Pride & Prejudice might just be the quintessential love story. It is based on the novel written by Jane Austen that was first published in 1813. One of the first romantic comedies written, Pride & Prejudice is probably the most famous novel that Jane Austen wrote. It was made into a movie on several occasions. However, the version that I find to be amazing is the version made in 2005 starring Keira Knightley.
Many people don't necessarily love watching movies from a different time period but this movie is so different from all the rest. This movie takes you through the life of Ms. Elizabeth Bennet as her sisters eagerly search for future husbands while she is pessimistic about the male gender. Then all of what Elizabeth thought she knew about men and love blurs after meeting Mr. Darcy. This movie isn't simply about love, but also family, society, and following the rules set by society.
This movie is brilliant not only because the novel itself was written well but many other reasons. The movie is centered around Elizabeth Bennet a.k.a. Lizzie. Lizzie’s character is relatable because like her, many people have been persuaded to believe the worst of someone that we already detest. But there is also this mysterious side to Lizzie. You never really know exactly what is going on in her head which makes you want to watch more and more of the movie to finally understand what she is thinking. The movie also is well done because of the screenplay that adapts the movie from its previous novel state. Deborah Maggoch helps the movie feel more relevant through her adaptation from novel to movie.
This movie appeals to people of all ages who have or hope to find love. The people who view this movie come in all different shapes and sizes, although I doubt many young people, likely younger than teenagers, would wish to see this movie and if they happened to see this movie, I don’t believe they would truly understand it. While young adults, like me, like this movie, I believe that the intended audience may be older than me, probably in their 30s or so.
Throughout the entirety of Pride & Prejudice, one song is constantly being played on the piano forte. I think using this same song ties the movie’s different parts together. Also, the dances and balls that the Benet family go to, like the one that Mr. Bingley hosts after Jane Bennet starts feeling better, helps represent the time difference of when this movie is set, the 1790s, and present.
My one change that I would make comes with character-actor selections. In the original Jane Austen novel, Mr. Bingley is seen as an extremely handsome man who wins over the heart of Jane Bennet. However, I feel like in the movie, Mr. Bingley is not as gorgeous as expected. Other than that minor detail, I don’t have much to complain about in this timeless movie.
