I was hooked!!

Rating: 9/10 (24 March 2008)

What is the likelihood that someone that you swore to loathe for all eternity is your soul mate? In Elizabeth Bennet's case this is very probable. Jane Austen's romantic comedy Pride and Prejudice is a classic that has been adapted for film several times, though the 2005 adaptation, directed by Joe Wright blows its predecessors out of the water.
Pride and Prejudice is set in late 18th century in London. It tells the compelling story of Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightly) and four sisters all of whom are out in society. Elizabeth is the second of Mr. Bennet's daughters and though not as beautiful as her older sister, Elizabeth attracts the attention of Mr. Darcy (Matthew McFadyen). Mr. Darcy is perceived to be proud by all but those closest to him, so when he hurts Elizabeth's pride she decides to loath Mr. Darcy for all of eternity. Thought as fate has a way of changing things these two are forced to get to the bottom of their misunderstanding to truly get one another.
When I first saw Pride and Prejudice I was hooked. I've seen this movie more than is necessary with any film and have been known on occasion to restart it as soon as I've completed it. In my opinion it is just that great. The director has a way of making the viewer really feel for the characters and their well being. It's hard not to fall in love with the quirky Bennet family. The film also gives insight on what life, marriage, and love was like for the Bennet girls and the men and women of this time period. The director also does a great job of showing the relationships between sisters and how influential they are, especially in the case of Elizabeth and her older sister Jane (Rosamund Pike).
After viewing this film I did read the novel, and as much as I love this film I do feel that a lot of meaningful information was scaled down for the sake of time, though it did not affect the integrity of the film. For the most part the dialogue of the film keeps with the novel allowing the film to feel more authentic with the time period. A film I've more recently seen Atonement, directed by Joe Wright and starring Keira Knightly, the theme in this movie also dealt with the fate of soul mates. It was a great reminder of how fate doesn't always choose the path which we would necessarily choose for ourselves.
Pride and Prejudice is a classic novel and must see movie. I would recommend the movie to anyone looking for a laugh in hopes that you will fall in love with the Bennets as much as I have.