Pride & Prejudice
|
List Price: Our Price: $6.57 You Save: $8.41 (56%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $5.18 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of Pride & Prejudice
Movie Review: A story above the rest
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a wonderful story. Pride and Prejudice is a classic that has inspired, interested and entertained young women for years, and henceforth has been made into many movies. Amazingly, each one has tried to represent the complete and prominent beauty of this story, but none has succeeded completely, because they are either too long, or too short. Until now. In the 2005 version, (w) starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, one will be swept away in the world of Jane Austen and be kept tucked away in its arms. Being the re-representation of Pride and Prejudice the book, the
movie keeps close to the original and only veers away to emphasize and enhance it, since modern people are harder to please. When one watches this video they will see a wonderful and picturesque world that will fly them away from reality and into a world of romance and "Happily Ever After." Nothing beats this tale.
All is quiet as Elizabeth Bennet walks through the fields in the early morning, book in hand. Unfortunately, that does not last. Even as she steps up onto the steps of her home, she hears the chattering of her sisters and the shrewish voice of her mother. "Mr. Bennet, have you not heard? Netherfield Park is let at last, do you not wish to know who has taken it?" "As you wish to tell me my dear, I doubt I have much choice in the matter." He replied tiredly. Spotting her sisters, Elizabeth hurried towards them. "Lydia, Kitty, what have we said about listening at the door." But they quickly hush her, and inform her that a young and rich man, (w) named Mr. Bingley was moving in just up the road. "He's single." They gasped, and instantly Jane, the eldest sister was pulled into the conversation. "Who's single?" the conversation continued in the other room. "How could that possibly effect them?" their father rumbled. "Oh, Mr. Bennet, how can you be so tiresome, you know he must marry one of them." Stifling giggles the four girls leaned in closer, since the conversation has just gotten interesting. Just then the door opened and Mr. Bennet himself stepped out, not at all surprised to see his daughters listening in. Then all of them pursue him through the house, because they are trying to convince him to visit the man. As they pass her, the girls pull Mary up from her piano stool and into the living room with them. "For your information," Mr. Bennet said finally, cutting them off, "I already have." "You have?" and again they began to bombard him with questions, this time about the man's character. "So will he come to the ball then Papa?" Lydia finally asks breathlessly and eagerly. "I believe so." In an instant, temperaments go from concerned to overjoyed and preparations begin immediately for creating the best appearance to catch the eye of the young man. Elizabeth just laughs and thinks about how fast a quiet morning can turn into one of such frivolity.
The ball was such a mix of sounds that it was almost impossible to hear anything, even though Elizabeth was sitting right next to her sister Jane and her best friend Charlotte. "If all of the men in the room don't end the evening in love with you then I am no judge of beauty," she told Jane, but she was only answered with a laugh and retort, "Or men." "No, they are far too easy to judge." The lady laughed, looking at the room full of middle society folk, all enjoying themselves immensely. "They're not all bad." Jane reproved scanning the faces for Mr. Bingley. "Poppycocks in my limited experience." "One of these days Lizzy, someone's going to catch your eye and then you're going to have to watch your tongue." Charlotte agreed with a knowing look, because she knew her friend well. Not much later, the doors blew open revealing three people who looked both rich and self absorbed. Instantly, the room fell silent as the figures strode through the room, since they were imposing figures. "Which one of the painted peacocks is our Mr. Bingley?" Lizzy asked her friend. "He's on the left," in secret she looked at the ginger haired young man and decided that he wasn't so bad. He was smiling at the crowd genially and nodding at different people. "And on the right is his sister." Again her eyes scanned the woman and concluded that if any words could be used for her, they would be proud, attention seeking and prejudiced. "And the person with the quizzical brow?" she finally inquired. "That is his good friend Mr. Darcy." "He looks miserable poor soul." "Miserable he may be, but poor he most certainly is not." Sweeping the crowd, his eyes found hers as she rose from her curtsy and he hastily turned his gaze back to the front. Finally, Sir William Lucus, Charlotte's father stepped forward and greeted them. Elizabeth believed he was proud. After that, chaos ensued at the party again with all its noise and clamor.
