Pride and Prejudice
Reviewed by Sarah Downing

This adaptation of Jane Austen’s much loved novel tells the story of the Bennet sisters; five young women who have been raised by their mother with one goal in life, to find a wealthy husband who can provide them with a secure future.

When the news arrives that a handsomely rich young man is coming to town, they all decide to make their best efforts to charm him. However although the man in question, Mr Bingley, is immediately charmed by the eldest daughter, Jane, it is his friend Mr Darcy that causes a stir.

After quickly judging his mean and moody exterior, feisty and opinionated Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightly) soon voices her disliking of Darcy. She decides that he is far too proud and arrogant to be worthy of her company and does her best to let him know that she is not at all impressed by his actions.

Nevertheless as time goes on, she realises that there is more to Darcy than meets the eye and finds herself questioning her feelings towards him.

Although adaptations of classic literature such as this can often be in danger of being slow paced and overlong, I am pleased to say that Pride and Prejudice has succeeded in avoiding this risk. It takes quite a complex story and cuts it down into a fast flowing film which refrains from being overly detailed and lengthy.

It is an enjoyable romantic comedy to watch in its own right, which should be a success, even with those who could not get their teeth into the book.

With an all-star cast, there are some performances, which really make this film and Brenda Blethyn in particular is wonderful as the melodramatic busybody, Mrs Bennet.

Following Andrew Davies’ classic television adaptation though, Matthew MacFadyen has a tough job attempting to live up to the standards, which Colin Firth set as Mr Darcy in the mid-nineties and, although he is likeable enough and the movie is enjoyable enough, there really is no comparison between the two versions.

This Pride and Prejudice is entertaining in its own right though and is well worth a girly night out.