Comics / Press Releases

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

By Leroy Douresseaux
November 9, 2005 - 19:59

PRIDE & PREJUDICE

FOCUS FEATURES PRESENTS
In association with StudioCanal
A Working Title Production
DIRECTOR: Joe Wright
WRITER: Deborah Moggach (from the novel by Jane Austen)
PRODUCERS: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, and Paul Webster

Starring: Keira Knightley, Rosamund Pike, Jena Malone, Talulah Riley, Kitty, Brenda Blethyn, Simon Woods, Matthew Macfadyen, Tom Hollander, and Donald Sutherland

Opening date: Friday, November 11, 2005
Rating: MPAA – PG for some mild thematic elements
Running time: 128 minutes




From the press kit: The glorious world of Jane Austen is at last brought back to the big screen in all its romance, wit, and emotional force in Pride & Prejudice. Faithful to the setting and period of the beloved novel and filmed entirely on location in the U.K., this is the first movie version of the story in 65 years.

The classic tale of love and misunderstanding unfolds in class-conscious England near the close of the 18th century. The five BENNET sisters – Elizabeth, or LIZZIE (Keira Knightley), JANE (Rosamund Pike), LYDIA (Jena Malone), MARY (Talulah Riley), and KITTY (Carey Mulligan) – have been raised well aware of their mother’s (Brenda Blethyn) fixation on finding them husbands and securing set futures. The spirited and intelligent Elizabeth, however, strives to live her life with a broader perspective, as encouraged by her doting father (Donald Sutherland).

When wealthy bachelor MR. BINGLEY (Simon Woods) takes up residence in a nearby mansion, the Bennets are abuzz. Amongst the man’s sophisticated circle of London friends and the influx of young militia officers, surely there will be no shortage of suitors for the Bennet sisters. Eldest daughter Jane, serene and beautiful, seems poised to win Mr. Bingley’s heart. For her part, Lizzie meets with the handsome and – it would seem – snobbish Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen), and the battle of the sexes is joined.

Their encounters are frequent and spirited yet far from encouraging. Lizzie finds herself less inclined to accept a marriage proposal from a distant cousin, Mr. Collins (Tom Hollander), and – supported by her father – stuns her mother and Mr. Collins by declining. When the heretofore good-natured Mr. Bingley abruptly departs for London, devastating Jane, Lizzie holds Mr. Darcy culpable for contributing to the heartbreak. But a crisis involving youngest sister Lydia soon opens Lizzie’s eyes to the true nature of her relationship with Mr. Darcy.

The ensuing rush of feelings leaves no one unchanged, and inspires the Bennets and everyone around them to reaffirm what is most important in life.

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Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12