Pride & Prejudice (A- or 3.5/4 stars)
Based on Jane Austen's novel, 'Pride & Prejudice', a romantic dramedy directed by Joe Wright, is a story of life & love among the British in turn of the century England. Elizabeth Bennet (a radiant Kiera Knightley) & her 4 sisters' lives are turned topsy-turvy when a wealthy man, Mr. Bingley & his pal, the infamous Mr. Darcy (a stellar Matthew Macfayden) arrive in the countryside. Apparently, this film is a fair amount different from Austen's novel. I wasn't knocked out of my seat 'til the end. But this truly is a complex, heartwarming, funny, gorgeously filmed movie, by all accounts.
Mr. Bennet (Donald Sutherland) & his overbearing wife (the engaging Brenda Blethyn) are of poor means. If Bennet dies, his house would be inherited by their 'dreaded cousin', Mr. Collins (Tom Hollander), so, marrying off his 5 daughters to prosperous men is an urgent priority. Luckily, Bingley catches the eye of eldest daughter, Jane (Rosamund Pike), & a match is made. Elizabeth, or 'Lizzie' finds Bingley's friend, Darcy, to be quite dashing, but he doesn't return her sentiment. He actually looks down on the pretty, but unkempt Lizzie. Now deeming him snobby, Lizzie uses her wit & scathing tongue to lambaste him at every opportunity. Though there's disgust ... this, naturally, marks the beginning of their inexplicably charming love story.
It seems she would never love Darcy, but a string of events occur that changes her mind. The heir to the Bennet estate, Collins, asks Lizzie for her hand in marriage, but she's not in love with his looks, his $$, demeanor, personality, etc. Mrs. Bennet is appalled by her dismissal, but knows that Lizzie would always be the hardest to marry-off because she defies the idea that one should marry for $$ and social status. Lady Catherine de Bourgh (a biting Judi Dench) would have backed the false marriage, but alas, Lizzie turns them both down; Catherine is abhorred. Meanwhile, the handsome Lieut. Wickham steps into the picture & alarms Lizzie further that Darcy had cheated him of an inheritance. Lizzie now 'swears to loathe him for all eternity'.
But after a chance dance at a ball with Darcy, the cockles of Lizzie's heart begin to warm. They begin to enjoy each other's company, and a longing for each other (intellectually & physically) starts to emerge. He eventually proposes after hearing of her dismissal of Collins, but they feverishly argue, & she refuses him, citing a curious intent. It's after overhearing his good qualities when visiting his beautiful estate, & remembering their finer times together that she determines she really IS in love with Darcy. Lady Catherine re-emerges, asks Lizzie to 'end it' with Darcy so that her own daughter can marry him, Lizzie refuses & bereftly walks off. Darcy follows her. And this leads-in to one of the most read-about, anticipated, romantic scenes of in all literature for all time.
There are many trials & tribulations that occur in this 127 min. tale: back stabbings, inheritance woes, obligations, happiness, sadness, battle of the sexes, gossip, scandal & passion - it's ALL in there. And if you stay the sometimes-confusing plot, you'll be happier for experiencing it in all its exuberance. The music, editing, period designs, countryside & genius camerawork {i.e., one of the incandescent Balls} entices. All the supporting characters are intriguing (thespian veterans & newcomers). But it's Knightley who captivates the screen & grabs you by the throat in her many spastic (yet witty) verbal onslaughts. Her eyes, mouth & commentary is something to see. To see this adaptation brought to life by Austen's novel is a treat for all.
Mr. Bennet (Donald Sutherland) & his overbearing wife (the engaging Brenda Blethyn) are of poor means. If Bennet dies, his house would be inherited by their 'dreaded cousin', Mr. Collins (Tom Hollander), so, marrying off his 5 daughters to prosperous men is an urgent priority. Luckily, Bingley catches the eye of eldest daughter, Jane (Rosamund Pike), & a match is made. Elizabeth, or 'Lizzie' finds Bingley's friend, Darcy, to be quite dashing, but he doesn't return her sentiment. He actually looks down on the pretty, but unkempt Lizzie. Now deeming him snobby, Lizzie uses her wit & scathing tongue to lambaste him at every opportunity. Though there's disgust ... this, naturally, marks the beginning of their inexplicably charming love story.
It seems she would never love Darcy, but a string of events occur that changes her mind. The heir to the Bennet estate, Collins, asks Lizzie for her hand in marriage, but she's not in love with his looks, his $$, demeanor, personality, etc. Mrs. Bennet is appalled by her dismissal, but knows that Lizzie would always be the hardest to marry-off because she defies the idea that one should marry for $$ and social status. Lady Catherine de Bourgh (a biting Judi Dench) would have backed the false marriage, but alas, Lizzie turns them both down; Catherine is abhorred. Meanwhile, the handsome Lieut. Wickham steps into the picture & alarms Lizzie further that Darcy had cheated him of an inheritance. Lizzie now 'swears to loathe him for all eternity'.
But after a chance dance at a ball with Darcy, the cockles of Lizzie's heart begin to warm. They begin to enjoy each other's company, and a longing for each other (intellectually & physically) starts to emerge. He eventually proposes after hearing of her dismissal of Collins, but they feverishly argue, & she refuses him, citing a curious intent. It's after overhearing his good qualities when visiting his beautiful estate, & remembering their finer times together that she determines she really IS in love with Darcy. Lady Catherine re-emerges, asks Lizzie to 'end it' with Darcy so that her own daughter can marry him, Lizzie refuses & bereftly walks off. Darcy follows her. And this leads-in to one of the most read-about, anticipated, romantic scenes of in all literature for all time.
There are many trials & tribulations that occur in this 127 min. tale: back stabbings, inheritance woes, obligations, happiness, sadness, battle of the sexes, gossip, scandal & passion - it's ALL in there. And if you stay the sometimes-confusing plot, you'll be happier for experiencing it in all its exuberance. The music, editing, period designs, countryside & genius camerawork {i.e., one of the incandescent Balls} entices. All the supporting characters are intriguing (thespian veterans & newcomers). But it's Knightley who captivates the screen & grabs you by the throat in her many spastic (yet witty) verbal onslaughts. Her eyes, mouth & commentary is something to see. To see this adaptation brought to life by Austen's novel is a treat for all.