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The Bennets with five beautiful daughters of marriageable age is a family of some social standing in the county of
Longbourne in England.
They are excited by the arrival of Charles Bingley (Simon Woods), a wealthy eligible bachelor who settles in at Nether field, a mansion near their home. Mrs. Bennet, who is obsessed with finding well-to-do husbands for her daughters, is overjoyed when the oldest daughter, sweet Jane (Rosamund Pike) and Bingley are attracted to each other. Visiting with Bingley is his friend Darcy (Matthew MacFadden), another wealthy bachelor who appears condescending and hurts the feelings of the intelligent Elizabeth (Keira Knightley), the second daughter. Darcy finds Elizabeth tolerable but not interesting enough. Elizabeth finds Darcy arrogant and rude and begins to be prejudiced against him. Jane and Elizabeth are so unlike their mother and other sisters who are often flighty and silly, even vulgar. Through balls and exchange visits, Jane and Bingley become closer. Darcy begins to see the good qualities of Elizabeth and is attracted to her but is too proud at first to admit this even to himself. Eventually, he awkwardly proposes to her and is rejected. Elizabeth's prejudice deepens. How the two resolve their differences is the main interest in this unique romantic story.
This latest screen adaptation of Jane Austen's well loved classic novel is in itself a gem. Its strongest point is
the excellent acting of the whole ensemble, including those with the smallest parts. Casting is perfect.
The leads especially Keira Knightley as the spirited and witty Elizabeth Bennet delightfully take us on an emotional see-saw us they exquisitely give life to their many faceted characters. The Bennet parents (Brenda Blethyn and Donald Sutherland) are very good as well as the pompous Rev. Collins (Tom Hollander) with his subtle comic antics. Director Joe Wright has recreated with authenticity 18th century England with its social conventions, class consciousness and prejudice behind the joyous, genteel facades. The expert photography of the rustic scenes and of small town life as well as the classical music help recall that world with realism. Even the dialogue has the ring of the language of the times as it approximates Jane Austen's lines. The script is well done. The movie is definitely one pleasurable experience.
In Pride and Prejudice, though the social world of the Bennets is full of superficialities and affectations, their family life is
wholesome, suffused with love, caring and understanding. The Bennets feel responsible for each other. One of the reasons why Elizabeth so dislikes Darcy is that she thinks he
has caused the break-up of Jane and Bingley, which deeply hurts her sister (Jane).
Even the comical often vulgar way Mrs. Bennet would try to get the attention of the eligible bachelors for her daughters is understandable. For some mothers of our time with the same agenda, the film may signify that such behavior may turn off people. From the silly and ridiculous behavior of the young Bennet girls, the young people today can perhaps get a cue on how to conduct themselves. Another fact of life shown is the ill effects of prejudice or judging a person before we know him well. Prejudice can be an impediment to love; arrogance can overshadow one's finer traits, including kindness. It is only when a person learns to step on his pride and judge people by their true worth instead of their wealth or social position can he resolve his personal torments..
(Date Reviewed: 24 February 2006)
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