A stylish and funny romance.

Rating: 9/10 (23 February 2006)

Before this film, I had never seen a Jane Austen adaptation, or even read any of her books. The closest I'd ever come was when I saw Bridget Jones's Diary, which is practically a modern version of Pride & Prejudice. Then I finally got to see the new P&P, and it was much better than I expected. The ending was a bit predictable, since I had watched the previously mentioned Bridget's Diary (but frankly, aren't all romantic comedies a little predictable?), but that didn't matter, because Pride & Prejudice is a remarkable, astounding picture.
Set in 1797, the film chronicles the life of the Bennet family, whose "matriarch" (Brenda Blethyn) is very eager to make sure her daughters get married as soon as possible. Actually, to define her "eager" is a huge understatement. Anyway, the focus is on two Bennet sisters in particular: Jane (Rosamund Pike) and Elizabeth (Keira Knightley). The former is attracted to Mr Bingley, a slightly funny-looking, but nice man, whereas Lizzie has to deal with the silly Mr Collins (Tom Hollander, in a small but amusing role), and, most of all, the cold, ambiguous Mr Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen). She can't stand him, and he doesn't seem very enthusiastic about her either, their like/don't like relationship being the core of the movie.
The film's greatness lies in the fact that first-time director Joe Wright makes an "old school" romance look fresh and interesting. The way men courted and proposed to women may seem a bit dated, but it's so true and utterly believable, it makes you wish all rom-coms were this good. Silence is as important as words, and locations and weather also have a crucial part in the matters of the heart (rarely has rain looked so romantic).
What also impressed me is of course Knightley: it's her best performance to date, as she makes Lizzie Bennet one of the most convincing characters to have ever appeared in a period piece (her Oscar-nom was slightly unexpected, but fully deserved). Macfadyen is absolutely perfect as Darcy, a complex role brought to life with top class elegance and style. But it's the older thespians who deserve more attention: Blethyn's Mrs Bennet is just a little OTT, while Judi Dench's presence is as memorable as her equally brief, yet flawless, appearance in Shakespeare In Love. The standout, however, is Donald Sutherland as the only male member of the Bennets. He's on screen for quite short time, but thanks to the right lines and attitude in the right moment, he's totally impeccable. Should have received a Best Supporting Actor nomination, in my opinion.
Overall, Pride & Prejudice is an incredibly pleasant experience. Watch it, and you will understand why, after several adaptations, Jane Austen's classic still conquers audiences everywhere.