Pride & Prejudice
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Movie Reviews of Pride & Prejudice
Movie Review: All Keira Knightley!
Summary: 5 Stars
Before it was released, Joe Wright's adaptation of Jane Austen's novel seemed destined for failure. After all, a "definitive" BBC version starring Colin Firth already existed, with a stellar cast and a faithfulness to Austen that purists adored. This newest entry, however, is every bit as compelling as its BBC relative. Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet is brilliant; her Elizabeth is keenly intelligent, witty, spunky, and, above all, utterly charming. While the BBC version may be known as the "Colin Firth version" for that actor's memorable performance as Darcy, this one will be known as the "Keira Knightley version," as the emphasis here is firmly on Elizabeth, exactly what Austen would have intended. Of course, Knightley is surrounded by excellent actors such as Mathew Macfayden (Darcy), Judi Dench (Lady Catherine), and Donald Sutherland (Mr. Bennet), but her outstanding performance is responsible for this film's success.
For those unfamiliar with the plot: the Bennet family lives in a precarious situation. With no male heirs and a household of five unmarried daughters, their future is uncertain, as the house will be inherited by the family toad, Mr. Collins, upon Mr. Bennet's death. As in most Austen novels, the mother sets about frantically trying to match up her girls with men of social standing and wealth to ensure that they will all be cared for. When repressed aristocrat Darcy and his foppish but eligible friend Bingley arrive in the country, Mrs. Bennet starts scheming. In keeping with the theme, the truth of matters are often obscured by the "pride and prejudice" of the characters, lending complexity to the plot.
Probably the most amazing accomplishment in this film is the transformation of Elizabeth and Darcy's relationship. Macfayden is cold, judgmental, repressed, and glowering--and yet by the end of the film, without significant change in his countenance, his Darcy seems perfect for Knightley's radiant Elizabeth. Likewise, Elizabeth's gradual appreciation of Darcy is completely believable, although unfortunately the film suggests that his wealth first turns her head. Much of what transpires between these characters is expertly shown through the actors' eyes and small gestures, which then makes it equally believable that no one else suspects their growing affection for each other.
This adaptation, while not entirely faithful to the novel, captures the spirit of Austen's masterpiece. The cinematography is as accomplished as the performances, giving the film a vibrancy that puts aside any question of pretension. The only sour note comes in the last moments of the film when Wright and screenwriter Moggach opt for sappiness over the unsentimental beauty of the rest. This misstep can be forgiven, given the utter brilliance of everything that comes before it. Highly recommended, even for those who would not ordinarily sit through a literary adaptation.
Movie Review: Fantastic entertainment for both fans and newcomers to Austen
Summary: 5 Stars
What a classy movie! This is the successor to the Merchant Ivory movies... Joe Wright does an impeccable job of getting a dense and wordy novel down to the essentials of the story, and still leave time to savour the beauty of England and the cast.
The story involves Lizzy and her 4 sisters, following their path to marriage through the minefield of Georgian conventions of 1797 (when the movie was set)and English social mores. The pride and the prejudices come from every angle in this classic and timeless story.
There are several ingredients here that simply make this work to perfection. The cast is for the most part spot on, with Keira Knightley in top form as the headstrong Lizzy, looking, sounding and emoting every inch the part. She is surrounded by Brenda Blethyn and Donald Sutherland as her father and mother, Judi Dench as a Lady Catherine to make you wither in your boots (unless you are Lizzy of course), ravishing Rosamund Pike as her older sister and Tom Hollander as the wimpy cleric, amongst others. The only slight let down, and only because the others are so good, is Matthew MacFadyen, who is perfectly adequately brooding as Darcy, but compared to Colin Firth lacks the charisma to make such a character attractive to Lizzy.
Therein lies the problem, if any, with this adaptation - it cannot help but be compared to the impeccable casting and pedigree of the BBC version, which is still the definitive version because of its length, which allows it to stick more rigidly and fully to the book. But this movie must be taken on its own merits, and succeeds where the BBC version could not, in the scale and beauty of the photography - England looks absolutely beautiful here. The mud and dirt are all there - this is no stagey drama - but the beauty of the photography illuminates fantastic interiors of houses rich to poor, and most especially the exteriors of Georgian facades, and natures rich greens and majestic moors.
