I have no idea if I will be able to catch this flick in the theaters, but I am certain that I will rent it as soon as it is released on DVD. I found this even-handed review at Christianity Today. I appreciate the fact that the reviewer acknowledges the first reaction by this (and many an other, I'm sure) P&P fan: Why? The reviewer then does an admirable job explaining why she thought this movie was made and why it is appropriate for a Jane Austen fan to devote two hours to this latest adaptation. So, I'm convinced that it should be worth a viewing; though, Colin Firth will always be the quintessential Mr. Darcy in my mind, just as the glorious Jennifer Ehle could never be replaced as dear Lizzy. Case closed.
Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth
Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen
Some other P&P adaptations that I'd like to see (preferrably curled up on the couch on a rainy Sunday afternoon, my Bug napping, my Sweetie by my side, sipping Twinings Tea and munching on popcorn) are Bride and Prejudice (the Bollywood version!) and Pride and Prejudice: A Latter Day Comedy (the Mormon version!).
6 comments:
I saw Pride & Prejudice: A Latter-Day Comedy last weekend. It was cute, but did not seem to me to merit the estatic reviews I'd read online. I really liked their "Mr. Collins" -- especially the part where he is in church after having been refused by Elizabeth making a bitter and pointed speech about "prideful women." I wonder if LDS church is really like that? Can you just get up and chaw on about your beefs against the world? I'd attend every so often for entertainment, if that were the case! I also liked their Kitty. Their Lizzy was okay, and Darcy was serviceable (he seemed like a pale Colin Firth imitation -- curly locks, British accent, and all). I didn't like their Bingley representation. Their Wickham was good, and they figured out a way to make him villainous that works in modern times. The rest of the cast was okay too. They let Mary end up with Mr. Collins, which was nice. Worth a view if you come across it on cable, but very fluffy.
I rented Bride & Prejudice this past weekend and watched it yesterday. I think I'll do a full post on this Bollywood take on my dear Miss Austen's seminal classic.
I finally took the chance and went into the city to the "artsy" movie theater and saw P&P.
While I enjoyed the movie...it's Pride and Prejudice...I can confidently state that the A & E version with Our Dear Mr. Firth still remains the gold standard!
I was not impressed with how Longbourne was shown. I cannot believe that, tho' not in the same financial status of Mr. Bingley or Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bennet would have such a rundown residence. Donald Sutherland was very good but Mr. Bennet was a gentleman and would have been appropriately dressed and shaven (a pet peeve of mine).
The novel is too large, too detailed to cram into a 2 hour movie. There were pieces to the story that would further explain characters that were sorely lacking.For example, no information on the connection between Darcy and Fritzwilliam (except for passing comment about "my friend"). In an earlier scene, Charlotte informs Lizzy that she is to marry Mr. Collins. Next scene, Lizzy is arriving at the parsonage at Rosings alone. In the novel, she was to accompany Charlotte's sister and father.
Overall, it was decent and did not stray from the general story line, it just didn't embrace all the nuances of the novel.
Justine, I hope you have a chance to see it so we can discuss in detail.
Just watched "Bride and Prejudice" on Starz movie channel. Great way to spend a Saturday night! It was quite good, very "Bollywood" but that's what made it fun! Granted, the dialogue was difficult to understand at times but as long as you know the story line, you get the it!
I just found your site through the blog "Jane Austen's World" and am delighted!
The 2005 P&P is my favorite of the movies. I think Kiera Knightley (I didn't like her before!) was absolutely perfect as Lizzy Bennet and Matthew MacFadyen was excellent as Darcy (and I hadn't thought he would be). I adore it. :)
I also very much enjoyed Bride & Prejudice and the Mormon version. It is interesting to see my favorite story in different circumstances (sometimes!).
You have a great blog and I look forward to reading more of it!
good for all the family and friends. great music
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