Tags
2000's, Brenda Blethyn, Carey Mulligan, Donald Sutherland, Jane Austen, Jena Malone, Joe Wright, Judi Dench, Keira Knightley, Kelly Reilly, Matthew Macfadyen, Period Drama, Pride & Prejudice, Romance, Rosamund Pike, Simon Woods, Talulah Riley, Tom Hollander
Film Title
Pride & Prejudice
Director
Joe Wright
Starring
- Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet
- Matthew Macfadyen as Mr Darcy
- Brenda Blethyn as Mrs Bennet
- Donald Sutherland as Mr Bennet
- Rosamund Pike as Jane Bennet
- Carey Mulligan as Kitty Bennet
- Jena Malone as Lydia Bennet
- Tom Hollander as Mr Collins
- Simon Woods as Mr Bingley
- Judi Dench as Lady Catherine de Bourgh
- Kelly Reilly as Caroline Bingley
- Talulah Riley as Mary Bennet
Based on the classic novel by Jane Austen, Pride & Prejudice is a vibrant and witty version of the source material that brings the themes of misconceptions, social standing and matchmaking into a context that modern viewers can enjoy, but purists can appreciate as well.
In 18th Century England, the Bennet family are part of the Landed Gentry, who whilst not poor by any means are far off being rich. The family comprises of the nervous but determined Mrs Bennett, her eye-rolling and sagacious husband Mr Bennett and their five daughters; beautiful but modest Jane, stubborn and spirited Elizabeth, plain Mary, coquettish Lydia and childlike Kitty . As women can’t inherit property at this time, the house will pass to the nearest male relative, in this case it is a distant cousin Mr Collins. Mrs Bennett has her heart set on marrying her girls to secure their future, but the second eldest Elizabeth is headstrong and not fond of the idea of matrimony. When Mrs Bennet hears that a nearby hall is to be purchased by an eligible bachelor Mr Bingley, she’s sees the opening ball as a perfect way to find suitors for her daughters. It is here that Elizabeth meets the snobbish but broodingly handsome Mr Darcy, who she takes an immediate dislike to because of his proud nature. While Jane is obviously taken with the kindly Mr Bingley, the spark has been lit between Darcy and Elizabeth, and although neither will admit it, they soon begin to develop feelings for one another. But can a relationship survive because of Darcy’s sullen and proud attitude? And can the waspish Elizabeth truly love a man she has sworn to hate? Watch as this delightful version of the story unfolds with humour and vivacity as morality, romance and family form the backbone to the timeless tale.
Joe Wright, who made quite the debut here, directs Pride & Prejudice with a fluidity that gives the story a constant movement as romance changes between characters and misconceptions are rectified. Yet rather than focus on the quaint beauty that many a period drama centers on, he injects Pride & Prejudice with a modernity, while still retaining the acute social observations of etiquette and manners from Jane Austen’s source. Yes many of the locations used are beautiful, but they don’t overpower the story and this gives this take on the book a much more realistic tone than a romanticized one. A standout scene have to be the confrontation and later exclamation of love between Darcy and Elizabeth, whilst they shelter from the pouring rain. The chemistry between the two characters is most evident here, and they may quarrel with each other, but we can see that there is passion beneath the surface that is waiting to be released. Also, worth mentioning is the two would be lovers who can’t sleep taking a walk and meeting one another in the misty morning, just as the first rays of the sun emerge. The excellent script allows for humour and drama in a dynamic way that perfectly compliment one another. It also gives us a gallery of interesting characters, all caught up in the machinations of dating and social status. A gentle but urgent score by the talented Dario Marianelli is a beautiful thing to listen to as the gliding rhythms of the piano and strings give voice to the unspoken passions and initial indifference between Elizabeth and Mr Darcy.
