Positive—I have been a Jane Austen fan ever since I was twelve years old and saw “Sense and Sensibility”. I loved that one, and looked for every movie from a Jane Austen novel that I could find, and also read the books many times. I first saw the BBC version of “Pride and Prejudice” on A&E a few years back and bought it soon after. I was actually prejudiced against this movie because I’m really not a Keira Knightley fan. But I took my dad to see this movie, as it is my duty as a Jane Austen fan to judge this movie fairly.

I have three favorite aspects to this movie: The soundtrack, the scenery and the chemistry between Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen. All were done extremely well, the views of Lizzy travelling over the Lake country with her aunt and uncle were breathtaking, the music, which played softly throughout was a glorious score, and over Lizzy and Darcy, what can I say. I’m a romantic. What “Janeite” isn’t a romantic?

Joe Wright didn’t delve into many of the subplots, but timing restraints kept him from doing so. If you want to watch something instead of reading the book (although, why anyone would want to do that, I’m not sure!) watch the BBC version. For a feast for the eyes and ears, watch this one. Wonderful job!
My Ratings: Excellent! / 4½

Positive—If you are a Jane Austen fan, you will like this film. Perhaps you are thinking that we don’t need another version of P and P. I can understand that, I have the 6 hour BBC version on DVD, and it is near perfect. But, I enjoyed this one, too. It’s like going to a play, you see a play that you’ve seen before, but with different actors and a different director, it becomes a new play. This version has its highlights, that’s for sure. For starters, it is beautiful to watch. The scenery is breathtaking! They found some fabulous places to film, and it was quite striking very often. They also had a nice style, with a sunrise coming up just at the most romantic moment, things like that. Keira Knightley (Pirates of the Carribbean) is the lead (Lizzie), and she was a delight.

Other actors with smaller parts were especially good: Donald Sutherland, Judi Dench and Brenda Blethyn.

Matthew Macfayden plays Darcy. He was also good, though not the kind of Darcy that we usually see. After watching the 6 hour version starring Colin Firth so many times, this version seemed rushed; they had to cut corners to tell the whole story in two hours. But I felt that they told it well.See all »
My Ratings: Better than Average / 4½

Positive—I loved this movie. I thought Keira Knightley was delightful to watch—especially her kinda crooked smile. The rest of the cast was great. This was a great movie. I don’t recall anything being offensive.
My Ratings: Good / 5

Positive—One of my favorite books made into a movie. Keira Knightly did a wonderful job playing Elizabeth Bennet, she is exactly how I pictured her when I read the book. There are many more moral lessons throughout the movie. The obvious ones being about pride and prejudice. Christian viewers can have a discussion after the movie on what the Bible says about pride and prejudice.

Another major lesson is in regard to parenting. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet’s indulgent parenting led to Lydia eloping with Mr. Wickham. While things worked out, it was implied that things could have ended much more tragically. Mr. Bennet having learnt his lesson chooses to be stricter with his remaining two daughters. I can’t think of a more relevant parenting lesson, in this age of very liberal parenting. Parents who set rules and boundaries with their children are seen as bad parents now days. While society continues to encourage rule free parenting, this is hurting children today, especially teens. I was disturbed to read an article on a liberal Web site that discouraged parents from checking their kids” social media accounts and phones. It is important for parents be aware of who their kids are talking to, to protect them from dangerous situations.

Elizabeth is a strong independent female character who chooses to marry, and respects her husband. Many liberals and conservatives think that women can only be one of two extremes. Either a strong independent woman who doesn’t need a man, or submissive wife who never speaks her mind.

If you enjoy the movie, I recommend checking out the book, PBS’s version of “Northanger Abbey,” and “Ever After A Cinderella story.”
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 5

Neutral—This version of the movie left me wanting something more, in the main characters Elizabeth (Knightly), and Darcy (McFayden). The tension between them was not as intense as the other versions of the novel, nor of that found in the book. I love this story. I am a Jane Austen fanatic, and the shear clutter of ribbons, food, animals, and papers, found at the home, and all around the dining scenes, or the claustrophobic party and street scenes was a little too REAL.

If that was the effect they were going for. It was almost annoying, but could be overlooked, as a touch of realism, if one could really get into the proud, mysteriousness of this Darcy, and the feeling of Elizabeth’s being the intelligent favorite of her father. Keira Knightley doesn’t seem all that “intellectual.”

