Jane Austen at speed

Rating: 7/10 (2 May 2006)

Another adaptation of Austen's most famous novel makes it to the screen, with a mix of nationalities in the actors, and a fair bit of cropping of the plot.
Matthew Macfadyen is an excellent choice as Darcy, a bit more vulnerable and a lot less pompous on the surface than earlier portrayals of the role have been. Keira Knightley is good as Lizzie, as is Rosamund Pike as Jane. Donald Sutherland and Brenda Blethyn, although strange choices for the Bennet parents, do very well.
As with every version of a much-loved book, there are bits which come off better than others. The trip to Darcy's estate, the rejected proposal, the ball scene, are all very good.
And the locations are excellently chosen and beautiful.
Just avoid the US ending - yeuch.