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But critics aren't just comparing this version of Pride & Prejudice to its literary source. Wright's film, version, which stars Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen, is being held up against what is considered the gold standard of Jane Austen adaptations—the popular, highly-praised, five-hour BBC adaptation of the same book.

"The MGM and BBC renderings were fine indeed, but the latest [version] is yet another splendid dramatization," says Harry Forbes (Catholic News Service). He praises the performances and direction, and concludes, "Apart from a subplot involving a rakish character who elopes with one of the daughters with dishonorable intent, there is nothing to preclude recommendation for all ages."

Michael Karounos (Christian Spotlight) says that non-Austen fans will enjoy the movie "because it is a good love story, with believable character development, interesting settings, and a brisk pace which makes the film's length seem shorter than its satisfying 127 minutes." Austen fans, meanwhile, will "concede that it's better than the 1940 Lawrence Olivier/Greer Garson, if not quite as satisfying as the fuzzy-lens romanticism of the 1995 BBC mini-series … that is everyone's favorite."

Mainstream critics are swooning.

Pride & Prejudice: "This is no mere chick flick," writes Gene Edward Veith (World). "Guys will like it too, if only to gaze upon the intensely beautiful Ms. Knightley. But men will especially appreciate the movie if they use it as a learning opportunity. … [Women] … resonate with a specific kind of masculine character: the forceful, honorable 'gentleman' that 21st-century guys would do well to emulate."

The only real problem with Keira Knightley in this film is the way that, no matter how hard the rain and the wrongdoing pound on her, her makeup is always picture-perfect, and that taints an otherwise winning performance. But that's a minor quibble about what it otherwise a surprisingly energetic, graceful, and delightful adaptation of a richly rewarding novel. In this season of overhyped disappointments, Pride & Prejudice is one of the few that is really worth the full ticket price. Director Joe Wright has made an auspicious debut, and I look forward to whatever he does next. My full review is up at Looking Closer.

Denny Wayman and Hal Conklin (Cinema in Focus) sum it up as "a wholesome film and an insightful exploration of social forces. … The power of the arts to help transition necessary social change is clearly seen in the works of Jane Austen. This film carries on this helpful gift as it takes the prideful prejudices of the past and shines a light on their presence today. It also shows that the power which can overcome both is love."

Josh Hurst (Reveal) poses the questions that had Austen fans worried: "Staging yet another remake of a Jane Austen novel? One that has already won the love of so many through its five-hour BBC adaptation? One that stars Keira Knightley? Madness! It seems like the kind of film that should have failed before it even got off the ground. But it didn't. On the contrary—it's one of 2005's best films."

A ready-to-download Movie Discussion Guide related to this movie is available at ChristianityTodayMoviesStore.com. Use this guide after the movie to help you and your small group better connect your faith to pop culture.

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