I was also almost offended by the comment made about the girls not having a governess, left unchallenged by a showing of at least Elizabeth’s home schooled intelligence, juxtaposed with her silly sisters and equally silly mother.

I love Donald Sutherland, and felt he could actually have been Elizabeth’s dad. His consoling Mary, and lying next to his wife in bed talking, add another human dimension to this version of Mr. Bennett. He’s a doting father and husband, and likeable. I even like, and always love anything that Dame Judy Dench plays. She’s always a likable villain, aunt, mother, queen, whatever. She’s regal and it always works for her. Although her waking up the family in the middle of the night to as the angry rich aunt of Mr. Darcy, was a strange director’s license with this encounter.

I couldn’t help thinking all the way through the movie, that if I’d never seen the other versions, or loved reading the book as a child or adult, then I would’ve like the neat little modernized, period dressed, clean entertainment, love story. But I couldn’t separate my former impressions from past film versions, closer to the writing of the book, or at least in the b/w version, the feeling of the book.

What I did like is the beauty of the clean, grand, beautiful spaces found in the outdoor love scenes with Elizabeth and Darcy, whether in the rain, sunshine, or moonlight. It was quite a contrast to the clutter of the country gentry life of Elizabeth’s home, which looked like a tall pile of stones, made in to lots of small cozy rooms, with dirty windows, and servants around.

I know this is a little long, but the one thing that intrigues me about all of Jane Austen’s work is her portrayal of clergy as a calling, of those who might want a comfortable life, trying to improve the manners and morals of the parish where they’re assigned. Mr. Collins is usually an extremely annoying and laughable character, but this portraying of him isn’t as funny. The younger sister reads sermons, and seems to have a little crush on him. They show him making sermons, and highlight a nice display of “class” segregation in the church pews. Rich in front; poor in back. The commentary or criticism of the ministry being a Godly or Secular vocation is found all over the works of Jane Austen, who had many ministers in her family.

If one wanted to do further study on Jane Austen and the church, there are some good books out there on why she discusses the ministers of the time as some with a clear calling to change the world for Christ, and the others, as a family or default calling to live a comfortable life, give boring sermons, defer to the rich, get a free home, and be able to move above class distinctions, by moving in circles of rich and poor. Austen’s family ministers seem to be kept around as a mascots of manners and morals, as does Lady Catherine, graciously condescending to Mr. Collins and his wife. Yet maybe the elephant in the room is the clergyman whom no one listens to but everyone holds in high regard and contempt at the same time. Jane Austen may have hit on something, as seeing Christianity, and its professionals, as mascots of Western society; ever present, but sadly enough not taken too seriously.

Go see “Pride and Prejudice” 2005, but see the others to get a well-rounded perspective. Then go see “Mansfield Park”, and “Sense and Sensibility”.
My Ratings: Good / 3½

Positive—I love period pieces, so when I see one, it has to be really good to compare to all the other ones I’ve seen. I went in to this movie expecting to see only a mediocre representation of the Jane Austen novel. However, I was plesantly surprised by how amazing this film really is. The casting is excellent, and contrary to popular belief, I think Keira Knightley does a great job bringing her character to life. Personally, I think that this movie is much better than the 1995 BBC miniseries. Although it might not be quite as accurate, it is definitely more entertaining. Besides, no one can expect any adaptation to completely live up to the novel it was based on. If you view this film with that in mind, then you should have no problem considering it one of the best period pieces to date.
My Ratings: Better than Average / 4½

Positive—I saw this movie with my friend, and we both had a great time. It was good, though a little slow in some parts. We were treated to a few shots of naked artwork, but other than that, it was clean. I liked how Mr. Darcy falls in love with Elizabeth without ever having sex, kissing, holding hands, etc. — much different than a lot of modern romances! Kiera Knightly was a great choice for the main role. Overall, it was a good movie, with a great message about real love.
My Ratings: Better than Average / 3

Positive—This was an amazing movie!! Although not as good as the original it was really well done. The end was different from the 1995 BBC one but very satisfying. It showed the love in a different way than the book. Some of the characters played a smaller role than they do in the 1995 one such as Mr Wickam, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and Lydia. The movie as a whole was very well done (although the dancing scenes are a little claustrophobic), satisfying, and will leave you with a happy feeling as you leave the theater.
My Ratings: Excellent! / 4½

Positive—I loved this movie because it showed the generous love someone can have for another. I thought that Mr. Darcy’s love for Miss Bennett (Kiera Knightley) was one that showed true respect. The things he did for Elizabeth are an example of how God wants us to treat each other. I think this was a great movie that illustrated the value of love, and how it can change you.
My Ratings: Good / 2½

