Pride & Prejudice 2005 is a treat.

Rating: 9/10 (29 October 2005)

Considering the acclaim of the 1995 BBC production of Pride & Prejudice, I went to the cinema wondering what new delights first-time director Joe Wright could bring to this oft-told tale.
I'm happy to report he and his production team succeeded by adding vitality and flavour to the mix. Examples of this are the claustrophobic cavorting of the Meryton knees-up and, a little later on, the post-Netherfield 'hangover' scene.
By sweeping away much of the novel's clutter (not, of course, from the Bennett household) this adaptation is tidy and to the point whilst retaining its humour and observation.
I know fans of Jane Austen will complain about 'axed' characters and scenes that have been either omitted or wrongly sited, but nothing has been lost as a result. Indeed, Darcy's first proposal is all the better for its re-location in the rain. What red-blooded man wouldn't want to reach out and kiss Lizzie at that moment - and could she have resisted Darcy had he done? I think not.
The casting was spot-on. It would be churlish to single out any one performance; everyone dazzled. Combined with wonderful settings, the whole thing is a treat.
It is pointless trying to make comparisons between this and the earlier TV version. Adaptation for film is very different to television - the silver screen has only two hours at its disposal, the box had five. Some critics seem not to understand this. Yes, one might prefer Colin Firth's Darcy or Keira's Elizabeth, but such arguments are purely subjective. And if you are a real purist, stick to the book! Those who have given this film a wide berth because they don't enjoy costume drama should cast aside their prejudice and give it a go. It's superb.