Pride & Prejudice

In Georgian-era Hertfordshire the Bennet family faces a brittle future, since Mr. Bennet's estate will pass to a distant cousin unless one of his five daughters marries advantageously. Mrs. Bennet anxiously pushes each daughter toward marriage, while her husband keeps a wry, detached view of domestic chaos. Elizabeth Bennet, quick-witted and independent-minded, resists the limited options available to women and spars with the proud, reserved Mr. Darcy when he arrives in the neighborhood. Social gatherings, neighborhood rivalries and the arrival of eligible gentlemen stir connections and rivalries, and the sisters' prospects hinge on manners, money and well-timed introductions. The film tracks Elizabeth's changing impressions and the slow shifts in feeling and respect that reshape family fortunes, without giving away key surprises.

Joe Wright directed this 2005 feature, adapting Jane Austen's novel with a screenplay by Deborah Moggach. The production leaned on authentic locations, costume craftsmanship and a kinetic cinematic style, aiming for a more immediate, filmic take compared with earlier television versions.

The movie drew several major award nominations, recognizing both its performances and technical achievements. Keira Knightley received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her portrayal of Elizabeth Bennet. Additional nominations came from industry groups that acknowledged the film's work in costume and production design, as well as its musical score.

Knightley's interpretation helped reintroduce Elizabeth Bennet to a younger audience, and the film's muted, outdoor visuals and intimate camera work influenced subsequent period dramas. Certain scenes and the movie's focus on emotional restraint versus social expectation entered popular conversation, contributing to renewed interest in Austen adaptations and contemporary takes on classic romances.

Critics and audiences largely responded positively, a sentiment reflected in an average user score of 8.055/10 from 8,544 votes. Reviews tended to praise the chemistry between leads, the film's visual approach and its detailed social setting, while noting themes of class, marriage as economic strategy, gender constraints and how pride and prejudice shape personal choices.