Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Joe Wright’s Pride & Prejudice (2005) is a lush and emotionally charged adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved 1813 novel. With sweeping landscapes, subtle humor, and breathtaking performances, it reintroduces Austen’s timeless story to modern audiences while staying rooted in classic romantic drama.

Detailed Summary

The Bennet Family and the Marriage Question

The film opens with the Bennet family, a lively household of five daughters whose futures depend on securing advantageous marriages. Mrs. Bennet is particularly obsessed with marrying them off, as the family estate is entailed and cannot pass to her daughters.

The Arrival of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy

When the wealthy Mr. Bingley (Simon Woods) moves into the nearby Netherfield Park, excitement sweeps through the Bennet family. At the Meryton ball, Bingley takes an immediate liking to the eldest Bennet daughter, Jane (Rosamund Pike). His reserved friend Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen), however, insults Elizabeth (Keira Knightley), sparking her dislike of him.

Growing Tensions and Misunderstandings

As Bingley and Jane’s relationship blossoms, Darcy’s interference (and the manipulations of Bingley’s sister Caroline) cause complications. Meanwhile, Elizabeth is courted by the pompous clergyman Mr. Collins, whose proposal she quickly refuses. Another figure, George Wickham, appears charming and tells Elizabeth of his alleged mistreatment by Darcy, deepening her negative view of him.

Darcy’s First Proposal

Elizabeth visits her friend Charlotte, who has married Mr. Collins, and there she encounters Darcy again. In one of the film’s most intense moments, Darcy declares his love and proposes—but does so with such pride (while insulting her family) that Elizabeth refuses. Their heated argument is unforgettable. The next day, Darcy delivers a letter explaining his actions: he reveals Wickham’s true dishonorable behavior and his reasons for separating Jane and Bingley. This revelation shakes Elizabeth’s perspective.

Elizabeth’s Changed Feelings

Elizabeth later visits Darcy’s grand estate, Pemberley, with her aunt and uncle. There, she sees another side of him: generous, kind, and adored by his servants. Their interactions soften, and Elizabeth begins to reconsider her feelings.

Crisis Strikes: Lydia and Wickham

The peace is shattered when news arrives that Elizabeth’s youngest sister Lydia has run away with Wickham, threatening the family’s reputation. Secretly, Darcy intervenes by paying Wickham’s debts and arranging their marriage, saving the Bennet family from disgrace—though he hides his involvement.

Bingley and Jane Reunite

With Lydia married, Bingley returns to Netherfield. Encouraged by Darcy, he proposes to Jane, who happily accepts.

Movie Ending

The film concludes with an emotionally charged resolution between Elizabeth and Darcy. Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Darcy’s domineering aunt, confronts Elizabeth, attempting to intimidate her into rejecting Darcy. Elizabeth refuses, standing firm in her independence. Darcy, hearing of Elizabeth’s defiance, finds the courage to confess his enduring love once more.

In the dawn-lit fields, Darcy approaches Elizabeth and declares: “You have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you.” Elizabeth, now fully recognizing her own feelings, accepts his hand in marriage.

The story closes with the marriages of both Jane and Elizabeth, securing not just financial stability for the Bennet family but also love-based unions. The film highlights Austen’s central theme: balancing love with social expectations, showing that Elizabeth and Darcy’s union is not only romantic but also a triumph of mutual respect and personal growth.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

Yes, but only in the U.S. release. An additional scene after the main ending shows Elizabeth and Darcy married, sitting together at Pemberley by candlelight. They share a playful, romantic conversation where Darcy calls Elizabeth “Mrs. Darcy” repeatedly, sealing the film with warmth and intimacy. Interestingly, this scene was cut from the U.K. release, as the British producers felt it was overly sentimental.

Type of Movie

The film is a romantic period drama with elements of comedy and social satire, staying true to Jane Austen’s witty and emotionally layered storytelling.

