The Bennets

Rating: 10/10 (26 November 2005)

Jane Austen is one of the best English writers of all times. Her novels have endured the passage of time. "Pride and Prejudice" is perhaps a masterpiece that is captured exquisitely by Joe Wright, who with the adapter, Deborah Moggach, has created a beautiful film that will live forever.
Much has been said in this forum about the movie and how some people feel this new version of the Austen's novel compares to other screen treatment, most notably the 1995 mini series. Comparisons are unfair to this new installment because it should stand on its own merits. In fact, credit has to be given to Mr. Wright for the exquisite treatment he and his cinematographer, Roman Osin, has given the finished product. The atmospheric musical score by Dario Marianelli enhances the film, and the editing of Paul Toehill is great.
The only recommendation to anyone is to go to this film without any preconceived ideas. Just take in the glorious colors exploding in the big screen and fall in love with the Bennets, and all the Austen characters that come alive under the direction of Mr. Wright.
Keira Knightly is the best excuse for going to see "Pride and Prejudice". She is a young actress doing an amazing job with her portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet. Matthew MacFayden cuts quite a figure as the dashing Mr. Darcy. The two stars have the right chemistry to make this film a winner because of the love we know they feel for one another from the start.
Brenda Blethyn, as the calculating, and silly, Mrs. Bennet has some good moments. Donald Sutherland underplays his Mr. Bennet to give us a man that is out place among all the Bennet women with their conflicts. Judi Dench is seen as Lady Catherine de Bourg, the bitchy noble woman who thinks her nephew, Mr. Darcy is too good for Elizabeth. Her scene toward the end of the film when she confronts the young woman is one of the highlights of the movie, as we don't expect Lizzie's reaction toward this harpy.
Go see "Pride and Prejudice" and just enjoy and absorb the wonderful trip back in time that Joe Wright has invited us to take with him.