Okay, this is a love story. With outstanding cinematography and an incredible cast, Pride & Prejudice is a remarkable film that shocked me as much as it will shock you.
A few years ago, when I decided that I wanted to watch Pride & Prejudice, I did a little research online. The overwhelming consensus at the time was that the 1995 miniseries (starring Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy) was the best of all the options available. That is what I chose to watch then, but having just watched the film from 2005, I’m going to say that they were wrong.
Pride & Prejudice is a film based on the novel of the same name by Jane Austen (written in 1813). It is the story of Elizabeth Bennet, one of five sisters who are looking to marry, as they are of limited finances and upon their father’s death (one day), there will be no money left for the family. When Lizzie meets Mr. Darcy, a serious and unemotive man of means, she finds him offensive and a series of events begin to play out that involve the two of them, her sisters, his acquaintances, and many moments in proper society that we don’t associate with as much today.
While people talk about how this is one of the most romantic love stories of all time, it has never struck me deeply. I am a little too cynical for the “prince on a white horse” motif and, while I find the storyline interesting, it usually ends up in “that was pretty good” territory. Let me tell you, I’m more shocked than anyone that I was completely swept up in this version.
It started very slowly for me. The cast is stacked with talented actors, including Keira Knightly (as Lizzie), Matthew Macfadyen (as Mr. Darcy), Rosamund Pike, Carey Mulligan, Rupert Friend, Jena Malone, and Donald Sutherland. This is always a good start, but it doesn’t make a movie.
The cinematography is absolutely stunning. With gorgeous closeups of eyes and faces, wide shots of landscapes and ballrooms, and tracking shots that last a minute at a time, I was taken aback constantly. A dress fluttering in the wind as Lizzie stands on the edge of a cliff or Mr. Darcy walking through a field on a hazy morning – there are countless visual moments that are truly breathtaking.
There is one scene where Lizzie stands, staring forward for hours, lost in her pained thoughts. You know this because as she is standing and unmoving, the day turns into night, and softly, someone is standing behind her in the room.
By the middle of the movie, I was 100% in. It is unbelievably beautiful to look at, the subtlety and longing in the looks between Mr. Darcy and Lizzie are palpable, and when Donald Sutherland got tears in his eyes, I did too. His pride in and love for his daughter totally got me.
This is a gorgeous film for anyone who loves romance, history, etiquette, or cinema. If the story isn’t for you, just watch it to watch it. The camera work is amazingly beautiful. You won’t regret it.
Runtime: 128 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: PG
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes, it’s great
Did I Cry? Yes, I got a hint teary at the end
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
Available: To rent on Prime Video or may be available for free on other streaming platforms
A few years ago, when I decided that I wanted to watch Pride & Prejudice, I did a little research online. The overwhelming consensus at the time was that the 1995 miniseries (starring Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy) was the best of all the options available. That is what I chose to watch then, but having just watched the film from 2005, I’m going to say that they were wrong.
