Which ending is better: US vs British.

Rating: Null/10 (8 April 2006)

I haven't had the time to read all of the message board entries, but have to smile at how much the writers are comparing the US ending to the British ending, deciding one over the other. I myself enjoy the US ending, but actually wanted more still. This is DARCY, dang it! After all that teasing, I want more than a few kisses around the face!!! Definitely more. Having said that, the US ending allowed us to imagine what may come next, since we get to finally see Darcy in his most romantic mode. What's wrong with that? I have loved this book since I first read it 30 yrs ago and I visit it often. Jane Austen successfully conveyed what could be written in her times, with enough undercurrents that any remake has many avenues to take if they want to develop ideas and take the audience in other directions. Such a small book with such a big heart! I thoroughly enjoy the 1995 miniseries version and find it a classic. It (and Colin Firth, of course!) is my benchmark. So I watched the 2005 movie with a bit of trepidation, especially with such a stylized set-up and the two main characters appearing to have to take a big stretch to reach their roles, Especially Matthew MacFadyen. But then, I had read that his version would win you over as you saw the character develop. I am very pleased to say, I could see that and enjoyed the film. Finally seeing him not be shy, in the US ending, really gave him depth and allowed us to see just HOW MUCH Elizabeth could be happy with him. And - although it left me wanting to see more - it gave me visions to dream about. And THAT is truly a successful ending to a film - that it allows you to carry it with you long after the movie is over.
My only other observations are: 1. I didn't get why she ran to that building in the rain and how Darcy happened to go there, too. Did I miss something or was it a coincidence? Any to see romantic turbulence in drenching rain! 2. I was able to enjoy how Mrs Bennet really loved her daughters and was driven by the despair of having five daughters to marry off, with three of them appearing "unmarriable" with their personalities.I was able to dislike her less. 3. What a nice surprise in Donald Southerland's version of Mr Bennet. His last scenes were so heartwarming. But I'm glad I have the DVD that didn't end it there! (Ladies, all together: Darcy! Darcy! Darcy!)
And to my fellow Austenites, it's a pleasure to read your views on this story. As a foreign language teacher, I push Jane Austen on my students constantly even though it's not in my curriculum, so as to have them get a feel of what life was like in the early 1800's. You prove that this book is alive and well.
Take care, Ivette