is how Elizabeth and Darcy fall in love. After his original refusal to dance with Elizabeth, Darcy is all attention and longing for her. His "pride" is hardly shown, and it is not difficult to see why Elizabeth would like him. Elizabeth's love for Whickam is not shown, and even while she is refusing Darvcy, she is almost kissing him. We are not surprised by Darcy's first marriage proposal, and it is not difficult to imagine Elizaneth falling in love with him. The plot is easy to follow, but less surprising and refined.
Jane Austen values restraint and decorum. Her Elizabeth would not sniffle in public, and would not scream "leave me alone for once in my life". Her Mrs Bennett would appear comic, without the eavesdropping. Her Lydia would appear reckless, without jumping and shouting in each scene.
It may well be, that Austen's clever and complex book cannot be reduced into two hours of film without losing its subtlety. The film "works", but Austen it ain't.