The family's simple plan of uniting Mr. Bingley to Jane for an advantageous marriage becomes more and more complex as Mr. Collins, the cousin who is to inherit everything that belongs to the girls, shows up with a determination to marry one of them. At around the same time Mr. Wickham steps into the scene and practically sweeps Elizabeth off her feet in one sentence, because he is witty and charming. But Mr. Darcy isn't done with her either, since she has already caught his eye. Suddenly the stubborn Elizabeth finds herself being twirled around in a spinning love-go-round. Being young, being stubborn and being love sick she is confused with the two stories spun for her, concerning the connection of Darcy and Wickham. Who is telling the truth? When faced with the choice, which man will she eventually marry? Will her sisters end up in poverty or will they have advantageous marriages too?
In order to find out, in order to learn more, and in order to see the beauty for oneself, one must watch the movie or even read the very book. Pride and Prejudice is a complex story that will be a treasure for all young ladies adding to their collection. Not only is it entertaining, but it is a sweet and clean chick flick that stands above all the rest, which is saying a lot. The directors did a wonderful job of keeping it close enough to the book that anyone can read it afterwards and still not be disappointed, but still making it appealing to the teen crowd. Many young women can watch this movie over and over again and never get tired of it, because one can catch different things when it is watched more. It is a comfort movie. Being full of wonderful music, people can buy the soundtrack or even the piano book to keep the beauty in their home. Finally, many lessons can be learned from this story since people learn never to judge on appearances and to love one's family even through thick and thin. Since it is a terrific tale of truth Pride and Prejudice is a movie a family will want to watch again and again.
Movie Review: Not the 1995 version, but still very well done
Summary: 5 Stars
1. This movie is much better than my wife and I expected. To be sure, there are big departures from Jane Austen's book and the tale seems tailored to a modern audience. Nevertheless, we're giving this production five stars, because of its overall impact and flow. The acting and location shots are first-rate and key scenes are so beautifully done. We particularly liked the scene near the end where Elizabeth entreats her father so she might marry Mr. Darcy. She reveals how Darcy is the one who bailed out the Bennett family from Mr. Wickham's debts and also arranged for sister Lydia's marriage. This ending seems more convincing than other versions we've seen because it registers with Mr. Bennett that Darcy is the one who saved the family. If you look it up, the bail-out revelation is in the book.
2. Viewers may want to turn on English subtitles in places so as to get all the dialogue. This is a British production making it hard for we Americans to follow at times. An idea raised by another reviewer is also a good one, namely, to turn on the director's commentary when you have time to re-view the movie. A lot of things come out you would not know otherwise, making this a deeper film than what you first saw. Not all the director's comments are profound but when he tells you he devoted 2 years of his life to the film (morning, noon, and night) you need to pay attention. Also, we're told why Elizabeth and her aunt and uncle are given a tour of sculptures at Pemberley rather than seeing portraits of the Darcy family. Sure, the scene departs from the book, as so many other things do, but it's awfully well done.
3. This movie runs only 2 hours, so its character development pales in comparison with miniseries that were done by the BBC in 1979 and by A&E in 1995. On DVD, these productions run 4 and 5 hours, respectively. To really understand the story line most viewers should see one or both of these and even read the book. Key characters like Wickham and Mr. & Mrs. Collins barely have cameo roles in the 2005 movie which is a pity. Also, time constraints may have precluded showing more on the special relationship between Mr. Bennett and his second daughter, Elizabeth, who may really be his alter ego.
4. In other respects, it's apparent that the producer and director wanted to stage this movie a lot differently than previous versions. The Bennett family is seen living a very rustic life with pigs, geese, and dogs underfoot. This is a major departure from life discussed in the book and depicted in other film and TV versions. This movie is set in the year, 1797, not 1813, as previously understood. In another departure, the opening ballroom scene is far more informal and earthy than what we've seen before. But it has an infectious energy that prepares you for the rest of the show. Yes, this version is going to be different from other ones!
