Mar
Pride and Prejudice 2005
Well ladies,
I have the A&E mini series of P&P with Colin Firth, and never thought to like the new versioin that’s now out on DVD…but I did!
I think it helped that I went into the theatre with an open mind. I KNEW it would be different, and some changes had been made, but to me personally, I so loved this version with Kiera and Matthew.
I can’t say what it was that endeared to to me so much, probably those little touches. Lizzy playing the piano, and Darcy watching her behind her back, at the ball at Netherfield, how it showed that L&D felt that they were the only two dancing in the room, and their banter…great scene. When Darcy first touches Elizabeth to help her into the carriage, and we see him walking away, flexing his hand. Man, I LOVE that part!
It also had a great supporting cast, with some new faces too. 
So what did you think about it? And you can be honest, either way. To each her own cup of tea, eh?
Michelle
I love it. I loved the hand-flexing scene, too
And what about that gorgeous military man? His name escapes me now, but WOW. I want to see HIM in a movie.
Having only seen the A&E version once, I’m not terribly attached to it. I will be watching this version many, many times!
March 27th, 2006 at 6:09 pmI have seen the A&E version lots of times and I like it a lot. However, I LOVE this new version! I was drawn to the characters more in this new one. Keira and Matthew are fabulous. And WOW, Matthew’s eyes…and that voice…*sigh* I kind of wished they had put in more scenes with Mr. Wickham (hot guy!), because I don’t feel like they portrayed just how “bad” he really was. Other than that, the sparks flew between Lizzie and Mr. Darcy…their chemistry was believable. I especially loved the scene after they first met where Lizzie puts Darcy in his place at that first ball and then turns around and walks away. Priceless! Love, love, love this movie!
March 27th, 2006 at 6:38 pmAndrea
Pride and Prejudice has been my favorite book since high school. When I finally saw the A&E version when it came out and saw Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy I said to myself “that’s the guy!”. Colin was/is Mr. Darcy incarnate, he is just as pictured Mr. Darcy to be IMHO. Jennifer Ehle did a beautiful job as Lizzie. I watch this mini series as often as I can, because I can’t get enough of this story. *sigh*
With that said I’m just as obsessed with the movie version with Keira and Matthew. Along with the hand-flexing scene I also enjoyed the part when Darcy is telling Bingley his opinion about Lizzie “she’s tolerable I suppose but not handsome enough to tempt me”. I could see and feel Lizzie’s heartbreak, and embarrassment when she overheard Darcy. I liked that particular scene because in the A&E version Lizzie was much more reserved in her reaction to the slight.
Thus I feel that the chemistry and attraction were definitely more palpable in the film than the A&E version.
Wickham was better looking in this version, but as Andrea mentioned above he didn’t turn out to be as bad as we know him to be.
The other characters were also very good in the film version. I’m so glad this story finally made it to theaters. Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t this the first this story has been brought up to the big screen?
March 27th, 2006 at 8:18 pmI agree, I loved this movie. I always watch with an open mind. Not even remakes will be detail for detail. I adored all the versions of this novel(that I’ve seen so far).
Great movie.
March 27th, 2006 at 9:28 pmI haven’t read the book, or seen any of the movies! GASP! They are on my list though…
March 28th, 2006 at 5:23 pmI like it (especially that focused shot on his hand after he helped her onto a carriage as he walks back to the house) although it got a little saccharine at the end.
March 29th, 2006 at 3:31 pmI liked the focus on the hand, too, necessary since Darcy is so repressed, but couldn’t help thinking the director had followed an admonition my crit partners and I use when we think the author has been too subtle — “Insert 2×4 here.” The lingering shot was definitely a 2×4.
Btw, Mr. Wickham was played by a relative newcomer, Rupert Friend, who has a slightly larger part playing a close friend *ahem* of Johnny Depp’s Earl of Rochester in “The Libertine.” It’s a tough movie to watch in some ways (especially the last half), since Rochester died of syphilis and that’s not a pretty way to go, but the film is filled with powerful, moving performances and brilliant dialogue.
March 29th, 2006 at 7:47 pmWelcome to RI, Jenny and Shirley Karr. It’s wonderful having you here.
Isabel
PS: I’ve yet to watch The Libertine, I want to tho’.
March 29th, 2006 at 9:41 pm