I was all ready to dislike this, but... wow!

Rating: 10/10 (15 September 2005)

I am a huge fan of the 1995 TV series. To me, no new production could top that, it was just about perfect, but I was ready to try this, completely convinced that it could never ever be as good.
I was wrong. It had all the joy and spirit of any good Jane Austen adaptation, but with a subtle but incredible vein of passion, intensity and humanity. Likewise, I didn't think Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen could ever live up to their 1995 counterparts. They did. Beneath the thin layer of early 18th century propriety, were two very real human beings quietly torn apart by the confusion of their feelings.
The supporting cast were wonderful, funny, convincing, while giving little moments of completely new and sweet insight into these so familiar characters. I was particularly taken by Donald Sutherland and Brenda Blethyn as Mr and Mrs Bennet.
And the other star is the direction - almost choreographed at times, especially in the ball scenes... and I don't mean the dancing! In a screen full of activity and bustle you were drawn to the tiniest of details - a look, a stillness, the movement of a hand. And there were shots and moments that I found reminiscent more of a Thomas Hardy film such as "Far From the Madding Crowd" rather than previous Austen adaptations, all of which boosted the reality and the humanity of the characters and the situation.
The one bad point? It wasn't long enough!! I could have immersed myself quite happily for another three hours! And, inevitably, with a film adaptation, there are time limitations and certain elements have been cut. But overall, it doesn't matter. I've fallen in love with Lizzie and Darcy all over again, and I can't wait to see several more times!