5. For most of the movie, Elizabeth runs around in very casual attire with her hair wild and unkempt. All the while she states her opinions freely and is not bashful about offending others, including her poor mother. In many ways, Lizzy seems like a wild animal that may appeal to Darcy's basic instincts. This is another big departure from the book and from past productions where the eldest Bennett girls are seen as well-dressed and presentable, desperate as they are to find good husbands. The "car wreck" scene where Elizabeth rejects Darcy and his first marriage proposal may be the most powerful moment in the movie. Darcy, despite his imposing size and presence, appears lucky Elizabeth didn't have a club nearby when she rejected him. What a contrast to the second proposal where Darcy stammers out his love for her and Elizabeth accepts him while gently taking his hand. Brilliantly done!
6. Music has been an important element in past productions of Pride and Prejudice and it is here, as well. The Baroque-era music played at the balls is our favorite kind. Also, the haunting piano theme heard throughout the show is extremely well done and played. Bravo!
7. Although the casting of Donald Sutherland as Mr. Bennett may have raised some eyebrows we thought he did quite well, especially at the end where he talks to Elizabeth about Darcy's second proposal. Keira Knightley is marvelous as the untamed Elizabeth, Mr. Bennett's favorite daughter. Matthew MacFadyen is a revelation as Darcy. In truth, Matthew looks like such a physical specimen he might have playing linebacker for the Green Bay Packers. What's just as amazing is that when he speaks he sounds like an educated, British gentleman. Actors portraying Mrs. Bennett, Jane Bennett, Mr. & Mrs. Collins, Lady Catherine DeBourgh, Mr. & Miss Bingley, and the other Bennett sisters were fine, too. Mr. Bingley did seem a bit foppish at times, but in contrast to MacFadyen's Darcy, it's not surprising.
8. At the end, Elizabeth seems to blame herself completely for misjudging Darcy. He comes off then as pride-free and irresistible. Some might feel this is taking one too many liberties with Jane Austen's message. Actually, Darcy has been changed and humbled by Elizabeth's rejection of his first proposal. It takes several months for a transformation to be completed and for Darcy to do heroic deeds. He then becomes acceptable to her and us. The movie's producer and director may have been aware of this fact but with only 2 hours to work with simply couldn't show it. Or, maybe they just wanted to stress that rich people have their problems, too?
9. Comparisons to the other versions of Pride and Prejudice are difficult. For us, the wit and elegance of the Colin Firth/Jennifer Ehle version from 1995, may never be surpassed. Also, the 1979 miniseries with Elizabeth Garvie, David Rintoul, and Judy Parfitt has special moments. The 1940 version with Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier deserves attention as well, even though it takes even more liberties with Jane Austen's story than the others. In style and substance, the 2005 version is quite different from earlier ones but it is effective and entertaining. Our sense is to get and study them all. The timeless story and characters make for a masterpiece in English literature and a study of human nature. If nothing else, the happy ending of the 2005 version is classic.
10. Special features on the 2005, DVD include interviews with the producer, the director, and the main characters. There is some repetition, but their comments offer more insights into why this story is so appealing. Too bad other productions haven't offered interviews of the leading stars in this way. Maybe we'll see them some day in a super-gold, Nth anniversary, collectors' edition?
Movie Review: The most romantic version of "Pride & Prejudice" to date
Summary: 5 Stars
Like most people who love literature I was well aware that Jane Austen could write, but the idea that Keira Knightley can act and hold her own against the likes of Dame Judi Dench was a revelation. Granted, Knightley has not particularly been called upon to turn in great acting performances in most of her films. In "Love Actually" she is basically required to look pretty and her best moments are reaction shots rather than dialogue. She has many more moments such as that in "Pride & Prejudice," but she also proves herself proficient at the witty dialogue. Knightley filmed this version as her final film as a teenager and the results are comparable to when Franco Zeffirelli cast the teenage Olivia de Hussey in "Romeo & Juliet."
This becomes the most romantic version of "Pride & Prejudice" because we are not surprised along with Lizzie when Darcy shows up and makes the most backhanded proposal of marriage in the history of Western literature. The screenplay by Deborah Moggach (Emma Thompson receives special thanks in the credits, apparently for script doctoring) makes one significant change in the proceedings by simply having the moment when Mr. Darcy (Matthew MacFadyen) falls for Lizzie clearly written on his face. At the Meryton ball she finds the perfect moment to throw the callous words that she has overheard back into his and with the rapier still skewering her victim she turns on her heels and walks away in triumph.
