In 2005, Joe Wright made his film debut with Pride and Prejudice, a celebrated 1800s novel by Jane Austen, starring Keira Knightley and earning the actress her first Oscar nomination. The film received a score of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes and an audience score of 89%; thereby, making it a beloved film.

But enough with the facts, with this blog post I will show you and not tell, why this is the best book-to-movie adaptation ever made.

Let’s begin. 

When recommending this movie, my go-to reason is always that it is faithful to the source material. As a Janeite, I have sought solace in the pages of Pride and Prejudice many times, and thus know it intimately well.

So, when I saw the 2005 adaptation of one of my most cherished classical novels, I freaked, because it holds the same kind of magic Jane Austen was so good at wielding; the same kind of magic I keep going back to, and it felt so real to me. All of my favourite scenes in the book were there, and they hold all the same, if not similar, dialogue that made the book so good; as well as made Elizabeth such an amazing character. Even the scenes that weren’t in the book, though few and far between, I adored. Like the fact that Mr. Darcy’s [first] marriage proposal was done in the rain. And the final scene with Mr. Bennet was absolute perfection. Like I said, magic.

Apart from this, Kiera Knightley is the perfect Elizabeth Bennet; she matches the wit and spit-fire energy that Elizabeth was so loved for and transforms the character into such a formidable protagonist on-screen. The scenes I try to replicate are impossible because of the sheer ferocity with how she enunciates. What I love most about Elizabeth is her passion, and Kiera Knightley has got her down pat: the looks, the dancing, the lines, all perfect.

As for the rest of the cast, like Jane, played by Rosamund Pike and Mathew McFayden who plays Mr. Darcy, or Fitzwilliam (I know right?); they were incredible at capturing the heart of their characters. Mr. Darcy’s almost awkward and timid way in regards to Elizabeth; Jane’s hurt and disbelief towards Mr. Bingley’s actions; not to mention her relationship with her sisters.

And the rest of the cast! Oh, Donald Sutherland’s performance as Mr. Bennet; his stern yet fond connection to his daughters and his obvious preference for Elizabeth made my little heart squirm— simply amazing. This is a beautiful cast. 

One of the reasons this film is such a good adaptation is the setting and tone of the movie. It really holds that nostalgic, old-timey sort of vibe that the novel was set in. Where the setting sun casts a burnt orange in the sky that never truly leaks out. This transcendent ghost of an era that I never got to see, and yet somehow can experience because of the beauty of this setting.

Praise for the score and the costumes and the tone and the direction and the cast that make this the best book-to-movie adaptation I’ve ever seen, and I hope you agree with me.

Like I said, magic.

Linda Deslauriers

Linda is the most “fangirly” person you will likely ever meet. She’s a second-year student in Algonquin College’s Professional Writing program. She enjoys hot chocolate, rainy evenings, literature, and cinema. If looking for her, you will find her on her bed; enthralled in whatever new addiction she’s developed since.