"...A Truth Universally Acknowledged"

We finally got around to watching the most recent film version of "Pride and Prejudice" last night, and for those of you who might still be wondering whether it was really necessary that another version of the Jane Austen classic be in existence, the answer is a resounding "yes." Of course it does not go into the same level of detail as the definitive 1995 BBC version - this means you get less of the interplay between Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, which is too bad; but it also means that you get less of Mr. Wickham, which is a good thing - the film still offers a vivid portrait of his duplicity without your having to endure his character.

As Elizabeth, Keira Knightley is luminous - it's a different performance than that of Jennifer Ehle in the 1995 version; less reserved, with the wit and playfulness of the character more on display. The Oscar nomination was well-deserved. Brenda Blethyn also does a nice turn as Mrs. Bennett, as does Judi Dench as Lady Catherine. I'm not quite sure what they were thinking when they cast Donald Sutherland as Mr. Bennett, but he's a good enough actor and it's a great enough character that it doesn't spoil the movie. As Mr. Darcy, Matthew McFadyen is better than I expected given the reviews I remembered, but will not be replacing Colin Firth in the hearts of devotees of the 1995 version.

The cinematography and use of music are specatcular, and the locales are magnificent. All in all, two hours well spent, even if you know the story like the back of your hand.