I asked the local Janeite (as Austen fans are called so I'm told) what she thought of the movie. She thought it was as rewrite of Austen by Charles Dickens using Henry Fielding (author of Tom Jones) characters. Oh those English majors! She did like the movie but said that Austen is much more formal but that the movie pulled out the good parts of the book. However, I said that formality would turn off modern audiences.
I also found out that the 'alternate ending' is what the US is getting, the UK version just ended sooner (I think when Mr. Bennet says something to the effect that if anyone else comes a courtin' I'll be available and in my study).
Other Janeites have said that Knightly is wrong for the part, and that everyone talks too fast in the movie. I tried watching it, but only made 30 minutes. But then, I am not a Janeite.
The alternate ending (the one shown in the UK) is shorter than the US version. When Lizzie has spoken to Mr Bennet and the camera zooms out of his office, the movie ends... You didn't miss out on anything. I think the UK version is better, the US ending is too clishé compared to the rest of the movie. Though it WAS kind of nice to finally see the kiss I waited for throughout the whole movie. On the UK DVD the US ending is part of the extra material, but there's no point in adding an ending we've already seen - is it? ;)
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 ...more
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