It’s hard to remake a classic, harder still to be as good as what many consider a definitive adaptation, and almost impossible to do it twice, but where others have failed; Keira Knightley succeeds. Not only did she make the role of Lara Antipova her own in ‘Dr Zhivago’ (2003), but now takes on Elizabeth Bennet in Joe Wright’s enjoyable adaptation of Jane Austin’s literary masterpiece.

For over a decade now, ‘Pride & Prejudice’ has been the unofficial preserve of ladies; proudly lauded as the ultimate chick flick (even though the BBC miniseries ran over six weeks) with Colin Firth’s Mr Darcy praised as a man amongst men. Darcy’s soaked-to-the-breeches lake scene, became somewhat of a cultural phenomenon before being immortalised in ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’, the first book to put into words, what girls had been going on about since 1995.

But does all this mean its lost on men? Not at all, for ‘Pride & Prejudice’ is for everyone: the series was excellent and this slightly rushed, but nonetheless accomplished, film will appeal to anyone who appreciates a good story, strong characters and witty dialogue.

Keira was excellent (as was Jennifer Ehle in the series) she nails Lizzie’s character down to a tee: sober, but far from humourless, reserved but friendly. Matthew Macfadyen’s Darcy on the other hand, isn’t quite as good as Colin Firth’s portrayal of Austin’s coolly aloof anti-hero. There are some good extras on the DVD, the best of which is a laughable, alternative ending that was used for the U.S. theatrical release.

‘Pride & Prejudice’ will sit quite comfortably in my collection, sandwiched in between ‘Platoon’ and ‘Pulp Fiction’. Though not nearly as good as the book, and a few shades shy of the miniseries, this movie is still a worthy effort in itself, and a good way to introduce audiences to the wonderful world of Jane Austin: Not just for girls.
review by Kashif Ahmed

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