The perfect formula - definitely a top ten!

Rating: 9/10 (17 September 2005)

Though I admit, I can be a hopeless romantic at times when my friends and I are chatting about relationships and what have you, this film was fantastic. It had the classic story line from every love story over the years that ever made me leave the movie theatre wanting to fall in love and the talented acting of Keara Knightly and her co-stars to boast of. This film has the perfect formula.
Brenda Blethyn (Mrs. Benet) sarparkled as per usual, once again taking on a role that she played as if it was meant for her. Matthew MacFadyen (Mr. Darcy) was mysterious and strong from the outside, though he brought a sense of weakness to the role that we only saw (and rightly so) when he was with Elizabeth. Keara Knightly herself shone out from the crowd as well as she walked, shoulders straight, a slight smile across her face across the screen in the opening scene; I was lost to the world of Jane Austin already! I haven't seen the mini-series of 1995 but from what I have heard, it was a hard act to follow. Personally, I believe that this film was definitely in my top 10; the casting was unfaltering, the set was breath taking at times and the film as a whole was simply marvelous! My only reservation was that they had cut the story line of when Mr. Darcy goes to find Mr. Wycombe. However, I didn't feel it made any real difference to the overall script and if anything, helped us focus on the real matter at hand; the struggle of love between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.
If you haven't seen this film already, then what are you waiting for! This film will have you laughing at the ridiculous Mr. Collins, crying at the tears of a father and the happiness of a daughter and smiling with joy at the line "If your feelings have not changed since last April ma'am then tell me so now. But if they have then I am inclined to tell that my feelings and wishes are still the same..." This film is not to be missed and will have you leaving the movie theatre either wishing to fall in love, or clinging to your 'other half' in a renewed love.