Cast

• Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet
• Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy
• Rosamund Pike as Jane Bennet
• Simon Woods as Mr. Bingley
• Donald Sutherland as Mr. Bennet
• Brenda Blethyn as Mrs. Bennet
• Jena Malone as Lydia Bennet
• Tom Hollander as Mr. Collins
• Judi Dench as Lady Catherine de Bourgh
• Carey Mulligan as Kitty Bennet (her film debut)

Film Music and Composer

The elegant and emotional score was composed by Dario Marianelli, whose piano-driven themes bring depth and intimacy to the story. Pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet performed many of the piano solos, adding authenticity to the Regency-era setting. The soundtrack earned Marianelli an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score.

Filming Locations

The film was shot across England in grand historical estates and picturesque countryside, which played a vital role in creating atmosphere:

• Chatsworth House (Derbyshire) served as Darcy’s Pemberley.
• Burghley House (Lincolnshire) was used as Rosings Park, Lady Catherine’s estate.
• Stamford, Lincolnshire doubled as the town of Meryton.
• Basildon Park (Berkshire) represented Netherfield.
• The sweeping countryside shots captured the romantic isolation and beauty of Austen’s world.

Awards and Nominations

• Academy Awards (2006): Nominated for 4 Oscars (Best Actress – Keira Knightley, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Original Score).
• Golden Globes: Nominated for Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) and Best Actress.
• BAFTAs: Multiple nominations, including Best British Film.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Keira Knightley was only 20 during filming and received her first Oscar nomination for this role.
• Matthew Macfadyen struggled with the misty morning scene because he is near-sighted and couldn’t see Elizabeth through the fog.
• Joe Wright cast relatively unknown actors (at the time) like Carey Mulligan, who later became an acclaimed star.
• Judi Dench accepted her role as Lady Catherine after receiving a handwritten note from Joe Wright saying, “I love it when you play a baddie.”

Inspirations and References

The movie is directly inspired by Jane Austen’s 1813 novel, though it takes a slightly more modern and passionate approach than earlier adaptations. Wright drew visual inspiration from paintings of the English countryside, particularly works of Constable and Gainsborough, to give the film a painterly look.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The most famous alternate ending is the U.S.-exclusive “Mrs. Darcy” scene. Deleted scenes also included extended dialogue between characters, more banter between Elizabeth and Darcy, and moments highlighting secondary Bennet sisters, but most were trimmed to streamline the pacing.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Compared to Austen’s novel:

• The movie is faster-paced, condensing side plots and secondary characters.
• Elizabeth and Darcy’s romance is portrayed with more overt passion, especially in the “rain proposal” scene, which doesn’t exist in the book.
• The ending kiss is a modern addition; Austen’s original text ends with a more restrained wedding announcement.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The Meryton ball where Darcy first insults Elizabeth.
• Darcy’s rain-soaked first proposal and Elizabeth’s fiery rejection.
• Elizabeth’s emotional visit to Pemberley.
• The misty dawn field scene where Darcy and Elizabeth reconcile.

Iconic Quotes

• Elizabeth Bennet: “Only the deepest love will persuade me into matrimony.”
• Mr. Darcy: “You have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you.”
• Mr. Bennet: “You have delighted us long enough.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• Chatsworth House, used as Pemberley, is believed to have inspired Austen’s original description of Darcy’s estate.
• The sculptures in Pemberley’s gallery are real works, including busts of famous figures—adding authenticity.
• The first shot of Elizabeth walking through fields reflects her independence, setting her apart from the restrained expectations of her era.

Trivia

• Keira Knightley’s nomination made her one of the youngest Best Actress nominees in Oscar history at the time.
• Carey Mulligan was only 18 and had never acted on film before.
• Donald Sutherland was so moved by the script that he cried after reading it.

Why Watch?

Because it’s one of the most heartfelt, beautifully shot, and faithful yet fresh Austen adaptations. It captures the essence of love, pride, and second chances, wrapped in sweeping visuals and unforgettable performances.

Director’s Other Movies

• Atonement (2007)
• Anna Karenina (2012)
• Darkest Hour (2017)
• Cyrano (2021)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Sense and Sensibility (1995)
• Emma (2020)
• Becoming Jane (2007)
• Atonement (2007)
• Little Women (2019)