Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Reviews by: Kat and Christy
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Jane Austen's classic tale comes to life on the big screen. Pride and Prejudice tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet, the second eldest of five daughters in 19th century Georgian England. When two rich gentleman move to a near by manor feverish excitement breaks out in the Bennet home, as Elizabeth's sisters are obsessed with marrying. It is the handsome and arrogant Mr. Darcy who captures Elizabeth's eye only to soon earn her great disdain. But are first impressions always completely accurate?
This film is doomed to earn constant comparisons to the 1995 mini series which starred Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy (Colin Firth is THE Mr. Darcy). One must admire the writers of this newest version for managing to fit such a long story into a two hour film. Some scenes were abbreviated too much, and an ending scene was (sadly) cut out.
Keira Knightley is fantastic as Elizabeth. She said at the premier that she's been obsessed with Pride and Prejudice since she was 7, and that Elizabeth has been one of her favorite characters ever. Pride and Prejudice is her dream role and she shows it. One thing I found with this newest version is that I found it easier to view Elizabeth as a young woman of 20, in previous versions she'd seemed a lot older.
The film is gorgeously and accurately made. The scenery and costumes are breathtaking.
This is a must see! If you've seen the mini series I'm sure you'll still enjoy this film as it is fantastic in its right and if you're never seen the mini series you'll absolutely love this film.
Christy's Review:
This new film is a remake on the famous Jane Austen novel which follows the story of the second-eldest daughter in her family, Lizzie and her four other sisters; Jane, Mary, Kitty and Lydia Bennett. All these girls have one goal in life and that is too find a wealthy husband. When two rich gentlemen take up residence near by, it stirs quite some excitement, espiecially from their mother. But when Lizzie meets up with the handsome, but as it would seem, proud, Mr. Darcey that's when the real battle begins.
Pride and Prejudice was once made into a mini-series with Colin Firth as Darcy and Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet. The whole series ran for around six hours and depicted the story with great accuracy and did it extremly well. The problem I found with this new film is that lots of story has been edited and it seems too squshed. However, if you haven't seen the mini-series you won't be disapointed.
Natalie E's Review:
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Having been a fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, I had to watch this movie. I had also heard many people rave about the mini-series in 1995 starring Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy and Jennifer Ehle as Lizzie.
Upon watching this 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice, I felt that it was one of the best movies I had ever watched.
The story is set in 19th Century England, where in a small town, Mrs. Bennet is obsessed with marrying her 5 daughters off, so when two wealthy and eligible gentlemen move into the nearby, she hopes that she will be able to marry off one of them. One of them, Mr. Bingley is taken with the eldest Jane. Mr. Darcy his friend, is however, liked by no one because of his arrogance, especially Elizabeth Bennet, who is a young lady modern for her time. A series of events soon unfold as these two so different yet so similar people constantly cross paths, only to be often blinded by pride and prejudice for each other.
I was very impressed with Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFayden’s acting, and I felt that Keira Knightley has really come a long way since Star Wars Episode 1. She potrays spirited and lively Elizabeth so well, it is so hard to believe that anyone can ever do a better job. I think she really deserve her nomination for a Best Actress Oscar. Similarly, I found Matthew MacFayden’s acting excellent. He does a good job of first being arrogant, then slowly changing to a more understanding character. Some of his quotes were very memorable as well, such as “you have bewitched me, body and soul…”
I think the whole movie was very beautifully woven together by Joe Wright, with a really entertaining cast, beautiful music, spectacular scenery and a refreshing new outlook on Jane Austen’s lauded masterpiece.
This movie is a must-see! I really liked it and you can follow the plot very well. I think those who rave about the mini-series in 1995 shouldn’t be too disappointed, because this is, an adapted version after all. Five stars!