calvintoronto It helps to have read Pride and Prejudice, but that isn't necessary. The film stands on its own.Where it stands fairly well is in its direction and editing. The film is crisp and goes where it needs to without a lot of fuss. Cinematography shows off the scenery quite well.Where it fails is twofold: one, the script -- and, thus, characterizations -- and, two, the chemistry between the leads. The film indulges in embarrassing cliches, such as the two gay best friends who are ostensibly meant to be taken ironically, I suppose; but they come off as a couple of losers. Cringeworthy, even. The women don't fare very well, especially Darcy's girlfriend. Their acting is fine; it's just that the women -- and some of the men -- appear to be in a different movie. The girlfriend is a homophobic shrew....which gives rise to a related problem, that of open homophobia clearly expressed. While it's certainly understandable that these attitudes exist, why this film, ostensibly about a slow-brewing romance, indulges homophobia to the extent it does is problematic. We've all heard these things before; and rather than make us dislike more the characters who are homophobic, you are aghast that the script is so in-your-face about this. Less of this would have been better.The two leads are fine; yet in so far as they are physically quite different so too is there zero chemistry. Bennett is all sincerity and feelings while Darcy is all brooding and impenetrable. They are oil and water and it just does not work. The ending -- and this is a sort of spoiler but not really, as the ending is clearly what you think it will be, especially if you know the novel -- where they kiss has to be the most unromantic moment I've ever witnessed in a film.Huge plot hole: a neighbour believes she sees Darcy hit his girlfriend -- he doesn't -- and hears him threaten to harm her. No one challenges this, not even the police officer, by saying "Where were you when you heard the threat?" She was in her own house next door and all the windows were closed; even if she had been outside she couldn't have heard a thing. This is just sloppy.One final point: the music / soundtrack. It's like you're in a shopping mall. I get that scoring a film costs money. But the producer could have avoided this simply by using less music but of better quality.

pakenmann It's easy to spill into colourful and cheap when portraying "gays" on screen. This film manages to achieve erotic tension and I think this is due to its wonderfully dignified treatment of both character and relationship. That, of course, apart from the great acting Sharrett is putting in.

christz This film is based on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, and it borrows quite a bit from its source, but it is very much its own story. The differences are enough to allow it to be judged on its own. The gorgeous Virginia and Great Smoky mountain scenery only enhance the beauty of the film. The characters are believable in their flawed reality. There is comic relief at times, even campy silliness with a couple characters, but they really don't detract from the poignant plot progression. These people feel very real, perhaps even like people we know. Yes, all of them; the main characters, the friends, the girlfriends. Most of us know people like this, might want to step into the story and have a stern talk with them (or more). The slow pace may put off some viewers who would be impatient for the story to move along, for the characters to just "get over themselves." Let them be. They will work it all out the best way they can.

sinnerofcinema Prior to signing up to watch this film I read the reviews about how this film is like a reverse "Pride and Prejudice". I don't particularly like comparing films because once you start doing that you begin to create expectations of how the film should be. Im pleased to report that this film stands tall on its own for is beautiful cinematography, music scenery and choice of actors. The actors, even though a bit stiff for my personal taste, are beautiful to look at and very engaged. I figured maybe the director wanted them to play it in their respective roles of an go getter attorney and a straight lace blue collar worker with his demons to resolve more conservative and reserved a choice I can respect as Im writing this review. I must go back to the beautiful cinematography because it is one of the main outstanding components in this film. The relationship between the characters at the end leaves you feeling hopeful. I do wish the final scene could have been extended a bit more to see where things would go from there. The direction is flawless. It pushes the story organically without making it feel forced. I wish there was a DVD for this film, for I would add it to my DVD collection. A great film in need of more exposure. It's a visual treat. I kept thinking Hallmark movie as I watched it. If you do find this film as you stroll the halls of amazon, do not hesitate to watch this film, its a MUST SEE.