A "must see" for hopeless romantics

Rating: 10/10 (23 November 2005)

The depiction of the period was done quite well, although it never really takes you "there". The focus is clearly on the story, which is well done and to be admired by hopeless romantics like myself. I never read Austen's book, but the dialogue both external and internal obviously comes from brilliant writing.
Kiera Knightly is absolutely striking, even in her 'dressed down' role. Her mannerism didn't stray to far from her endearing ways in "Love Actually", but fit the character of Lizzy well. Her confidence and articulation held true to the well written dialogue. Matthew MacFadyen caught me by surprise. He did a magnificent job portraying a man that appears arrogant, but is very different beneath the surface. Supporting characters were all well cast from Sutherland, Dench and Blethyn as well as the siblings (Blethtn was quite colorful, younger sisters a bit silly). In fact, Sutherland really touched me in his father-daughter scene.
The romance falls into place neatly (almost too neatly) and sniffles could be heard throughout the theater during the final scenes (including mine). Definitely worth the $X to see on the big screen for those that still believe in romance.