Pride and Prejudice (movie)

Pride and Prejudice (movie)
Universal Studios, 2006
Directed by Joe Wright
Starring Keira Knightley, Matthew MacFadyen, Donald Sutherland
Rated PG

Summary:
Although the Bennetts have five daughters, Jane Austen’s classic focuses on their second-oldest, Elizabeth. The strong-willed, intelligent Lizzy knows that as the daughter of a poor gentleman, she doesn’t have much to offer in the way of dowry, and thus has little to recommend her to potential suitors. When the rich Mr. Bingley moves into the neighborhood, though, Mrs. Bennett becomes determined to see him marry one of her daughters. And thus begins the whirlwind of events that is Pride and Prejudice. Unlike many romanticized Austen adaptations, this film does an excellent job portraying the realities of Victorian life. The Bennett girls live in a decent-sized house, but must share their roof with the family livestock. And though the entire cast is not British, everyone convinces their audience otherwise.

Review:
For me, no Pride and Prejudice adaptation will ever live up to the five-hour, BBC version with Colin Firth. And since I generally dislike Keira Knightley, I had low hopes for this film. But it manages to maintain the spirit of the story (and most of the plot) while whittling Austen’s novel down to two hours. Other than Jena Malone as Lydia, I thought the entire movie was pretty flawless. Austen’s writing can sometimes be confusing to modern readers—particularly unwilling teenagers. This would be an excellent help (a clarification, if you will) for high school students forced to read Pride and Prejudice for class. I’d recommend this film to romantics, Jane Austen fans, fans of the book, fans of historical fiction, and anyone who appreciates good cinematography.