Outstanding performances

Rating: 10/10 (2 December 2011)

I have only watched two adaptations of Pride and Prejudice. This one and the 1995 mini series. When doing a book adaptation it's impossible to please everyone especially on a book so widely beloved this one pleased me.
I've seen some reviews that nitpick this movie to death for historical inaccuracies. If you're looking for an adaptation faithfully accurate to the times this one might fall a bit short and the mini series might be closer to the mark.
If you are looking for a movie that captures the essence of Elizabeth and Darcy this is the one.
This shortened version leaves out some charming scenes and lines from the book. However when given the excellent portrayal of the characters (particularly Elizabeth and Darcy) I find that easy to forgive.
If you loved Colin Firth's Darcy. This one might not be for you. Personally I like him as an actor but as Darcy he went from cold fish to love sick pup and right back to cold fish again. The final scene between Darcy and Elizabeth in the 1995 version is abut as warm as an ice cube on Darcy's part... not so here.
I felt Matthew Macfadyen did a much better job of capturing the essence of Darcy and brought his inner struggle across rather than merely appearing devoid of emotion entirely. Keira Knightley was stunningly captivating as Elizabeth and the chemistry between the two cannot be surpassed.
Really I can't find much fault in the portrayal of any character that was included from the book except Miss Darcy... it was a charming portrayal but not at all true to the book's description of the character. I feel Miss DeBerg looked a little too healthy and handsome also. Neither will trouble you if you haven't read the book or perhaps watched a different adaptation.