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Pride and Prejudice: DVD ReviewKeira Knightly and Matthew Macfayden Star in Jane Austen's Classic
Keira Knightly, Matthew Macfayden (lead roles), and cast, charmingly bring this classic novel written by Jane Austen to alluring, visual, and intelligent levels.
As a prelude to Pride and Prejudice, viewing the featurettes first, before viewing the film, introduces the viewer to the world of Jane Austen. This is highly recommended if unfamiliar with Austen's period of time. Cultural information contained within the featurettes enhances the appreciation of the film. Leading Character PortrayalsKeira Knightly is witty and sensitive as she portrays the strong-willed, opinionated heroine, Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bennet. The film opens with Lizzie reading a book. She enters upon a scene where her animated parents are heatedly discussing a new romance possibility for their daughters--to be introduced at a forthcoming ball. The ball is the seguay to the introduction of Lizzie to the prideful Mr. Darcy. She wants to dance, he does not. The romantic wrestling begins between them only to intensify as their story unfolds. Matthew Macfayden's lines are relatively few, but his persona and sublte humor bring insight to Mr. Darcy's introverted character. He snubs Lizzie at the country ball where they first meet. Lizzie siumtaneously attracts and repels him. They are staunch in their erroneous assessments of one another. Initially, the film appears to be intensely serious, however, the humor is exceedingly dry and a few viewings are in order to fully appreciate the high quality of the actors' deliverance. Supportive Character PortrayalsBrenda Blethyn (Mrs. Bennet) and Donald Sutherland (Mr. Bennet), in supporting roles as Lizzie's parents, are alluring as they grapple with the romantic issues of their five daughters. Mrs. Bennet is passionate about seeking appropriate suitors for her daughters and Mr. Bennet is paradoxically as passionate about aiding his wife in her endeavors--in a somewhat relaxed, laid back, these issues will take care of themselves attitude. He's more concerned with the running of the farm and his plants. The Word is CharmThis portrayal of Austen's novel drips charm. The cast chemistry in the portrayal of the Austen characters is delightful to witness. This version must be viewed several times to appreciate the full range and versatility of the characterizations and the talents of all the cast. Additionally, the ScoreLyrical piano music is played throughout the film, highly complimentary--absolutely lovely! For avid fans of Jane Austen, this DVD is a must have. Even if you are not a fan of Jane Austen but an aficionado of great acting, wonderful sets and costumes, imaginative storytelling, beautiful music, this is a DVD to add to your collection of fine films. Other Supporting Roles
The copyright of the article Pride and Prejudice: DVD Review in Drama DVD Reviews is owned by Jeannie Delahunt. Permission to republish Pride and Prejudice: DVD Review in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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