Doesn't quite make it all the way

Rating: 6/10 (10 January 2010)

I desperately wanted to like this adaptation, but the odds where against me from the start since I'm not very fond of Kiera Knightley as an actress, although she did a decent job portraying Elizabeth Bennet.
The first problem is the casting which is almost completely wrong all the way through. I don't have a anything against the actors as such, they are all brilliant, but not right for their roles. The only roles that are right is the one of Mr Bingley, his sister and Jane. Donald Sutherland who is one of the most brilliant actors around doesn't quite come to his right. This might be due to the poorly written script or because none of the actors fit.
Another problem is the length of the film. We do not have time to get to know the characters and they are forced upon us in the most obnoxious way. Everything is rushed and there is no natural flow.
But the biggest problem and the one that really made me dislike the film is all the historical and etiquette errors in the film. There are so many of them that it is impossible for me to overlook them. Here I will at times quote another review I read at amazon.com
Elizabeth showing up at Netherfield with her hair down around her shoulders. It would not happen, and Elizabeth (the character) would have been mortified to be seen so (especially by people she detested). It is enough and unusual enough that the hem of her dress was covered in mud.
Mr. Bingley coming into Jane's bedroom at Netherfield. I don't care if she was on the verge of dying that very minute, it would never happen.
Mr. Bennett apologizing and consoling a crying Mary after he ordered her to stop "exhibiting" on the piano. This is a serious breach of the character for him. The essence (and fun) of Mr. Bennett is that he is detached (emotionally and usually physically) from his family (except at times from Jane and Elizabeth).
Lady Catherine showing up to confront Elizabeth at night, and Elizabeth (as well as her entire family) receiving her in their nightclothes. Again, none of these things would happen. Not only are both of these things severe breaches of etiquette, but they also are large steps out of character for all involved.
5Elizabeth walking outside in the dawn in her nightgown. Again, a large breach of etiquette. Elizabeth would have dressed even before going downstairs, much less outside. Not only would Elizabeth have been embarrassed to find herself this way when she sees Darcy striding over in the distance, but Darcy would have been shocked to see her that way as well.
Darcy just walking over to her house at the end. Not only is it way too early in the morning for him to be calling, but he comes over partially dressed. Now, remember that this is the most staunch, prideful, proper character in the history of literature. I don't care how in love he is, he is not going to show up at the house of the woman he loves without getting fully dressed first.
But there are some golden moments in this film that I will never forget.
1. The scene where Darcy hands Elizabeth into the carriage and as he walks away, he has to flex his hand because he can still feel the heat of her touching him. (Very sexy).
2. The proposal in the rain, and the sensual, deep look on Darcy's face when she told him no. (Also very sexy).
But these two moments, I am sorry to say does not make up for the many errors in the film.