Sorry, I love the novel, but this film is wasting your time...

Rating: 5/10 (6 February 2006)

I read the novel many times, in different languages: English, Chinese and Dutch. I watched 2 versions of TV series (one is from BBC 1995, another is in 1980s). I have also watched the movie made by Hollywood in 1940s...
I have to say: this version in 2005 is the worst. I am actually quite surprised with the current point it received (7.6). I gave it 5 only because I still love this novel.
My comments: (1) I really dislike most of the actors/actresses in this film: Mr. Darcy looks so dumb, really no charm at all; Mr. Bingley looks like a gay (sorry for the actor, no offence); Mr. Bennet looks too cool, instead of with a little bit humor; Mrs. Bennet talked very nonsense (as novel describes), however, that actress looks too much like a gentle old lady; Lizzy, Keira Knightley is just OK, but she is too "lively" for Lizzy. After all, Lizzy is the lady from 17th century, Keira's acting is too modern for this Austen's character; and Jane, why cannot they find a prettier girl for that?...
(2) About the adaption: maybe I'm a little bit too picky, but I do have the feeling that they remove almost all the essential parts, and keep (and create) some stupid scenes. The novel is full of smart and ironic characters and talks, however, the film keeps very little:(.
(3) ... my advice to everybody is: don't watch this film if you have never read the novel. It is destroying Jane Austen's masterpiece. I normally dislike the taste of Hollywood on Britain classics, however, now I have to say even the Hollywood version in 1940s is much better than this one (although I don't like that one either)! If you do want to watch instead of reading novel, watch BBC's 6 episodes, that one won't waste your time!