Pride and Prejudice (2005)

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⭐9/10

This one has been hanging out in the drafts!

I actually watched this a month ago. After our disappointing anniversary romance viewing of The English Patient, we decided to go with something tried and true. This was not my first viewing, and this wasn't even Jess's first viewing of this movie that week. But I had never written about it here, so here we are. 

This movie is amazing, everyone knows that. But beyond anything, I really was struck by the utter beauty of the audio/visual. We listen to the soundtrack regularly, so it's nothing new, but then putting that into the context of these magical vistas, Elizabeth standing in a misty moor, by the pond, by the tree, in the garden. Every frame of this movie is stunning and I think I forgot just how pretty it is to look at. 

I still remain a bit unconvinced by the romance here. I have heard that it's a bit quick, and the TV show (or better yet the book) help to play it out. But I still think Darcy is kinda a douche and did some stupid stuff for no reason, and Elizabeth could do better. 

But no, she couldn't do better, because Darcy is rich! I absolutely hate this. I admire the movie not playing on our modern values, and being a true, faithful adaptation, but it is impossible to cheer for a spoiled nepo baby who has never worked a day in his life. I think the barrier to me ever enjoying regency era stories are the focus on rich people and their meaningless doings. Again, I would be equally annoyed if the movie changed things to fit in with our modern expectations, but my eyes ROLLED when Mrs Bennet unironically gets offended at the suggestion that she makes her own dinners. I'm supposed to be on this family's side?

But I liked this movie, remember? Because no matter how silly any of this is, you will still be moved when Darcy is walking, shirt undone, through the mist in the garden. The writing is terrific, the acting is wonderful, and this movie has a few jokes! Mr Collins is a hoot and my favorite character and he's actually who Elizabeth should have chosen. 

I'll probably watch this movie a hundred more times in my lifetime, God willing, and I plan to enjoy each one of them. 


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