perfectly cast - a gem

Rating: 10/10 (11 December 2005)

This is, without doubt, the best film I have seen this year. I *adored* it. As a devoted lover of the original book, I was terrified that the movie would be some overdone Hollywood creation. I thought Keira Knightley might be too pretty, and that they might smooth over the character of the mother. Not so. The script was true to the book and very effective, the cinematography dramatic but lovely, and the scenery was perfect - Pemberly and Longbourn seem to have been taken right out of the novel, or maybe my head. The score, too, is worth a second listen. The cast was the real joy of this film, though. MacFayden was an excellent Darcy, and wasn't afraid to be a total jerk when necessary. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, perhaps my favorite characters in this film, stole every scene they were in, and the younger Bennet sisters were as ridiculous as they were meant to be, especially Lydia. Caroline Bingley was wonderfully passive-aggressive, Mr. Bingley adorable, and Lady Catherine regal and horrible. In her brief appearance, even little Georgiana charmed me.
Most importantly, Keira Knightley did Lizzy Bennet true justice. If she ever reads this (which I doubt, but hey, might as well) I want to say Thank you Keira! You gave me a perfect Elizabeth for 2 hours, which is the best present I could get this holiday.