This version is not all that bad!

Rating: 9/10 (20 June 2007)

I have to admit I never saw the BBC series so I don't know why the critics are harsh. I liked the film. OK so it doesn't have Colin Firth and that Matthew MacFadyen looked "nerdy," to the eyes of the fans of the BBC version but I loved the interaction between him and Keira Knightly. His Mr Darcy and Miss Elizabeth has attraction written allover. Both Knightly and MacFadyen are great. Her Elizabeth embodied the spirit of an independent mind who brought out Mr. Darcy from his dour prudishness to a passionate though still reserved but attractive man. Another couple who had great chemistry is Donald Sutherland as the patient and harassed Mr.Bennet and Brenda Blethyn as eternal nagging wife Mrs. Bennet. Despite appearances these two showed their characters love each and tolerate whatever imperfections they may have. Rosamund Pike is ethereal as Jane while Jenna Malone nailed the irresponsibly spoiled Lydia while Tom Hollander is perfect as the pompous Mr. Collins. I wasn't too keen with Simon Woods as Mr Bingley. He really looked like the nerd here but one can feel the earnestness he brings to his character's apology when Bigley confesses to Jane of his love for her. Dame Judi Dench's bit role as the imperious Lady de Bourgh reminds me too much of her Queen Elizabeth I turn in Shakespeare in Love. One can't help but feel she is in danger of being typecast. This movie may split Austen fans but it is worth watching even for curiosity's sake.