When next he sees her she has walked over to Mr. Bingley's house to care for her sister Jane (Rosamund Pike), who has been taken ill because of the matrimonial machinations of their mother. Lizzie's hair is down and she is positively glowing. When we see the look of Darcy's face it is clear that he is beyond smitten, even though through the veneer of upper class manners the signs are decidedly subtle. From that moment on his affection becomes transparent to us, although Lizzie is surprised to learn of its existence. Joe Wright also creates a motif where the first time Darcy and Lizzie touch, as he helps her into a carriage, resonates by an emphasis at key moments throughout the film of Darcy's hands.
Elizabeth Bennett is the most delightful of the Austen heroines because she has the virtue of not backing down. Indeed, I believe Darcy first takes real notice of her because she stands up to him at the ball. When she refuses to back down from Lady Catherine De Bourgh (Judi Dench) at the dinner table it struck me that one of the reasons she is so attractive to Darcy is because she is not trying to be. Certainly Mrs. Bennett (Brenda Blythen) has taught her five daughters it is how to be on their best behavior to catch a husband, and in a world of such propriety her candor is refreshing. Darcy's curt dismissal of her looks as being tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt him, becomes ironic because for my money it is her brains that make Elizabeth Bennett a real beauty both to him and to us.
The screenplay necessitates cutting much of the action to reduce the tale to a two-hour film. I appreciated being spared the unfortunate incident of Mary at the pianoforte as well as the constructed scene for the final fadeout and my only minor complaint would be that Lady Catherine does not utter her exit line from the novel when she takes her leave of Elizabeth in their final confrontation although I fully understand that the words cannot be uttered under those circumstances and the fact that Lady Catherine shows up immediately on hearing the rumor makes up for being denied the pleasure of hearing Dame Judy declaim that line.
I had heard that the Jane Austen Society was less than pleased by Knightley's posture in this film, but one of the strengths of this production is that the Bennetts clearly live in the country. There are dirt roads that lead to their home, where a large hog wanders through the front door, and when Mr. Darcy and the Bingleys make their first appearances at the local ball the dancing has an exuberance (not to mention slapping of hands) that makes it patently clear that we are far from the hallowed halls of Pemberly or the civilized life of London. But the outside locations are as sumptuous as the gilded rooms in this film, and cinematographer Roman Osin makes both look gorgeous.
For those who consider "Sense & Sensibility" to be the current cinematic benchmark for Austen adaptations I can report that "Pride & Prejudice" is its superior in terms of both romance and comedy by virtue of both crying and laughing more at this 2005 film.. Where Ang Lee's 1995 film comes out ahead is in its depiction of sisterhood, as Jane and Lizzie cannot rival Elinor and Marianne in their bonds of affection, which is understandable since it is more central to that Austen novel. Even so there is a cute moment of confidences shared beneath the covers and Lizzie's spirited defense of her sister's shyness. However, this one really is all about Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.
I am not at all surprise that Kngihtly received a Best Actress nomination for her performance in this film. As is invariably the case with such films the cast of supporting players is superb. Brenda Blethyn's Mrs. Bennett is comically painful, but Donald Sutherland as Mr. Bennett has a touching final scene with his daughter, Tom Hollander is toadally obnoxious as Mr. Collins, and my wife really wants to slap Jenna Malone's Lydia a couple of times. The best thing I can say about this version of "Pride & Prejudice" is that I went back to the theater to see it again, and the only other movie I did that for was "Revenge of the Sith" (I was using it for class). This one was better.
Movie Review: Eloquent and Witty Adaptation of Austen's Tour de Force...
Summary: 5 Stars
Out of all Jane Austen's literary works Pride and Prejudice is the novel most people identify with her. It is a story similar to many other masterpieces, as it tells a story of love. Yet, it is so much more than a mere love story that unites aching hearts. It brings out the strong patriarchal traditions and social class system that governs the society at the turn of the century between the 18th and 19th century. Aristocratic women at this time avoided physical labor while prudently sitting still much like well-trained lap dogs in order to attract a proper suitor with high social status, wealth, and refined etiquette. Thus, love was something secondary, as marriage provided the means for a woman to function with some freedom within in a society with intricate and rigorous rules. Austen thought differently, and subtly assaulted the establishment with eloquent wit and delicate humor in her tour de force.
