Barnes & Noble

Jane Austen's much-beloved novel about five sisters in Georgian England has been adapted to the screen numerous times, both officially and unofficially, but never with quite a much verve as this version from director Joe Wright. The lion's share of that verve can be attributed to the performance of Keira Knightley, whose energetic portrayal of feisty, independent Elizabeth Bennet is a delight from first frame to last. She's the second-oldest sibling, much different than her sisters and, according to her mother, probably the least likely to attract a suitor. There seems to be something between Elizabeth and a stolid fellow named Darcy (Matthew MacFadyen), but it's certainly not love -- she claims at one point that she will "loathe him for all eternity." But that's before events take a surprising turn and the taciturn young man ingratiates himself with the family. Due to its fairly large contingent of characters, Pride & Prejudice boasts an unusual array of plot complications, but Wright, working from an unusually cogent adaptation by screenwriter Deborah Moggach, effortlessly glides over the story's rough patches and keeps his storyteller's eye trained at all times on Elizabeth, around whose intoxicating personality much of the intrigue revolves. From both visual and technical standpoints, there's nary a flaw in this well-produced period romance, and with the radiant Knightley appearing in a character that plays to her strengths as a performer -- the conveyance of passion, determination, and generosity of spirit -- this Pride & Prejudice becomes a joyous viewing experience. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

Jane Austen's perennially popular story of the game of love among the British upper classes returns to the screen in this polished film adaptation. The Bennets (Brenda Blethyn and Donald Sutherland) are the parents of five daughters near the close of the 18th century. Comfortable within their means but well short of rich, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are looking for suitable husbands for their girls, and 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 Bennetts bring their daughters Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) and Jane (Rosamund Pike) to a ball thrown by their new neighbor 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 Darcy (Matthew MacFadyen), Charles's egocentric best friend. While Elizabeth is infatuated with military man Lt. Wickham (Rupert Friend) and finds herself courted by William Collins (Tom Hollander), a well-meaning but drab man of the cloth, 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. Pride & Prejudice also stars Jena Malone, Judi Dench, and Penelope Wilton. Mark Deming

Product Details

• UPC: 025192807329
• Source: UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
• Region Code: 1
• Aspect Ratio: Pre-1954 Standard (1.33.1)
• Presentation: Pan & Scan
• Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
• Language: English, Français, Español
• Subtitles: English, Français, Español
• Time: 2:09:00
• Sales Rank: 17,284

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