Most people would argue that one of Jane Austin’s most famous books is ‘Pride and Prejudice’. It has been adapted numerous times over the years, most famously in 1995 by the BBC and once again for film in 2005.
If anyone were to ask me which version I preferred, I would immediately respond with the 2005 film adaptation. Which, arguably, also has the best soundtrack from any Jane Austin film.
The story starts off with Mrs Bennet (Brenda Blethyn) getting overexcited at the arrival of a wealthy gentleman who has just moved to the countryside from London. She tries to persuade her husband (Donald Sutherland) to get an invitation to Charles Bingley’s (Simon Woods) ball.
Mr Bennet is amused by his wife’s overexcitement but keeps quiet until she’s finished trying to persuade him…and tells her that he has already secured invitations. Mrs Bennet is annoyed that he is “teasing me so!”. Her five daughters are just as overexcited as their mother but unlike her, they’re not annoyed with their father at being so quiet about the ball.
Whilst at the ball, Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) and her sister Jane (Rosamund Pike) are finally introduced to Charles and his sister Caroline (Kelly Reilly) and his friend Mr Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen). Elizabeth isn’t impressed with Mr Darcy’s manners, despite her sister Jane's earlier joke that “one of these days Lizzy, someone will catch your eye”. Jane however is very much pleased with Charles Bingley and so is Elizabeth.
The next morning, Jane receives a letter from Charles’ sister Caroline to dine with them. Mrs Bennet is thrilled and says that she must go to theirs immediately…on horseback. Everyone is shocked as it’s clear from the weather outside that it’s about to rain.
It isn’t before long before Jane is off to the Bingley’s. Mr Bennet remarks that Jane might end up with a cold and might die from it “in pursuit of Mr Bingley”. “People do not die of colds Mr Bennet” says his wife.
What follows is a series of events that shape the Bennet family and sisters forever.
When ‘Pride and Prejudice’ first came out back in 2005 it was wildly successful. The beautiful soundtrack by Dario Marianelli was an immediate must have for classical music lovers. It was also the main highlight of the film for me as well as the gorgeous settings.
Overall, the film is a must see for any Jane Austin fan.
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