When this film was initially released, I had no interest in seeing it. I’d just been studying the novel at high school for English Literature and was a big fan of the TV mini-series from 1995, which we also got to watch at school.

For me Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle were my Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, to the detriment of all others. I guess it was just a case of bad timing.

Timing it seems is much better. It’s now been quite a while since I’ve watched the mini-series and I don’t think I’ve read the novel since high school. I’ve also been looking for something to fill the void left with Ripper Street finishing and when I found out Matthew Macfadyen was in this film, enough time had passed to the attachments of the past.

Wednesday night I had a free evening at home and decided it would be the night to finally watch the film. And you know what, I’m glad I did.

With a two-hour run time, it’s not going to capture everything that an almost six-hour mini-series is going to be able to, however I feel it did a good job including all the main story points and delivered an emotionally charged interpretation.

Most of the focus remains on Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, which is introduced via Mr. Bingley and Jane’s courtship. Rosamund Pike plays the role of Jane shyly and quite refined, while Simon Woods portrayal of Mr. Bingley is on the verge of the buffoon. Whether that was a choice of the adaptation or the actor, I’m not sure but think it was the wrong call. The storyline with Lydia and Mr. Wickham is also key to the novel and with the runtime feels slightly rushed. That said I think the decisions made for what was included to instead focus on Lizzie and Darcy was the right call to delve into these characters in more depth and have a better payoff at the end.

Now I may be a bit biased given that my motivation to watch the film was Matthew Macfadyen but I thoroughly enjoyed his interpretation of Mr. Darcy. Watching his growth from beginning to end with his feelings towards Elizabeth was a joy and at times pretty steamy! Yes, they are starting off with the strong foundations of Jane Austen’s novel but the mannerisms on display, to the very fine details really make it. The on-screen chemistry with Keira Knightley made that relationship what it is. I could barely take all the exchanged glances between the two!

My favourite scene would have to be when Mr. Darcy attempts to practice his social skills by basically barging into Mr. and Mrs. Collins house to see Elizabeth and all he can come up with is some remarks about the home his aunt helped to furnish, before running away when Charlotte arrives home.

This occurring after a conversation the night before were Mr. Darcy reveals to Elizabeth that he has trouble talking to people he doesn’t know and her response being that he should practice.

There are a number of moments where Mr. Darcy is trying so hard, and we the audience can see the affection that he has for her but essentially, he just keeps stuffing it up. Ultimately resulting in the worst proposal in the history of proposals. The work he does between that moment and the second proposal is so rewarding resulting in a proposal that totally kicks butt!

Another of my favourite scenes is when Mr. Bingley, accompanied by Mr. Darcy, visit the Bennet’s where he intends to propose to Jane. The Bennet women are all sitting around the house in a very relaxed manner and when Kitty spots the men approaching, they are all in a rush to look “presentable”. The result of everyone sitting so perfectly and picturesque when the men walk into the room is quite hilarious.

I really enjoyed the energy of the cast, there appeared to be a youthful energy, particularly with the Bennet sisters. Keira Knightley played the role of Elizabeth really well and hats off to Brenda Blethyn being the very annoying Mrs. Bennet. Almost ruining Jane’s chance of an engagement to Mr. Bingley by not stopping talking and by threating Lizzie to never talk to her again after refusing Mr. Collins proposal…by continuously telling her that fact! It was also a nice surprise to see Rupert Friend in the role of Mr. Wickham, for any other Homeland fans out there.

Visually the difference between the classes was well represented and it somehow didn’t overly feel like a period piece. It felt a little more realistic rather than dressing everyone in white/lightly coloured clothing and having very clean shots. The costumes and sets all looked beautiful and the estate used for the Darcy residence was truly impressive. The film also has a beautiful score which accompanies it.

It’s also worth noting that the US version has a different ending with the inclusion of an additional scene. I would recommend checking it out on YouTube. The version I watched didn’t include this scene and if I hadn’t found out about this alternate ending, I wouldn’t have been fussed. The additional scene is just a cherry on top. Traditionalists and fans of the novel may not like it though.

So don’t be like me and dismiss this because the wonderful job the TV mini-series did adapting the novel. This film also delivers a beautiful story which I’ll happily watch again.