Enchanting movie

Rating: 9/10 (13 November 2005)

*Pride and Prejudice* is my favorite Jane Austen novel and the British mini-series version is my favorite video version of the novel. I am so pleased to say that this new production of P&P is absolutely enchanting. Needless to say, much of the story had to be cut from the book--the mini-series, therefore, will always be my favorite video version--but the movie, while flawed, is still excellent.
Keira Knightley is effervescent and charming. Hers is a younger Lizzie than Jennifer Ihle's, but what a delightful character! Indeed, I think I sometimes heard a phrasing of lines that came straight from Ihle's performance.
MacFayden's Mr. Darcy is very different than Colin Firth's portrayal. His Darcy is a passionate, shy man, perhaps not as truly prideful as the Darcy of the novel, but the performance works. Most importantly, there is a true screen chemistry between Knightley and MacFayden.
I will definitely be going back to see this movie and will purchase the DVD when it is produced.