Joe Wright is not the first director to attempt to provide a cinematic version of Austen's celebrated novel. Two handfuls of adaptations have retold the story of Pride and Prejudice, yet Wright succeeds in delivering one of the best. He remains true to the novel (despite its short format), while also capturing the social atmosphere in a genuine manner. Besides applying the proper etiquette in a convincing manner, Wright makes sure that the film also looks authentic through details of muddy hems and the real class difference between people emerges through the actors' costumes. Wright also enhances the storyline with breathtaking scenery ranging from dewy dawns at the edge of the forest to death springing cliffs, which helps to artistically reveal the emotional and social situation of the moment. Much of this is also thanks to the terrific cinematography in the film by Roman Oshin.
The opening shot displays the sun emerging above the tree line while the song of birds accompanied by a lone piano aurally enhance the scene. The dawning obviously suggests in a symbolic way of a new beginning, as Pride & Prejudice is about to take its course. In the very next shot, Elizabeth "Lizzy" Bennet (Keira Knightley) wanders a meadow while finishing a book. The contrasting elements in these two sequential scenes provide a slight hint toward Lizzy's delicate rebelliousness, which is augmented by her sisters tendency to remain at home while she gladly roam the outdoors by herself. The slight social disobedience that Lizzy possesses presents the major reason why the story takes place at all, as all other female characters around them follow the traditional rules that govern them.
Lizzy's footsteps lead her home where the story quickly begins to take form, as it becomes known that Mr. Bingley (Simon Wood) has arrived to the Netherfield Park and he collects a substantial annual income. Along with the wealth he has a high-ranking social status and is single. The mother Mrs. Bennet (Brenda Blethyn) rapidly begins to plan for her daughters to meet the gentleman, as her lot in life is to make sure that her daughters get married. Meanwhile, her husband, Mr. Bennet (Donald Sutherland), leisurely goes about his business to study plants and insects, as all five of his daughters are preparing to meet the gentleman. It is yet another subtle illustration of males' acquired superior status due to a chromosome that eventually makes them men.
As the story unfolds, Mr. Bingley falls in love with Jane Bennet (Rosamund Pike) and he begins to court her. At the same time, Lizzy finds her heart crushed by Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen) who plays the status card against her, and Lizzy decides to hate him for all eternity. Ellizabeth also learns about a family secret between Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham (Rupert Friend), which only increases her contempt for Mr. Darcy. In the process, Elizabeth learns that Mr. Bingley has abandoned his pursuit for Jane's heart and hand. Amidst of all this, Elizabeth also declines (something unheard of at the time) a marriage with her wealthy and distant cousin. Instead the cousin marries her best friend, and the plot continues to thicken when she is invited to stay with her friend, as she also meets Mr. Darcy again who seems to have an ulterior agenda.
If the viewers have not read the book by Austen, the film will certainly present a deep appreciation for her literary cunningness. The many side plots keep the audience intrigued while the focus follows whether the truly beloved will find one another. Yet, underneath this overt love story, Austen presents a true image of a woman's lot in life, which Wright skillfully captures. Another aspect that makes this story unique is its deep understanding of human cognition besides the social message, which shines through its profound use of generalizations, assumptions, and preconceived notions. Many of the cast members help bring out the many qualities in the script in a brilliant manner with the performing highlights in Keira Knightley, Brenda Blethyn, and Donald Sutherland. Keira Knightly received an Oscar nomination her part as Lizzy, but I feel that Brenda Blethyn was robbed from a supporting role nomination, as the energetically scheming mother. In the end, Pride & Prejudice presents an adaptation worthy of Austen's literary dexterity, which entertains and offers contemplation to those who seek something meaningful.
