Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice

(1995)

A&E and the BBC

Rated PG for mature theme
My Rating: 5 Stars

Colin Firth
Jennifer Ehle
Allison Steadman
Benjamin Whitrow
Susannah Harker
Crispin Bonham-Carter
Anna Chancellor
Julia Sawalha
David Bamber
David Bark-Jones

Probably one of the best films I've ever seen. It is excellence: story, acting, character, constume, music/score, sets... the list could go on. If you are interested in Jane Austen and her work, be sure to take the time and effort to watch this film.

Summary:
The story is placed in an era in which a girl's duty is to marry a rich husband. Most of the girls of her acquaintance were very pleased to fulfill their calling, but Lizzie Bennet was not.

“I am determined that nothing but the deepest love will induce me into matrimony. So, I shall end an old maid and teach your ten children to embroider cushions and play their instruments very ill!”

Elizabeth Bennet is the second daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and sister to four sisters: Jane, Mary, Kitty and Lydia. Their family is comfortably situated but by no means wealthy, so the very thought of the likelihood of finding husbands for her daughters makes Mrs. Bennet's nerves go to pieces. This is why, when she hears that Netherfield Park  “has been let at last!” she is in a dither of highest excitement. And when the new owner of Netherfield Park is pronounced rich and single, Mrs. Bennet is quite beside herself. She is certain that one of her daughters will snag handsome Mr. Bingley.

In no time at all, everyone is giving balls and parties and to no one's astonishment, except for Jane herself, Mr. Bingley is bestowing his attention upon her. But Mr. Bingley has a friend, a certain Mr. Darcy. He is even more wealthy than Mr. Bingley and a great deal more pride. His pride and arrogance, in fact, are what draws Miss Elizabeth's attention to him. But it is admirable attention. She finds his attitudes disgusting and she tells him so upon any opportunity that presents itself.

Little does she know that her righteous indignation is attracting the arrogant Mr. Darcy in spite of himself.

Mr. Bennet: kindly, wise, patient.
Mrs. Bennet: foolish, busybody, kind hearted, featherhead.
Jane Bennet: of all fictional literary characters, Jane Bennet is the embodiment of goodness.
Lizzie Bennet: intelligent, cynical, loving, faithful, loyal.
Mary Bennet: geeky, selfish, interested only books, and Mr. Collins. Lol.
Kitty Bennet: weak, follower, giddy.
Lydia Bennet: selfish, impulsive, flirtatious.
Mr. Bingley: Kind, good, gentle, follower.
Miss Bingley: proud, selfish, intelligent.
Mr. Darcy: proud, strict, morally upright, loyal, kind-hearted.
Mr. Hurst: drunkard.
Mrs. Hurst: proud, selfish, intelligent, follower.
Charlotte Lucas: kind, timid, determined.
Mr. Collins: pompous, fool.
Mr. Wickham: cunning, sly, smart but decidedly counted too much on Mr. Darcy's continued pride.

Notes of Interest:
1: The film is 5 hours long.
2: They used museums and/or historical landmarks for most of the dwellings.

My Favorite Things:
1: the scenery of England/Wales. It is so beautiful.
2: Jennifer Ehle. She is one of the best actors I've seen.
3: Susannah Harker. Again, excellence.
4: The folks that put this film together managed to catch the very spirit of Jane Austen and the era she lived in. I really appreciate how far they went for accomplish excellence.

Things You Should Know:
1: If you are concerned about low necklines, there are plenty in this film.
2: If you don't like romance, you shouldn't even read the review. Lol!