Enjoyed it's new perspective

Rating: 9/10 (5 January 2006)

The movie is beautifully shot, the supporting cast does very well with the limited time they are on screen, and the leads are refreshingly young and passionate. Knightley is fiery and expressive; MacFadyen says so much with just a pause or a look. For those who have yet to see it, go in with an open mind and enjoy it.
I've read some of the (many) harsh comments written about this movie, and quite frankly, I don't understand the need to bash what amounts to a rather good interpretation of JA's book. The Austen purists have come out in droves to nitpick on every aspect and to hail the 1995 miniseries as the definitive P&P adaptation.
I loved the miniseries, and it gathers no dust in my DVD collection, but why be close-minded on a different view of JA's beloved characters? Does the new movie take liberties? Absolutely. With only 2 hours to fill, that is not surprising. However, I found it quite refreshing to see the characters in a new light. For example, Knightley as the youthful, not matronly, Lizzy made her sparkle, and more likely to rush to judgment. McFadyen's Darcy, played as shy and misunderstood, made me re-think the character. I'd forgotten he was only supposed to be about 28, quite young to be the lord of the manor. When I read the book, I saw him as stuffy and old. Even Firth played him as such, although he goes through a satisfying transformation by the mini-series' end.
Let's all remember that the miniseries took it's share of liberties on the book as well, did it not? I do not recall reading about Mr. Darcy jumping in a pond and emerging in a state of undress. And fencing? These scenes were meant to flesh out his character and add some sensuality. I believe Joe Wright is doing the same...with the Pemberley statues (vs the paintings)...with the proposal in the rain vs. in the drawing room... I, for one, am happy to see one of my favorite books played out on-screen, with a new perspective. Who knows? It may entice a new generation of movie-goers to go to the library and check out a copy...