Review of Pride & Prejudice (2005) by Mark J — 31 Jan 2013

One thing I love about this adaptation is the authenticity of the setting. Mrs Bennet's daughters have a slighter rougher edge about them, and their less than ideal economic situation is appropriately emphasised. This lends greater credibility to Mrs Bennet's desire to get her daughters married off as quickly as possible, at a time when having so many daughters must have been a great financial hazard for a family of limited means (though still well off compared to the majority of the population).

The developing love affair between Elizabeth & Mr Darcy - with all its twists and turns - is superbly rendered, especially Keira Knightley's performance as the headstrong and witty Elizabeth. Matthew MacFadyen may be unfavourably compared to Colin Firth's performance in the classic BBC adaptation, but his efforts here become more convincing as the movie progresses. His vulnerability in some of the key scenes is very convincing. And he has to be; Elizabeth has to capture his heart completely (he's on £30k a year no less!) and one suspects he could have any woman he pleases, but Keira Knightley lays on the charm & beauty in spadefuls. By the final act, we've never wanted two people to be together as much as these two. Not to be missed.