Pride and Prejudice
When I first heard about this latest remake of Pride & Prejudice, the first thing that went through my mind was, \"Why bother?\" The Internet Movie Database lists 8 different filmed versions of this story (including this one) and another remake seemed too much like returning to the same well after it had long run dry,particularly after the definitive 1995 mini-series version featuring Colin Firth.After seeing this latest remake however, it seems that the Jane Austen well still has holds water after all. If for some reason you mied one of the earlier versions, or fell asleep during High School English, the story is a simple one.Mr.and Mrs.Bennet are the parents of five daughters, all ranging in age from their mid-teens to their mid-twenties.Because of the laws in England at the time, women could not inherit property so when Mr.Bennet dies, the women will be homele, unle they can secure husbands who will provide for them.When rich Mr.Bingley arrives in the neighborhood with his equally rich friend, Mr.Darcy, Mrs.Bennet sees a chance for two of her daughters.But naturally, the course of true love never runs smoothly in these stories and many obstacles must be overcome before the conclusion of this comedy of manners.The character of Elizabeth Bennet is perhaps the most claic female character in literature.Her personality is still used as the model for women in romantic comedies to this very day.For an actre to portray her is similar to when an actor gets to play Hamlet.If you\'re going to do the claics, it doesn\'t get much more claic than this.Unlike her role in this year\'s Domino, which was laughably unbelievable, the role of Elizabeth fits Kiera Knightly like a glove.Her posh accent and saucy flirtatiousne are perfectly suited to this character and the dialogue rolls off her tongue in such a way that it makes you wish that you\'d taken elocution leons.The role of Mr.Darcy has always been overshadowed by Elizabeth and this isn\'t the exception.Unknown, at least in America, Matthew MacFadyen gets the thankle job this time around and he plays the stern, upright English men, whose exterior masks a paionate love, with the competent stiff-upper-lippedne that you expect from a British romance.Playing the other colorful characters in the story are some pretty high-caliber actors as well.Donald Sutherland does a very good job as Mr.Bennet, the lone man in a house with six women.His final scene with Elizabeth is particularly touching.Brenda Blethyn plays Mrs.Bennet with equal skill.As the social climbing mother always on the prowl for a husband for one of her five daughters, she will make you laugh and want to slap her at the same time.And the always reliable Judi Dench plays the stern British Aunt with all the skill that you\'d expect.
I always love it when a movie surpaes my expectations.Since so many movies are apt to do the opposite, it is doubly pleasurable to be pleasantly surprised by one.Whether this is your first or eighth exposure to this story, you\'ll find plenty to enjoy.
