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Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen’s most famous love story comes to life in a new screen adaptation from British director Joe Wright. The film remains largely faithful to the text, with a few forgiveable deviations. Pride and Prejudice brings Austen’s beloved characters to life so well that I couldn’t help but love them as well as when I read the novel. Usually, if I read the book first, I can’t stand the movie. This is a rare exception. The film’s cinematography is gorgeous. Each and every shot is painstakingly planned and executed. Every angle, every subtle nuance of expression is carefully crafted by the creators. I had doubts about who would play Lizzie Bennet, but was pleasantly surprised by Keira Knightley’s performance. As for the other cast members, Brenda Blethyn and Donald Sutherland are wonderful as the comical Mrs. Bennet and the ironic Mr. Bennet. Lizzie’s sisters and friends are, for the most part, well-cast as well. If anything, Rosamund Pike’s performance as Jane Bennet is somewhat stilted and cold. Judi Dench as Lady Catherine is just as dignified and forbidding as Austen intended, and the chemistry between Knightley’s Lizzie and Matthew Macfadyen’s Mr. Darcy is tangible.

The movie is careful to remain faithful to the book. Lizzie is meant to be “very pretty,” but not as captivating as Jane, so Knightley’s natural beauty is deliberately played down. I think the director did a wonderful job of staying true to what makes the book so loved. The charm, wit, and humor of Austen’s world come shining through in this well-made adaptation of the classic story.

DVD extras include interviews with cast and crew, a commentary by the director, and an examination of Jane Austen's life and works.

Written by: Jess Boettger

Reviewers Rating: 9.5
Reader's Rating: 5.00
Reader's Votes: 5

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