About Pride and Prejudice

Rating: 9/10 (17 March 2006)

I have never read Jane Austen's novels. I am only familiar with her works after I watched some great adaptations from her stories, e.g: "Emma", "Sense & Sensibility". I never thought that I'd love "Pride and Prejudice" too!! I love everything about this movie. It is one of the most beautiful movie I have ever watched. Elizabeth Bennet is a lovable character. She is a woman of our time, I suppose. Her ways of thinking is a bold one. A bright mind, indeed. Keira Knightley is perfect for this role. I can not think if there is anyone who suits better for the role of Lizzie Bennet other than her. I heard that this movie was heavily compared with the old BBC version of "Pride and Prejudice" (Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, I think). I haven't watched it. I am quite sure it was good also. But I guess, Ehle's Lizzie would be different than Knightley's Lizzie.
The filming locations are great!! I don't know much about England. But who cares, all the places in the movie are beautiful. Great views! The most romantic thing about this movie is they do not input a lot of kissing scenes. As a matter of fact, I think the only kissing scene is only by Mr and Mrs. Bennet (UK version of course). And I don't think that counts as romantic kissing. The actors and actresses express their love mostly by body-language and facial expression. I suppose it is harder to show the feelings contained inside by focusing on the little events, like the way Darcy held Lizzie's hand. Or how they stared at each other, and so on. Matthew MacFayden as Mr Darcy is superb. I guess a lot of people agree with me. :P I'm really glad that he has the looks combined with the talent. Good looks without talent is very boring.
Speaking about the other characters, well, the movie wasn't alive without them. Character of Jane, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia Bennet. The mother who was a bit of irritating (for the role, I mean, I'm a bit annoyed seeing a mother who treat her daughters like that, but for the actress, she's great!!). The father, Donald Sutherland played a wonderful part. Lizzie wouldn't be the same without her father. The Bingleys are great too. And Wickham.
It is too bad that such a long story has to be made into a movie with only 2 hours duration. However the director did a great job by making this successful.
P&P has a perfect ending too. I love the UK version. I think it is best ended with Mr Bennet, celebrating the day.