A very good adaptation

Rating: 9/10 (1 August 2006)

Where to start??? Well, probably the best way is to compare the 1995 mini series and the movie. I loved both, BUT it was refreshing to see that the movie has the actors closer in age than the book (Keira Knightley's 19 to Lizzie's 20 an Matthew MacFadyen's 29 to Mr. Darcy's 28). After just watching the mini series, you notice how much older the characters are in the mini series. Jane's is supposed to be around 21 and the actress was 30. Just my humble opinion. Also, the plot had to be condensed for the movie otherwise we'd have a four hour movie. That said, all the good bits and pieces are there.
Who could have been better cast: Mr. Bennet and Lydia. I think at times Donald Sutherland is too Canadian and Jena Malone is just too irritating. Lydia should be irritating, but not so much.
Who I loved: Keira Knightley's portrayal of Lizzie is so good. She still has that carefree attitude, but you can see that inner turmoil. Her turmoil at reading Jane's letter about Lydia bolting and her face in the coach. Priceless. She now knows she loves Darcy, but may never be able to be with him because Lydia has ruined the girls.
Matthew MacFadyen has gotten some bad reviews, but he has done the character well. Again, the movie has to be a condensed version so we do not see as much of Darcy as we should (at least for eye candy alone). MM's eyes show us his longing of Lizzie, HIS turmoil. He also shows us Darcy's light side when he is at Pemberley. Is he Colin Firth? No, but he brings a different quiet brooding and manliness to the role.
Brenda Blethyn shows the reality of her having to marry off her daughters. Being destitute is a reality. She's over the top, but also a realist. Bravo.
Joe Wright (director): I love those wonderful close-ups, the sneaky looks of Mr. Darcy, and the shot of Lizzie by the cliff. Spectacular. Even Mr. Wright has said the world of CGI has made him able to do things he normally could not have. It is not easy taking on a much loved classic, but he did it well.
It's definitely a different vision of Pride and Prejudice, but the romantic in me loves the last scene. I know that we would never see a kiss between them in public after a "*wink, wink* we know what you just you two just did", but it is a wonderful scene. You get to see how much Elizabeth and Darcy really love each other.
A good romantic movie. Enjoy!