Movie Review: A Heart Pumping Movie
Summary: 5 Stars
The movie "Pride and Prejudice" provides a clean, romantic, love story that one enchanted viewer could watch over and over and over again. Near the movies mesmerizing climax the viewer will be in tears of happiness. Miraculously after the movie is over one cannot stop thinking about the unexpected twists and turns the characters endured. Remaining as true to the book as it can in two hours and nine minutes the movie stayed accurate to Jane Austen's descriptions. The movie follows the book. Elizabeth Bennet, the main character in the movie, is flawlessly played by Keira Knightley, who also played in the Pirates of the Caribbean, and Matthew Macfadyen plays the prideful, misunderstood Mr. Darcy. Since the movies title is "Pride and Prejudice" Elizabeth Bennet has prejudice and Mr. Darcy is seen as prideful, because of his reserved, publicly shy nature. "Pride and Prejudice" portrays the perfect love story and envelopes and inspires the viewer with a passion for unsoiled romance.
Elizabeth Bennet has four sisters all of whom were unmarried. This presented a problem according to their mother whose goal was to marry off all of them to rich respectable gentlemen, when the opportunity presented itself. Luckily two rich men named Charles Bingley and Mr. Darcy were attending a ball which was open to the public. All five Bennet girls attended. By the end of the evening two things about the gentlemen were clear to Elizabeth, one Mr. Bingley undoubtedly fancied her older sister Jane, and two, Mr. Darcy was conceited. Decidedly, hastily, and openly Elizabeth "swore to loathe him for all eternity." Although Jane was shy Elizabeth could see that she liked Mr. Bingley. Talking periodically over the next months Jane and Bingley knew each other quite well until Jane received a letter basically stating that Bingley was returning to London. Elizabeth suspected that the despicable Darcy had convinced Bingley to leave because Darcy did not approve of Jane's relatives. After her family's farewells, Jane was sent of to London to stay with relations in hope that Bingley would learn of her presence and visit her.
With her sister gone Elizabeth was bored and sad and confused fortunately she was invited to visit a friend. She welcomed the change of scenery and left. This friend lived near a rich pompous Lady who had her nephew, the Mr. Darcy, visiting her. In church all Elizabeth could do was stare at him in disgust then after the sermon she ran outside to be alone in the rain with her tears and thoughts. He had followed her. He proposed to her. She sharply rejected him. He then left her. Elizabeth's mind was spinning, the man she hated had proposed to her! Imagine that! Completely distressed Elizabeth went back to her friend's house to clean up. While staring at her reflection in the mirror, Mr. Darcy entered the house and placed a letter on the windowsill because he could not verbally explain his intentions toward Bingley and her sister. Reading the letter when he had left Elizabeth's view of Darcy had changed. Elizabeth returned home, still bewildered, and found that her aunt and uncle had delivered her sister from London.
Although Elizabeth had just returned home, her heart wanted to get away from her family so she gladly accepted an invitation to go with her aunt and uncle to tour the sights of the Peak District. Despite her swirling mind Elizabeth enjoyed the trip, until she learned that they were going to tour Mr. Darcy's home. That set her off. Instantly she tried to sway her aunt and uncle not to see his house, but to no avail. Mr. Darcy's housekeeper talked of her master as a wonderful man, a man Elizabeth prejudged as proud when he was really kind and considerate. She had been wrong about him. After arriving home again, talking with Jane, and resting in the parlor with her mother and sisters, Elizabeth was surprised when Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy knocked on the door. The two gentlemen entered the parlor said a few words then Bingley left suddenly again with Darcy trailing behind because Bingley, who was nervous, did not know how to express his feelings. Reentering the room, moments later, he asked to talk to Jane in private. Elizabeth knew all to well that Bingley was proposing to her sister, and guessed that Darcy had helped him do so. All had ended well for Jane, but does it end well for Elizabeth? You will have to watch the heart wrenching ending to find out.
Drawing you in like a hungry bear to food, "Pride and Prejudice's" actors and setting made the viewer feel like they were in the story. Keira Knightley did an exceptional job of playing Elizabeth because she showed the character's obvious outward emotions and internally complex emotions as well. She forced the viewer to experience, endure, and relish in happiness, disgust, and pain. Once you feel the emotions Elizabeth underwent it is easier to understand Mr. Darcy's emotions which are intricate and misunderstood. He is a complicated man. Exceptionally well written "Pride and Prejudice" is the ultimate love story. If you want a romantic and heart pumping movie, which touches your very soul, watch "Pride and Prejudice."