Positive—I went with my friends to see this movie! It was probably one of the best movies that I have seen this year. There aren’t really that many things that were offensive. I think that Keira Knightley did a really good job in this movie. It was an innocent love movie without the main characters have sex every two seconds to make sure that they were really in love with each other. I would recommend this!
My Ratings: Good / 5

Positive—For those of you not wanting to sit through six hours of period-correctness, (i.e., “Pride and Prejudice”, the old one) this is a good option. The biggest problem I had was that the costumes and hair were awful. The actors looked cheesy. Oh well. The acting was good, and some parts of it were quite funny. It’s also “scrunched” to fit it into the 2 and ½ hours instead of the previous 6. But that was fine with me. At first I kept comparing it to the older “P and P”, but I had to force myself to stop. This is a more modern version, so I think it’s more suited to most teens. It was worth the money!
My Ratings: Better than Average / 2

Positive—My two friends and I saw this movie and we absolutely loved it! It was a little boring toward the end and a couple beside us left but I would recommend you stay for the whole thing. I would recommend this for ages 11 and up because the accent may be hard to follow for younger children. I would go back and see it again. Believe me it is worth the money.
My Ratings: Good / 4½

Positive—…an excellent film. I was expecting it to be bad because some of my friends had said it was not as good as the old version, but actually I thought that this version was much better! There was no swearing or anything that was bad. I would really recommend this film to everyone, but I have to say though that I think older kids should go to it rather than younger kids—because some of the language is a little bit hard to understand. Also if you’re older you can fully appreciate this film. Overall, this film is excellent and everyone should go see it!!
My Ratings: Excellent! / 4½

Positive—I really enjoyed this movie! I still cannot be convinced that anything could be better than the A&E version, but this one was so beautiful!! I don’t think that there’s any “nice” way to say this but, while the clothes were considered fairly immodest, the actresses were so bone thin there was really not much to show! They only cussed once, I can’t remember them taking the Lord’s name in vain, there was only one minor scene that suggested sex (the guy that falls in love with Jane grabs her dress ever so slightly with two fingers where her bottom was and they zoomed way in for that). This movie was fun and entertaining, and I really thought they wouldn’t do it much justice considering it was under the time limit of 3 ½ hours!! They portrayed everything beautifully! And, where I typically consider Kira Knightly a bit of an “over actor,” she really did quite well in this one in my opinion. I think it’s appropriate for all ages, I mean, me, my mother, father, and 7 year old sister went and all enjoyed it. The only other objectionable thing was that they did a tour of Darcy’s house and he had a bunch of nude statues and paintings everywhere. But, to be honest, I’ve heard and seen worse… I would encourage everyone to go and see this sheer CLASSIC!! Two thumbs up!! Oh!!! And how could I forget the music?! It was really really pretty!! Go see this movie!!
My Ratings: Better than Average / 4½

Positive—I went to go see this movie with my mom, and I thought it was the best movie I’ve ever seen. I’m not usually someone who goes to see romantic movies, but this one was an exception. The main star’s sisters were extremely annoying because they laughed all the time but in a way they were hilarious! There wasn’t so many kissing scenes that you felt like you were going to pass out, but there was a good long one at the very end. I loved it!!
My Ratings: Good / 5

Positive—I simply do not understand why people believe the 1995 version of “Pride and Prejudice” (with Colin Firth) is so much better than the 2005 version of “Pride and Prejudice”. Keira Knightley was outstanding in the role of Lizzy. Although the movie did not completely line up with the book, I found the way the director did it to be quite tasteful and entertaining. I agree with the reviewer—the camera angles were superb. The scene of the dance between Lizzy and Mr. Darcy was passionate and well-done. Lydia and Kitty (played by Jenna Malone and Carey Mulligan) were hilarious to watch, as was Mrs. Bennet. Mr. Bennet, in my opinion, was not a “dud” at all. He was perfectly intercepted into the plotline. And Mr. Darcy—oh! Mr. Darcy!—he was perfect. Much more tall and handsome and convincing than Colin Firth, I must say.

The only Biblically offensive materials would be when Mr. Bingley tells Jane that he has been an “a*s,” and some of the low-cut attire worn by the women in this film. I cannot think of anything else. All-in-all, I HIGHLY recommend this film. It is one of the best I have seen up-to-date, and one I watch again and again.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5