Film Review: Pride and Prejudice (2005)

Directed by Joe Wright and based on Jane Austen‘s 1813 novel of the same name, Pride and Prejudice is set in the close of the 18th century which follows Mr and Mrs Bennets (Brenda Blethyn and Donald Sutherland), the parents of five daughters, who are comfortable within their means but well short of rich. Looking for suitable husbands for their girls, they are encouraged to learn that an eligible young bachelor from a wealthy family, Charles Bingley (Simon Woods), has moved into a nearby estate. Eager to see if a match can be made, the Bennets bring their daughters, Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) and Jane (Rosamund Pike), to a ball thrown by their new neighbour to see if sparks will fly. Jane seems to like Charles, and he appears to feel the same, but Elizabeth takes an immediate dislike to his best friend, Darcy (Matthew MacFadyen). As fate causes Elizabeth and Darcy to frequently cross paths, and while they don’t care for one another, they can’t stop thinking about each other, either.

Rating:

The following post is a review of the film only. You can read my review of the book here or my comparison of the film to the book soon.

For a starter, I much prefer this adaptation to the 1995 version. This is a stunning film with an excellent cast all around. Matthew Macfadyen is beautiful in the role as Mr Darcy, and Keira Knightley, of course, is in her element with the character of Elizabeth Bennett. The two have a stunning chemistry to watch, highlighting the classic romance that the novel it is based on exudes.

“You have bewitched me body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you.”

I’m a big fan of Joe Wright’s films mainly because of how visually appealing his work is, and this film includes a number of stand-out scenes, including some of my favourite moments in cinema such as the scene where Elizabeth is spinning around on the swing as the scenery changes around her, the crowd disappearing as she and Mr Darcy focus solely on each other whilst dancing, and the sunlight beaming in between them as they kiss. This is one of my favourite romances of all times, reducing me to tears every time.