I should also mention the music by Dario Marianelli which is a perfect contributor to the movie, beautifully classic while never dull, somewhat like the ivory tinklings of Michael Nyman (The Piano), but not nearly so minimalist, with lush orchestra where appropriate, and lively jigs for the ball scenes making them seem genuinely like something that would have been fun to attend.
Overall, I suggest avoiding comparison with the BBC version, and take this movie as the definitive cinema version, at least.
- a p.s. there are plenty of extras on the desk fleshing out history and Jane Austen as well as the usual 'making of' stuff, but most interesting is the alternative ending for the US market - this adds a scene of Lizzy and Darcy together cuddling and expressing their love, which seems much more like a Hollywood add on than the original ending, and adds nothing other than some saccharine for those who cannot find the romance in the story but require it spelt out.
Movie Review: Beautiful, mesmerizing and, simply put, utter perfection...
Summary: 5 Stars
I don't know if I'll every truly know why, but I absolutely LOVE this movie.
It's not as brilliant as `Sense and Sensibility' (mostly because it lacks the splendor that is Kate Winslet) but `Pride and Prejudice' is a perfect family film that builds off its subject to create a beautifully crafted masterpiece. The performances match the surroundings and the direction by newcomer Joe Wright is astoundingly accurate and beautiful to look at. Keira Knightley rightfully earned that Oscar nomination, for her portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet is the best by far of anyone attempting at the coveted role. The fact remains that `Pride and Prejudice' has been done and redone and supposedly mastered by BBC (and Colin Firth) in 1995. While that is the case this beautiful reimagining of the classic Austen novel is, in my humble opinion, the best film adaptation, by far.
The film, aside from being splendidly acted, is above and beyond a beauty to look at. Each frame is astounding in its visual flare. The camera pans out over the surroundings with beautiful precision. Just watch the fog scene with Darcy and know that a picture speaks a thousand words. It's graceful and mesmerizing.
The film follows the love affair (or lack there of) between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, a pair made in Hollywood heaven. She's strong-willed and opinionated as is he and they seem to butt-heads more than steal hearts but in the end there is no denying they are perfect for one another. What makes this movie so brilliant is that it is in affect the catalysts for almost every other love story out there for these two characters seem to pop up in almost every teen film produced as of late. These are the originals though, and with splendid performances by Knightley and Macfadyen are so effortless and uplifting in their impish immaturity that they breathe a whole new life to the classic tale.
The supporting cast all hold their weight as well, especially the likes of Donald Sutherland who is perfectly cast as Elizabeth's father and Brenda Blethyn who plays her mother, but it's Dame Judi Dench who stole the show for me with her few moments of screen time. She plays Lady Catherine de Bourg with such ferocity that her confrontation with Elizabeth was the highlight of the film for me.
In the end I can only say good things for this film for I cannot find a single flaw. Watching Keira chew up the scenery is orgasmic for me, especially when you think that this is the same girl who fights pirates and hunts criminals. Under that action hero exterior is a giggly teenage girl who becomes so real to her audience that you can't help but fall madly in love with her. `Pride and Prejudice' is a wonder of a film, a beautifully magnificent cinematic experience that brings nothing but joy and warmth to my heart.
So I guess I do know why I love this film after all...go figure.
Movie Review: Pride and Prejudice condenced....
Summary: 5 Stars
If one were to watch a condensed version of P&P, this is the one to watch. If one is a newcomer to P&P this is the one to watch. If one has watched the A&E version nine million times, and may want something fresh(despite eight other adaptations out there), this is the one to watch!
Granted, I myself, am not an austere follower of Austin, but I have read enough of the novel, and seen the A&E version enough times, to know what it is supposed to be. Call me romantic(I am), call me an idealist(I am), but no matter what way you look at it, outside of reading the book and Collin Firth's spot-on Darcy, I'd say this is the probably the best version you'll ever get.
