Jamie passion and passionfruit!

Second time round for this story this year – the first having a definite Indian spice flavour.  This time around, it is a much more traditional British adaptation of the Jane Austen classic.  We have the classic actors like Judi Dench, the picture postcard scenes of grand houses and the crisp witty dialogue.  It is all perfectly enjoyable.  I can`t say however that it has that extra spice or adornment to raise it above the usual costume drama – it is just very competently done.  I guess  you have to like Jane Austen a lot too and frankly she is all a little twee for me.  Keira Knightley holds the film together and despite her youth she is an excellent Lizzie and deserving of her Oscar nomination.  I also liked Donald Sutherland as the father – one of the best things he has done in ages.  Brenda Blethyn warbles away amusingly and the long line of supporting actors do their bit well.  Matthew McFadyen is suitably distant most of the way through so it comes as a bit of a surprise at the end when he becomes all heated and passionate.  The story is written that way so it doesn’t give the actor so much to do.  Nice music by Dario Marianelli and photography too.

All in all a decent film with plenty of merits.

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