MovieChat Forums > Pride and Prejudice (2003) Discussion > Jane Austen freaks: chill out!

Jane Austen freaks: chill out!

posted 20 years ago by ramononthehill
19 replies | jump to latest

A lot of Jane Austen cult members out there are reacting to this movie the way a quaker reacts to a mini-skirt. To those of us who don't put Jane Austen novels in the category of "Holy Writ," this movie is funny and entertaining. No, it was not one of the finest films of this generation, nor was it an ingenious masterpiece that will wow the most cynical movie critics. It wasn't a spiritual experience to watch it, and it won't replace Bible study. But it wasn't a blasphemous sacrilege either. Jane Austen was only a person who wrote books. Apparently, she was very good at it. But familiarity with ALL great literature is not a requirement for intelligence, nor should it disqualify one from enjoying a light-hearted film. Jane Austen may have been a great writer, but now she's dead. She probably doesn't worry too much about this movie. And while she rests in peace, I am going to go on living and enjoying life, and this movie.

[–] sirengirl 20 years ago

I didn't like the movie. I guess because you liked it , you must be a crap cult member. Do you put crap in the catergory of holy writ?

Damn the jellyfish. Damn all the jellyfish!

[–] klwaterhout 20 years ago

Speaking of crap, why don't you cut the holier-than-thou "cateRgory". The movie is getting great reviews from Austin fans and plenty others. From everything I've heard, I can't wait to see the movie!!!

[–] Josephine7 20 years ago

Yeah, I have to admit that I'm pretty worried about whether this film is going to slaughter the book. I think they should have changed the title, like Clueless did with Emma.

[–] 20 years ago

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[–] phantom-of-the-opera 20 years ago

Thenextaudrey, i'm so glad that there is someone out there who went and saw Pride and Prejudice three times. You made some good points,I think we all agree that nothing comes close to the book, and nobody comes close to Colin Firth (or maybe this is just my sentiment) and remakes in general aren't usually... top quality. It's time for some people to let it go, enjoy the movie for what it is, a clean, fun, entertaining movie. It's a comedy, not a drama or a classic. I love classics (like "It Happened One Night" and I love movies like "Our Mutual Friend") and for the most part I have found modern movies insipid and lacking in taste. In a society with instant gratification and an "entertain-me" attitude, it is nice to see a movie that, while still lacking in many areas, gives me an alternitive to other, say ... less worthy movies. Besides, I like Orlando Seale. :)

[–] punk_r0ck_princess 18 years ago

I agree with phantom-of-the-opera.
And it's not like this movie promised anything brilliant. What annoyed me about the new P&P with Keira Knightley is that it was sold to be a masterpiece and honour the book, but it didn't at all. It was just cr*p to put it bluntly.
This one was just a fun take on the book!
And no, nothing will ever be better than the 1995 mini series. Such perfection it's almost surreal! :D

"Someday we'll know if love can move a mountain"

[–] NeverMINDtheBOLLOCKS 18 years ago

I think the new Pride and Prejudice did honor the book. Sure, it wasn't exactly the same, and no, nothing will top the BBC miniseries. But the fact is, THAT was four hours. No one wants to sit through a four hour movie in theaters. They had to cut it down a bit, but I thought it was very good for what it was. Witty and even funny at times, too. I thought it was great how Elizabeth threw Darcy's insult back in his face instead of whining and moping about how mean he was to her.

~Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly~

[–] classycassie 18 years ago

Isn't the miniseries made by A&E, not BBC? I thought there was an additional BBC version. Well, whatever.
IMO, the problem with this movie wasn't how faithful it stayed (or didn't stay) to the book. It just wasn't fantastic. I liked it; it was like a popcorn movie -- a somewhat interesting diversion for a while, but ultimately if you want something satisfying, you'd better keep looking. The only good acting came from Orlando Seale - everyone else was mediocre. In fact, if it weren't for him, I think I'd have been a little more upset with using up two hours of my life on this movie.

***
"Sine, cosine, cosine, sine! 3.14159!"

[–] Unwanted_Birdtamer 18 years ago

There are actually six BBC versions of Pride and Prejudice; however, the only other BBC version currently on either DVD/VHS is the 1980. The 1995 miniseries with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle was done as a joint venture of the BBC and A&E, A&E provided a bulk of the funding, but the BBC was most everything else.

There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning.

[–] NeverMINDtheBOLLOCKS 18 years ago

I was actually refering to the 2005 version, with Keira Knightley. I agree with you for this one. Nothing special.

~Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly~

[–] TheRealMrsDarcy 18 years ago

I have no problem with make a modern version, as long as it's good! But, obviously, this sucks. The story was dumb and it was just so terrible, I could barely finish it, and believe me, I watch a lot of movies.

[–] Julie-30 17 years ago

The 1995 BBC miniseries was 5 hours. The 1980 BBC miniseries was 4 and change.

1980 happens to be my personal favorite, but I love this version, B&P and teh Knightley/Macfadyen one too. All of the 1995 fangirls have gotten me to re-watch that version with a much more critical eye -- and it does not look good in the process. I disliked it when I first saw it. But then it grew on me. And then, after not having seen it in a very long time, I watched it again when it was on American TV over Thanksgiving 2005 and realized just how loud it was. I turned it off.

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] Julie-30 17 years ago

I am a member of JASNA (Jane Austen Society of North America) and I love this movie. I've lent it to several people, and they all love it too.

[–] Chunli_injections 15 years ago

As much as I like the BBC version in a form of a Regency's time, I also like this movie very much! Even the most inexpensive films can turn out to be one of the interesting creations. I give Kudos to the people who made this project! Collins was really amusing, it seemed as it came from an Austen Fan's point of view teasing and loving him at the same time. The modern Elizabeth didn't seem all that different from the regent Elizabeth...in a sense that they managed the college Miss Bennet dressed in a simple and modest manner. But then again this film was made set from Utah, known to the Mormon community, and not in the overrated sexified Hollywood. I'm not even Mormon, and I actually laughed a lot throughout this "Latter Day Comedy" :)

[–] PrincessMagical 15 years ago

This is NOT a Jane Austen piece of work!! If you want a real version of Pride & Prejudice, watch the 2004 film with Keira Knightley!

Your chains are still mine, you belong to me! - The Phantom Of The Opera

[–] oie_voce 15 years ago

That one of the worse versions of Pride & Prejudice, to get a better one watch the 1996 mini series.

[–] 15 years ago

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[–] Julie-30 15 years ago

It was made in 1995, but not shown in North America until 1996. That's likely where the confusion comes from.

Either that, or it was a typo --after all, the 5 key is next to the 6 key.