ReView: ‘Pride & Prejudice’ Returns to Theaters for its 20th Birthday

Embarrassing relatives, town gossip and the bond of sisterhood — all the ingredients for a charming period romance. 

Directed by Joe Wright, the 2005 film adaptation of Jane Austen’s 1813 novel “Pride & Prejudice,” remains renowned for its cinematography, enchanting characters and life lessons 20 years on.

Since the novel’s anonymous publication in 1813, it has sold over 30 million copies and has never been out of print. Austen’s exploration of self-reflection, romance and societal pressure remains timeless.

Wright’s “Pride & Prejudice” will briefly return to theaters in honor of its 20th anniversary. AMC Theaters, Regal Theaters, Cinemark and Wrigleyville’s Alamo Video Vortex Cinema will show screenings April 20th-24. 

Against an elegant, Regency-era backdrop, Wright (“The Darkest Hour,” “Anna Karenina”) brings Austen’s loveable characters to life. Set in Derbyshire, England in 1812, the film’s cinematography highlights the English countryside with visually gorgeous landscapes.

Keira Knightly stars as Elizabeth Bennet, one of five sisters trying to marry an affluent husband to secure her family’s future. Matthew Macfayden plays Mr. Darcy, a wealthy, yet reserved and off-putting socialite who falls deeply in love with her. 

When they first meet, Mr. Darcy rudely refuses to dance at a ball, planting the seeds of Elizabeth’s titular prejudice against him. Yet fate continuously throws them together, brewing conflict as the pair clash heads over niceties. Through many difficult conversations and meetings, Mr. Darcy’s kind soul shines through and Elizabeth finally accepts him. 

Despite the posh environment, the film keeps the dialogue fast-paced and witty. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s scenes come in the form of polite conversation interlaced with biting jokes and quick jabs, making the audience feel like onlookers to a private verbal joust.  

Throughout the dramatic twists and turns, viewers can’t help but root for the squabbling leads. Falling in love isn’t as romantic as it seems, and as the title suggests, pride and prejudice often get in the way. 

Wright seamlessly weaves in the stories of Elizabeth and the townsfolk of Derbyshire into one richly layered film. Charlotte, a friend of Elizabeth, accepts a marriage proposal from a Mr. Collins, who was previously rejected by the latter. 

Elizabeth finds Mr. Collins ridiculous and feels he would make for an unromantic husband, however, Charlotte finds practicality in settling for him, knowing she must secure her family’s place in society through marriage. Charlotte serves as foil for Elizabeth, their choices as personifications of the eternal battle of pragmatism and romanticism.

Mr. Wickham respectively acts as Mr. Darcy’s foil and rival. Wickham initially appears charming and sweet, while Mr. Darcy seems proud and aloof. As the story continues, Wickham is exposed for being selfish while Darcy’s true caring spirit is unearthed. 

The charming Wickham whisks Elizabeth’s younger sister, Lydia, into an outrageously scandalous elopement, nearly ruining the family’s reputation. Mr. Darcy generously covers the wedding costs for the pair to save them from disgrace and ruin. 

The costuming for the film is breathtaking. While not completely historically accurate, “Pride & Prejudice” features common silhouettes of the period, featuring the Regency-era Neoclassical fashion. 

The International Press Academy awarded “Pride & Prejudice” with a Satellite Award for Best Costuming. The costumes add richness to the film and serve to build out Austen’s world without taking away from the actors’ performances. 

What the film lacks in accuracy, it makes up for in production and charm. Wright fills the screen with dazzling estates and stunning cliff sides, while the cast ornament themselves in tailored suits and stunning gowns, drawing inspiration from the Regency era period. Lavish locations used for filming have since become tourist destinations.

In particular, Mr. Darcy’s famous confession-in-the-rain scene, filmed at Stourhead Garden, has brought many to the gorgeous site. 

Austen’s themes of holding pride and prejudice against others are not exclusive to Regency society — they’re themes transcendent of any singular time period. The Bennet sisters are relatable because they grapple with these societal pitfalls the same way women today do. 

In the end, “Pride & Prejudice” leaves audiences with a lovely life lesson — no matter how intelligent you believe you are, never judge others too early.  

“Pride & Prejudice” can be streamed on Netflix or watched in theaters for a limited time, starting April 20.