Pride and Prejudice
Written by Sofia Dekhtyar
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Edition 14 is the last edition of the 2025-26 academic year. See you next year!
Pride and Prejudice (2005), directed by Joe Wright and based on Jane Austen’s bestselling novel is an extremely rare movie find, which explores themes of romance, restraint, social status and gender roles.The movie stars Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet, the main character, and Matthew Macfadyen as the romantic lead Mr Darcy. Pride and Prejudice is a romantic drama centered on Elizabeth Bennet, a clever and independent young woman stuck in a chaotic family with no one except her dad and sister to share her thoughts with, and Mr. Darcy-the main male lead character, a rich but reserved gentleman, who is thought by many to be rude and unpleasant to talk to.
Even though their first encounter comes off tense, they slowly learn more about each other as the story progresses, realising just how much they have in common. What makes this movie stand out so much to me is the fact that the directors managed to pass on so much tension and emotion onto the viewer without even once having the main characters interact with each other physically. The closest the characters have physically been to each other throughout the movie was in the end when Lizzie kissed Mr. Darcy on the hand, and the movie’s production made it the perfect amount of contact, which made this movie even more special to me.
The movie's visual style, natural lighting, breathtaking landscapes and dialogue-less scenes is what sets the tone for a story in which much of the drama occurs at the movies’ quietest times. The atmosphere throughout the movie is a delicate balance between magnificence and peace. Grand ballroom scenes filled with riches meet deep, almost dreamlike moments in the English countryside. The cinematography in Pride and Prejudice often places Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy alone in a crowded room or wide landscape, highlighting the developing and evolving connection between them despite everything that surrounds them.
Even though I recommend this movie to every single person that is even remotely interested in deep romance and connection, I think one of the best ways to watch it is with your loved one. It is a great way to spend time with your close friends, partner or even family. For couples, this movie also gives an interesting take on the connection between two individuals, built on mutual respect to one another and a slowly-growing affection.
What makes this film so impactful is not a huge plot twist or dramatic physical romance, but its emotional tension. There is practically no physical contact between Elizabeth and Darcy throughout the entire movie-and yet, the film manages to pass on electricity in their interactions to the audience. This restraint not only reflects the social norms of the era but also makes a person watching the movie from a new era think about how norms and standards have changed over time.
The 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice in my opinion remains one of the most beautifully written and filmed romance movies, and I think more people of this generation need to watch and actually try to understand the concept of this film, that love and passion is as much expressed in quiet moments as it is in words and loud statements. With many layers and storylines to it, this is a film that generations can enjoy. Whether being watched alone or with someone who appreciates connections and slow-burn storytelling, the movie portrays an elegant and respectful side of romance that still speaks to viewers today.
Bibliography:
Sheree. “Movie Review: Pride & Prejudice (2005).” Keeping up with the Penguins, 8 Aug. 2019, keepingupwiththepenguins.com/movie-review-pride-prejudice-2005/.
Bradshaw, Peter. “Pride & Prejudice.” The Guardian, 16 Sept. 2005, www.theguardian.com/culture/2005/sep/16/2.
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