It's a great pleasure to read a commentary like Ms. Zacharek wrote. I am one of those who love and enjoy Austen and also enjoy the newest adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. I have read all kinds of reactions and commentaries from other Austen lovers but I think Ms. Zacharek surpassed them all in insights and analysis. I can only say that after reading her commentary I smiled and said: Awesome! She said it all so amazingly to the point and so beautifully. Can anyone surpass it, I doubt it. Even Jane Austen would have applauded: Bravo Stephanie!

to see this movie. I read the book as a wide-eyed twelve-year old and then a year or two later watched what I think of as the original BBC version, with a screenplay loyally adapted by Fay Weldon. Visually it's drier than the lush A&E version, done mostly on those old Masterpiece Theatre-style stage sets, but the casting and acting are brilliant, and all of the wit and emotion of the story comes through beautifully. For me, this is still the definitive version, even in the post-Colin era (David Rintoul who played Darcy in this version is wonderfully forbidding, stiff and handsome and Elizabeth is perfect, lovely-eyed, intelligent and mischievous). It's still available and well worth watching.

So, I'm having a terrible time gearing up to see Keira et al caper through this beloved story. To toy with perfect and comprehensible dialogue, to alter or removed entire scenes or characters (is there really not scene towards the end with Lady Catherine?) just seems foolish and unnecessary--not sure I get why this director felt compelled to make this film. But I may yield this week.

btw--I completely second the poster who recommended Persuasion--by far my favorite of the Austen films. Wonderful casting, especially Anne Root, Sophie Thompson and Ciaran Hinds, a good screenplay, and the best production values I've ever seen in a film--you get an eerie sense of 19th century life, down to the muddy hems, candlelit rooms and the crumbs on the breakfast table.

I went to the movie, expecting to disapprove. I waited for distain, but in its place � I was amused, excited, entertained, warmed, and impressed by the depth, quality, sincerity, and authenticity of the acting, directing, set, costumes � all of it. I agree with this review. I cannot wait to see the movie again, this time with the expectation of enjoyment. I�ve seen every movie version of this novel (including the BBC version with Colin Firth several times) and read the book several times. I think this is a much truer adaptation than the more recent Mansfield Park, which to-date channeled Austen�s liveliness the best. I never thought Darcy could be replaced after Colin Firth, nor did I expect to enjoy Knightley so much�but here�s to present surprises. Thanks for the review.

I couldn't have agreed more with this review. I have not been impressed with Kiera Knightley, but it was truly a pleasure to watch what she did with this character. This version stayed true to the spirit of the material in a brisk, joyful and authentic way.

Having read this review right after I saw it, it was a pleasure to see my feelings about the movie articulated so well.

Stephanie Zacharek is one of those unique closeted anti socials who relish the idea on the being different.Sure she is super intelligent, witty & possibly physically striking-but thats aside the point.I hated this version of P & P.I cringed at the idea of sitting there & watching a terrible casting of my Lizzy---& lizzy's Darcy.It was a stupendous stupid attempt to revive my all time favorite classic novel.I say cringed.More cringing befell me when i read Zachareks favorable review;here is a reviewer who always has a negative reviwiew on my kinda movies & when one movie is genuinely terrible--well what do you know, she gives her best A + grade.Maybe she loves to be controversial--knowingly that this is a stupid rendition of the adoptation but still--blindly supporting to infuriate her audience.Well indeed i am infuriated.

Bashir

My copy of Pride & Prejudice is falling apart at the seams and has at its center pictures from the Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier adaptation. I was a bit disappointed when I saw the movie (which desperately needs a revamped soundtrack and ending -- without Lady Catherine playing Cupid). Although Ms. Garson captured the wit and unconventional beauty that I had imagined for Lizzie and Sir Lawrence had the manners and sideburns of Darcy, the production seemed so artificial. This Pride & Prejudice is deliciously painful and breathtaking.

This 2005 Pride & Prejudice, as Ms. Zacharek suggests, breathes life into this book. I say this as one of those mad Jane Austen fans who had the BBC production on a continuous loop, just like Kiera Knightley.

I have long come around to Mrs. Bennet, better understanding the economic challenges the family would have faced and the lack of options for women. But this movie, unlike any others, gives Charlotte Lucas the floor and, in a few words, reveals her despair, as well as the strength of her character as she makes a sacrifice for the well-being of her family.

This production also rounds out the characters so they are less one-dimensional and more like human beings (although I am glad Mr. Collins was his old self). It was moving to see Mr. Bennet console Mary after her humiliating performance at Netherfeld. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet actually seem to be intimate, even though he finds her obsession with "news" to be tiresome. The Bennet girls live in utter chaos and show their affection for one another.

As for Lizzie and Darcy, I now believe that it is possible to have more than one perfect duo. Ehle and Firth; Knightley and MacFayden. Elizabeth and Darcy sense their acute, mutual attraction almost instantly, although this Darcy seems to clue in more quickly despite his words to the contrary and suffers more. While I imagine some would rather that Darcy be poised and self-assured, it was refreshing to see Darcy's discomfort with flirtatious dialogue as Caroline and Elizabeth stroll around the library as he writes to his sister Georgiana. This Darcy grows stronger when he comes to terms with his love for Elizabeth. The tension is almost unbearable -- and the near miss kiss after Darcy's unsuccessful proposal is about as good as it gets, although it is Darcy's walk across the misty moor in search of Elizabeth that provides us with the much-needed catharsis.