Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Simon Woods, Rosamund Pike
Directed by Joe Wright
Rating: 4 stars
When the news comes that a rich bachelor has moved into Netherfeld Park, the Bennet women are excited. None so more than the mother who hopes that the bachelor will take onto one of her girls. A dance is held and they get to meet Mr. Bingley (Simon Woods) and his rich friend (who happens to be a bachelor as well) Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen). Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) finds Mr. Darcy attractive but is soon turned off by his arrogance for the lower class. Elizabeth's older sister Jane (Rosamund Pike) and Mr. Bingley have a mutual attraction but Mr. Darcy has suspicions that Jane is interested in his friend for all the wrong reasons. As the movie progresses, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth can't help but fall in love with each other.
Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is a wonderful classic love story. Elizabeth Bennet has standards, something girls these days don't. She wants a meaningful relationship with someone who matches her intellectual level. Mr. Darcy is the best match, though it takes a while for both of them to open their eyes and realize it. This movie deserves four stars because director Joe Wright only focuses on the love story and not the story as a whole. Don't get me wrong, the scenery, music, costumes, etc., were all amazing. Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen play a good version of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. What would have made this movie better is if the director had cut certain scenes to replace them with more fitting ones. For example, watching Elizabeth sit on a swing and spin in circles for about a minute. However, with the amount of the time the director allowed the film to be, it turned out to be a good job.
Yes, this movie version is considered more of a "chick flick" but guys should read the book too. I wouldn't recommend this movie for those only interested in movies with action, gossip or even hot kissing scenes because you won't get that here. Well, you will get action (Lydia running off with Wickham) and you might even get some gossip ("Netherfeld Park has let again!"). But this romantic movie is perfect to watch when you're looking for a quiet night in.
I just realized I can comment on this.
ReplyDeleteBut, Pride and Prejudice is a moving story, but I agree that it should have eliminated some scenes that serve no purpose, but maybe the director thought it added more artistic expression. And yes, it is a movie to watch when you want a quiet night in, just a night to relax. Mr. Darcy was marvelously represented, even better than the book, and it made the story come alive. The actors were definitely well represented too.