Captivating

Rating: 9/10 (18 February 2006)

First of all I would like to start out by saying that the music in this film, from the first scene to the end credits is some of the most beautiful I have ever heard. If anyone knows where to find sheet music for it, could you please email me at bluesclues_14@hotmail.com.
Now to get to the movie. My mother and I have been Pride and Prejudice fans for many years. We have seen 2 different versions of it prior to this one. The second one we saw, an A&E production released in 1995, included a lot of what was in the book by Jane Austen, but lacked realistic clothing as well as demeanor.
So, being the fan of Pride and Prejudice that I am, you can imagine how excited I was for this production to make its way into theaters. In fact, my mother and I drove an hour just to get to a theater that it was playing. Let me tell you, that we were not disappointed!
The Bennett family, especially the daughters were extremely realistic. Kiera Knightley did a top notch job portraying independent yet still beautiful Elizabeth. While I thought that her character was a bit peasant-like compared to the other girls, overall it was a good job. Rosamund Pike did a good job as Jane, quiet and congenial. The other girls were very much like you would expect them to be, Talulah Ridley the pessimistic Mary, Jena Malone and Carey Mulligan the immature, boy-crazy Lydia and Kitty.
I thought that Matthew Macfayden did a great job playing the antisocial, yet sweet on the inside Mr.Darcy. And wow! Simon Woods and Kelly Rielly really stood out(in a good way)as redheaded brother and sister Bingleys. Mr. Bingley's appearance only added to his carefree and joyful spirit, and Ms. Bingley was a sort of mini-villainess.
The setting of the movie was absolutely beautiful, the rocky British countryside, one of the most romantic places in the world.The clothing as well as the dwellings were very realistic for the time period, and the beautiful music only adds to the splendor.
I would recommend you going to see this if you have not done so already, but also note that this movie is best enjoyed in a place and at a time where you can watch it in its entirety without interruption, because the sheer beauty of this movie should be undisturbed if it is to be enjoyed to its fullest extent.
Trust me, you won't be disappointed!