Pretty, but rushed
I just watched this version of P&P with low expectations, having viewed the definitive BBC version at least 20 times, and assuming this one would fall far short. I was right... although I admit I did enjoy watching it. Cinematically, it is quite beautiful - there is no dearth of luscious landscapes, interesting camera work, and gorgeous people. (The two leads are, perhaps, a bit TOO good looking...) It certainly looks better than anything the BBC could come up with. But in all other respects, it's so inferior as to make comparisons pointless. The story is rushed to the point that major characters and plot points are glossed over, crises unfold and are resolved much too hastily, and personalities are not well developed. Macfaydan, while undeniably GORGEOUS, is no Mr. Darcy. He comes across as quiet, reserved, just there. There is none of the arrogance, the disdain, the contempt that makes the character initially so unlikable, and therefore his big "transformation" doesn't really occur. Knightly is not bad, but her Elizabeth isn't really fleshed out much, either. Her relationship with her sisters, her father, Mr. Wickham, all of these are barely developed. And the two leads don't share enough screen time together to even make their romance believable.

This movie is purely for the casual viewer looking for a pretty, romantic period film. For lovers of Pride and Prejudice, the book or the miniseries, it's just another so-so version to add to the heap.

destroyed the classic
I have read this classic Jane Austen story so many times. I have seen so many versions of this classic. But, when I saw this version, I was appalled. The interpretation was modernized and failed in its attempt to remake an adaptation; it proved to be disastrous. First, the setting for the Bennet home depicted them as extremely vulgar. Second, Darcy appeared weak and stupid. Third, the screenwriters completely changed the storyline thus it was not an adaptation of the Jane Austen classic, but a distasteful, unresearched film about a silly girl in a messed up fantasy world that did not depict the 1800's in our world and then a weak and confused, immature male that falls in love with her. It was disgusting.

This Production Dumbs the Main Character Down
The main character in this movie is a person of few words and blunt statements, which is the opposite of what the main character of the novel is. She should love language, revel in banter -- everything the film version does not offer. Without this love of spoken language, the character is unbelievable when she actually speaks the lines of the novel's character in important scenes. Suddenly, her speach becomes elevated and exacting, whereas she normally just grunts responses. In fact, this is about the worst script version of the story have seen. It seems that the makers of the movie didn't believe that a modern audience could appreciate a literate character, so they dumbed her down.

What are Men Compared to Rocks and Mountains?
Being fully aware of the backlash stating my take on the most beloved of the works of Miss Jane Austen I shall attempt to be as brief as possible, by purely stating my own opinion.

First of all I will admit that this adaptation of the darling tale does speed through a bit faster than to be desired, but one must remember that this version was made for the cinema, and therefore does not have the advantage of the BBC mini series. On the other hand the fact that it is shorter in length makes it much more feasible for the hundreds of viewings I have endured blissfully.

However in nearly every other category I prefer this rendition. I honestly find very little fault in absolutely anything in this movie. The principle actors portray each of their characters in the most beautiful, poetic manor. Particularly I adore Simon Woods as the naïve Mr. Bingley, his eyes sparkle and I find myself believing every little word he speaks.

Joe Wright did the most admirable job directing such a fantastic film, finding romance and tension in the smallest of actions between Elizabeth and Darcy. When Darcy offers his hand to help Elizabeth into the carriage, the moment is just breathtaking. Not to mention the cinematography and scenery are gorgeous scene after scene.

Movie aside, the soundtrack encompasses some of the most beautiful music I could imagine; Most of the tracks by Jean-Yves Thibaudet are in high rotation on my itunes, my personal favorite being `Liz on top of the World.'.

It's surreal. One of my most favorite, romantic, timeless films I have ever seen.

Not Much Austen Left
Finally got to see the Keira Knightley version of P&P on cable. It can't hold a candle to the 1980 version with Elizabeth Garvie and David Rintoul. [I have not seen the Firth version].

The actors in the Knightley film are just that -- actors, playing parts.
In the 1980 version, we see Elizabeth, Darcy, Mr Bennet, Mr Collins, Lady Catherine and everyone, as Jane Austen describes them and their actions.
This adaption has taken away most of the Jane Austen and left nothing in its stead. Beautiful to look at, but not much else....