ReviewColumn's rating :

Romance never grows old, and the most classic romances will certainly remain timeless. This is true of Jane Austen's novels which continue to be as popular today as they were in the late Victorian period. They continue to be reinterpreted into films and television productions, and most popular among them are the various adaptations of "Pride & Prejudice". No title of any of Austen's works is as recognisable as that of this classic tale about how love can transcend social differences.

The 2005 production of Pride & Prejudice directed by Joe Wright is nothing short of excellent, especially in terms of cinematography. The creative direction and filming techniques employed in this version far surpass those of the 1995 BBC television production. Slow pans and zooms take viewers through the corridors, past sitting rooms and straight into the heart of a whimsical and romantic 18th-century England. The soundtrack, composed by Dario Marianelli and performed by pianist Jean-Yves Thibauldet, adds a subtle but beautiful touch to the film. The opening sequence of the film is a simple shot of the sun rising over a meadow but the warm colours and the gentle tinkling of the piano in the background make it one of the most gorgeous scenes one is likely to ever see in a movie.

In terms of acting, the cast is superb. Brenda Blethyn portrays the hysterical Mrs Bennett brilliantly and manages to evoke both the amusement and dislike that readers feel for the Mrs Bennett in the novel while Donald Sutherland plays an endearing role as the long-suffering Mr Bennett. For the main roles, Keira Knightley is not particularly unlikeable as the proud but playful Elizabeth Bennett (Lizzie), but her interpretation of the character has been subject to both praises and criticisms. Hardcore Austen fans and fans of the 1995 BBC production tend especially to dislike Knightley's portrayal of the character, often deeming it too emotional. A friend of mine found Knightley's rendition overly “lovesick”. Regardless of whether you prefer Lizzie to be staunchly rational, however, it is difficult to deny that Knightley fits well into the period context, at least in terms of appearance.

It is hard not to like Matthew MacFadyen's Mr Darcy, either. It is difficult to dispute that Colin Firth's sultry, dashing portrayal in the 1995 BBC version essentially immortalised the character of Mr Darcy as the epitome of romantic men, but one must laud MacFadyen for a job well done, too. He masterfully brings across the discomfort and awkwardness of the socially inept character as he struggles with the overwhelming affections he feels for Lizzie. Most memorable is the first confession of love he makes to Lizzie and the utter obliviousness of his character to the extensive hurt his words cause as he lambasts her for the status differences between them.

It is indeed true that there are certain differences between the movie and the novel itself, but the ability of the movie to captivate and immerse you in a stunningly romantic world is enough to keep you yearning for more. In the end, it is difficult to fight that warm, fuzzy feeling that builds up in you towards the last scenes of the movie, Pride & Prejudice (2005), and which, despite how cheesy it may sound, makes you believe in the power of love all over again.

Click here to buy this Blu-ray or DVD

Rate this movie, give us your rating:
(1 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
 Loading ...

Buy related products from eBay:

Pride and Prejudice Blu ray Disc 2010 WS US $19.80 Sale Ends In: 11m Bid This Item   | Buy This Item   | Watch This Item

Pride and Prejudice Bantam Classics Jane Austen Goo US $6.00 Sale Ends In: 13m Bid This Item   | Buy This Item   | Watch This Item

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Jane Austen 1976 US $35.95 0 Bid Sale Ends In: 39m Bid This Item   | Buy This Item   | Watch This Item