Pride and Prejudice (2005)

Elevator Pitch.

A wilful and intelligent young woman, the second of five daughters of a Derbyshire landowner, all of whom their mother wants to marry off, rejects a possible suitor and comes to the attention of a rich but reticent young aristocrat, who is attracted to her despite her more lowly birth; when he insults her within earshot it seems that their possible romance may be doomed, while that of some of the other sisters progress, but all may not be lost.

Content.

Mostly discussions in the stately homes of England, with a leavening of period dances and walks in the park. The countryside and the interiors of the houses are as important as the characters. The romances progress at a snail’s pace, while those not directly involved listen at the doors. Mr Darcy is mostly silent and scowling and Elizabeth is winsome and endearing. Absolutely nothing even to slightly offend – unless you are a member of the Jane Austen Society of America.

A View.

Just a bit too much dancing, but other than than a fun version of the classic with, for me, enjoyable visits to some locations with which I am familiar – Stourhead and Wilton House in Wiltshire. It was positively reviewed and was nominated for a number of Oscars, although it did not win any. This sort of stuff is not everybody’s cup of tea but if you enjoy a bit of fairly lighthearted classic romance worth a view – although English Literature students should beware of the deviations from the book.