Pride & Prejudice

Grade: A

The latest adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice, brings a fresh new look to a timeless romance. The cinematography sucks you into the rolling hills and orange sunsets of late 18th century England. Director Joe Wright and screenwriter Deborah Moggach successfully cut the classic story down to a little over two hours without compromising Austen’s basic pattern of story-telling. Although Wright brings nothing new to the classic, he doesn’t need to. The star-crossed lovers, gossip, parties, people running away together, lies and betrayals keep the drama elevated. The plot is in constant motion with witty and sophisticated dialogue.

The five Bennet sisters, from the strong-willed Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) to timid Jane (Rosamund Pike) live under the watchful eye of their anxious mother (Brenda Blethyn) whose only goal in life is to find wealthy husbands for her daughters. The excitement sky-rockets among the girls when the wealthy Mr. Bingley (Simon Woods) rents an estate near the Bennet’s modest home in Hertfordshire. Bingley quickly falls for the eldest Bennet daughter, Jane. But the real love story, of course, is between the spirited and tomboyish Lizzie and Bingley’s rich, snobbish friend, Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen).

Keira Knightly and Matthew Macfadyen do an amazing job at portraying Austen’s characters Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Their slow-burning chemistry ignites the screen as they develop a love-hate relationship which is tainted with false impressions and stubborn egos. Knightly captivates her audience with her transparent fragility and tough attitude. After her disappointing role in the bomb Domino, she reminds her fans that she can be a dramatic actress. All she needed was the right type of role and setting to showcase her talents. As for Macfadyen, he makes the transition from ego-driven party-pooper to passionate sweetheart quite easily. By the end of the movie, you are completely captured by his piercing, dark stare.

The supporting cast in this film is also worth mentioning. Donald Sutherland and Brenda Blethyn play Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. They each bring a distinct flavour to the film. Sutherland plays a clueless yet sometimes life-saving father whose great affection for his daughter Lizzie is heart-warming. Blethyn, who plays the eccentric and ditzy mother of the Bennet girls, brings comical relief to every scene she’s in. Judging by her character, it’s understood why some of the other Bennet sisters, especially Lydia (Jena Malone), are so giggly and immature.

The remarkable Dame Judy Dench steals a couple of scenes as the intolerable Lady Catherine who is as cold as ice. The plot comes to a halt when Lady Catherine bursts into the Bennet home in the middle of night to make it clear to Lizzie that her daughter is promised to Mr. Darcy. In a daunting outburst, Lady Catherine warns Lizzie not to interfere.

Too proud to confess their love for one another, Lizzie and Mr. Darcy are in a constant struggle with their emotions. Although at times their stubbornness can be unbearable to watch, their first kiss comes just in time. Predictable as this film may be, it’s still a great romance worth watching. That is, if you enjoy this type of movie genre.

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