Ever since I can remember I have always had a love for romance. Everything I could find, whether it be book, movie or television series, I lapped it up. However, possibly my favourite piece of romance came in the form of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
Therefore, when I found out they were making a film [released in 2005] I had to see it. As soon as it was out on DVD I nipped to the shops and bought it.
The story centres around the Bennet family. In particular, the tale of Elizabeth Bennet [Keira Knightley]. The Bennet family comprises of Mr and Mrs Bennet [Donald Sutherland and Brenda Blethyn] and their five daughters; Jane [Rosamund Pike], Lizzie, Mary [Talulah Riley], Lydia [Jena Malone] and Kitty [Carey Mulligan].
The story begins with Mr Bingley [Simon Woods] arriving in the neighbourhood and renting Netherfield Park. He soon becomes entranced by the beautiful Jane Bennet. However, Mr Bingley's sister, Caroline Bingley [Kelly Reilly] doesn't take to the family, who are not rich and do not have many connections.
Along with Mr Bingley comes Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy [Matthew Macfadyen] who also disapproves, believing that Jane is only interested in Bingley for his money. He also offends Elizabeth with his proud manner towards her and her family.
Yet more trouble comes the Bennet's way, when the man who is set to inherit the Bennet's home and what money they have, Mr Collins [Tom Hollander] comes to visit. He first sets his sights on Jane, but after hearing that Jane may soon become engaged, his alters his affections in the direction of Lizzie.
The film is a beautifully filmed drama, filled with breath-taking locations and a wealth of wonderful actors.
The chemistry between both Knightley and Macfadyen and Pike and Woods is noticeable, but particularly with the former couple. They make some scenes absolutely magical.
Locations include Chatsworth House [which poses as Mr Darcy's home of Pemberly] as well as many more beautiful stately homes.
The soundtrack is also amazing, and completely goes with the movie. Moments such as when Darcy is coming out of the mist towards Lizzie, and at the very beginning when Lizzie is walking in the early morning, are enhanced by the music by Dario Marianelli.
Director Joe Wright, has outdone himself with this beautiful peiod offering.
The DVD has several special features, which are:
-The Politics of Dating -The Stately Homes of Pride and Prejudice -The Bennets -The Life and Times of Jane Austen -On Set Diaries -Audio Commentary with Director Joe Wright -Galleries of the 19th Century -Pride and Prejudice Family Tree -Alternate U.S Ending
Most of these are short [around 10-20 minute] featurettes with interviews with members of the cast [in particular Macfadyen and Knightley] as well as specialists in Jane Austen and the time period in which Pride and Prejudice was set.
Look out in particular for the alternate U.S ending. Most people find this much more satisfying than the U.K ending. The U.K ending leaves a slight feeling of disappointment and a feeling of the film being somewhat unfinished.
However, the ending, in my opinion, would be the only let down. The rest of the film is spell binding, and simply carried you away for two hours into a completely different world, filled with balls, intricate and beautiful costumes, and romance.
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Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Production Year: 2003 - Drama - Director: Michael Winterbottom - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Tim Robbins, Samantha Morton, Om Puri, Jeanne Balibar
Rightly winning wide acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic, this latest take on Jane ... more
Austens classicPride&Prejudiceis a real, all-round triumph. The age-old story still holds real resonance, and it follows the tale of five sisters dealing with love, an...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Rightly winning wide acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic, this latest take on Jane ... more
Austens classicPride&Prejudiceis a real, all-round triumph. The age-old story still holds real resonance, and it follows the tale of five sisters dealing with love, an...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
A romance ahead of its time... The five Bennet sisters - Elizabeth or Lizzie (Keira ... more
Knightley) Jane (Rosamund Pike) Lydia (Jena Malone) Mary (Talulah Riley) and Kitty (Carey Mulligan) - have been raised well aware of their mother's (Brenda Blethyn...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
The five Bennet sisters have all been raised by their mother with one purpose in life - ... more
finding a husband. However, the second eldest Lizzie can think of 100 reasons not to marry.When Mrs Bennet hears the exciting news that a wealthy bachelor and his c...
Advantages: VERY TRUE TO JANE AUSTEN'S ORIGINAL - Natural and Unpretentious - Glorious Scenery and very "Down-to-Earth" Disadvantages: It stopped before Jane Austen stopped, and I wanted MORE!
Advantages: Alive with a beating pulse, music, naturalistic settings, excellent portrayals, electric chemistry between leads. Disadvantages: A superfluous ending scene (US version only?); otherwise nil.
zerbine28 25.11.2005 (25.11.2005)
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Review of Pride And Prejudice (DVD)
![Pride&Prejudice - 2005 [DVD]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78508070.jpg "Pride&Prejudice - 2005 [DVD]")
Oct 31st, 2008
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