It holds true to the spirit of the book, and although there are many omissions, and some missing characters, this keeps in all the key scenes, and stays true to the characters. Not only that but Keira Knightley's Elizabeth Bennet, has to be the best portrayal to date; as does McFayden's Darcy. This coming from an avid Colin Firth fan as well. I love Colin Firth, and he will always be dear to my heart, but Matthew McFayden knocks him right out of the water(pun intended) in my book! He is restrained, yet sexy, prideful and haughty, yet tender and kind of sensitive. He walks a very fine line, as only Firth has been able to walk before, but Mr. McFayden does it even better.
The other characters, such as Lydia(Played by the always marvelous Jena Malone) and Mrs. Bennet, were not quite as a annoying. The relationship between Mr. Bennet and Lizzie seemed much more clearly defined as well. Although I did enjoy the A&E's Mr. Collins, this one seems more appropriate to the period, and much more believable. Judi Dench is simply wonderful, and is the definitive Lady Catherine.
The characters in this version seemed much more suited to the era then in the A&E versions, the contrast between the Bennet's finfancial state and the Upper Class(Darcy & Bingley), was much more obvious, which was nice. The characters know their places, and they act like it. The dances also come off as more real and natural, not so staged as in the A&E version.
If all else fails to entice you, the Scenery is to die for! The English Moors are so beautiful their worth seeing the film for that alone! The scene were Mr. Darcy comes out of the mist to meet Elizabeth has to be one of "The most geourgeous" in cinema history.
So my hope for you is, that no matter how many times you've read the book, no matter how many film(Tv or movie) versions you've seen, you can appreciate this on its own. Yes, I did make comparison's, but merely to appease the Austin fanatics, I prefer to take things on their own, and not make a lot of comparisons. So enjoy this movie drink in the scenery, the marvelous music, and the wonderful acting.
God Bless ~Amy
Movie Review: Excellent, but please read the book too...
Summary: 5 Stars
I read "Pride and prejudice" (1813) more than 15 years ago, and I loved it immediately. I didn't know who Jane Austen was, but I risked disappointment and tried a "new" author. Truth to be told, I found a book that became one of my favourites, due to the fact that it is well-written, but also thoroughly entertaining.
I must say that I was a little afraid to watch this movie, due to the undeniable fact that literary adaptations can sometimes go sour. Thankfully, that isn't the case in this occasion, because the director, Joe Wright, somehow managed to capture the essence of the book. I suppose the excellent cast must have helped him in that endeavour. All the actors are remarkably good, but some are specially noteworthy. I think I should at least mention Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet, Matthew Macfadyen as the handsome Mr. Darcy, and Brenda Blethyn as the kind of mother you are thankful not to have :)
The plot is not overly complicated, and it tackles wonderfully themes such as relationships, love, class distinctions, and of course pride and prejudice, all from the point of view of what happened in 18th century England. The story begins in the small town where the Bennets live. Mrs. Bennet (Brenda Blethyn) has five daughters, and her mission in life is marrying them off. Mr. Bennet (Donald Sutherland) is an intellectual, who often escapes to his library in search of silence and to avoid Mrs. Bennet's nonsense. The two more important daughters, from the point of view of the story, are probably the eldest, the beautiful Jane (Rosamund Pike) and the second, Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) who is very witty but perhaps too proud.
The dynamics of the town are changed when a single man of large fortune, Mr. Bingley (Simon Woods), arrives to Netherfield Park, an estate not far from town. Mr. Bingley comes with a friend, Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen), and the Bennets meet both at a ball. While Mr. Bingley immediately caughts Jane's eye, and is considered nice by Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy has not such luck. By sheer chance, Elizabeth overhears him making a negative comment on her, something that hurts her pride and spurs her to consider him a hateful man. But will that change? And if so, how?
Discovering that is likely to be fun for the spectator, unless he is a perfectionist looking for inconsistencies between the film and the book. There are quite a few, it is true, but I firmly believe that is not important if the essence of what makes "Pride and Prejudice" a classic is present in the movie. And in my opinion, it is... Highly recommended :)
Belen Alcat
PS: Of course, if you want to enjoy this film even more, read the book too. Even though the director and the cast successfully captured the essence of "Pride and Prejudice", there is still a lot you will be missing if you don`t do that.