Keira Knightley makes for an excellent Elizabeth Bennet, giving her an independence, stubbornness and charm that is a joy to watch. Knightley makes the role her own with her expressive face, witty tongue and glint of playfulness in her eyes. She has great chemistry with Matthew Macfadyen as the two characters lock horns with a mixture of intellect and barbed observations. Macfadyen plays Darcy as a snobbish and sullen bachelor. He gives Darcy an insolence but also a kindness, as we witness his proud state of mind altered and forever changed by the spirited Elizabeth. Brenda Blethyn is a hoot as the caring but highly strung mother who wants all her daughters married, while Donald Sutherland contributes a firm but warm performance as her observant husband. Rosamund Pike makes for a radiant Jane. Carey Mulligan and Jena Malone are funny as two of the younger sisters who flirt and giggle, usually at the most inappropriate times. Tom Hollander is simpering and nervous as a possible suitor and the man who stands to inherit the house, while Simon Woods is charming and polite as Jane’s suitor Mr Bingley. Only appearing briefly but making a scene-stealing impression is Judi Dench as the haughty lady with many opinions on those she deems beneath her. Kelly Reilly is suitably bitchy as Caroline Bingley, who does not approve of the family but Talulah Riley isn’t given enough to do as the plain sister Mary.
A spirited triumph filled with humour and romance, Pride & Prejudice is a handsomely produced period drama with a wide range of appeal, due to its excellent direction, witty screenplay and fine performances.
Kim @ Tranquil Dreams said:
Awesome review! I LOVE Pride and Prejudice…and I’m slowly learning a lot of period dramas, especially Jane Austen stories, usually do pretty well as movies 🙂
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vinnieh said:
There are many strong adaptations of her work out there, aren’t there?
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Kim @ Tranquil Dreams said:
Yeah, I just saw Mansfield Park and Sense and Sensibility as part of my Valentine’s Marathon this year. They both are pretty great 🙂 Especially Sense and Sensibility with its amazing cast. But I think Pride and Prejudice still is a little bit stronger, maybe its just my preference of Keira Knightley and Joe Wright
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vinnieh said:
Sense and Sensibility is a great film, you’ve really put me in the mood for watching it again. As for Mansfield Park, I’ll have to see that one when I get the chance.
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Kim @ Tranquil Dreams said:
I have yet to read the novel. It’ll happen this year so I’m not sure how true it is to the novel for Mansfield Park but they add some pretty nice parts to it. And I mean the 1999 version. Apparently there’s one in 2007 and its not so good? Thats what I’ve heard at least.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the heads up Kim, will add Mansfield Park to my list of movies I must see.
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Kim @ Tranquil Dreams said:
Can’t wait to read what you think about it 🙂
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vinnieh said:
If it’s anything like the other successful adaptations of Jane Austen’s work, then I’m sure I’ll be impressed.
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Cindy Bruchman said:
One of my all-time favorites, Vinnieh! Nice review. I couldn’t agree with you more. I’ve said this before, but the score is exceptional.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks Cindy, can’t argue with you there, the score is stunning.
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The Telltale Mind said:
Great review of a really great film. Good job!
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vinnieh said:
Thanks, it really is a quality film.
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mjmoteleb said:
Very good review. I actually watched this for the first time a few weeks ago. I couldn’t help feel that the film seemed more like a Bronte adaptation (windswept heaths, Darcy as a Byronic hero) than an Austen one, which for me makes it better as I’m a fan of the Bronte sisters 🙂
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vinnieh said:
I can definitely see the influence of the Bronte’s now you’ve mentioned it, especially in the shot of Darcy emerging from the mist. Glad you liked the review.
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Abbi said:
This was a decent interpretation but the novel is so good I am not sure anything could ever measure up.
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vinnieh said:
The book in most cases of film adaptations is most of the time better. But this was a really enjoyable interpretation of the book.
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ruth said:
Glad to hear you love this Vinnie! You’re right this film somehow feels modern whilst still retains the sensibility of the regency era. I actually prefer this version now w/ Matthew Macfadyen as Darcy compared to the popular Colin Firth one.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks Ruth, it really is such an excellent adaptation that still has Austen’s keen eye for observing social machinations.
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sweetarchive said:
Such words, Vinnie… I have seen Pride & Prejudice numerous times, however this review brought the urge to watch it again. Excellently put 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Thank you, I try to be as descriptive as I can be when I write these reviews. Glad you enjoyed reading it.
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sweetarchive said:
I did! I really love the way you write.
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vinnieh said:
This comment has made my day, thank you.
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TBM said:
I really enjoyed this version and I can still remember watching it many years ago.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the comment, it really is a great adaptation of the book.
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boxofficebuzzab said:
I love this version; it’s actually my favorite retelling of the novel.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks, it has to be one of my favourite Austen adaptations.
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