20s Movie Review - She Said

Director: Maria Schrader
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 129 minutes
Year: 2022
Starring: Carey Mulligan, Zoe Kazan, Patricia Clarkson, Andre Braugher

Description: Jodi Kantor (Zoey Kazan) and Megan Twohey’s (Carey Mulligan) quest to break the Harvey Weinstein scandal.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 32: A FILM FROM 2022
 
Review: In 2017, the New York Times wrote an article that ultimately contributed greatly to the #MeToo movement. “She Said” follows the story of journalists Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor on their search for the truth behind the scandalous behavior of film producer Harvey Weinstein. A good script and even better performances contribute to a gripping film that captures the seriousness of these crimes ironclad.

With film adaptations of true stories, the questions soon arises: why isnt’this a documentary? After all, the facts are most important. The answer to this is usually drama. It is not just about the events, but how they were experiences. By combining the facts with drama, it is easier to show exactly what the victims went through and how these women dealt with these traumatic experiences.

Another strong aspect is the heavy emphasis on journalism. “She Said” does not simply go from victim to victim to a sudden article. It shows the difficult process of finding people willing to talk and what this requires of them emotionally. Other interesting aspects of journalism are also covered, such as competition, secrecy and Harvey Weinstein nipping you heels. They provide tension and realism.

Although emotions run high, the film falls somewhat short dramatically. For example, it fails to deepen the two main characters with snippits from their private lives. My only nitpick.

“She Said” carefully and powerfully exposes the painful nature of this serious social issue. The rock-solid acting, by Carey Mulligan, Zoe Kazan, Patricia Clarkson and Andre Braugher specifically, proves the emotional impact. The film’s purpose is never compromised and speaks pliantly about the woes that went on behind the scenes. I seem to be drawn to films about investigative journalism and this is yet another gem that a lot of people might even know about. WATCH IT!!!

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Review - Saltburn

Director: Emerald Fennell
Genre: Drama/ Comedy/ Thriller
Runtime: 131 minutes
Year: 2023
Starring: Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, Carey Mulligan, Alison Oliver
 
Description: A student (Barry Keoghan) at Oxford University finds himself drawn into the world of a charming and aristocratic classmate (Jacob Elordi), who invites him to his eccentric family’s sprawling estate for a summer never to be forgotten.

Review: Director Emerald Fennell impressed a few years ago, with the film “Promising Young Woman”. I won several awards. Her new movie “Saltburn” is not for the faint of heart, let me say it’s not for everyone.

While struggling to find his place at Oxford University, student Oliver Quick is drawn into the world of the charming and aristocratic Felix Catton. He invites Oliver to Saltburn, the massive beautiful estate of his eccentric family, for a summer to remember.

The film has an unusual style, especially when Oliver is invited along to the Catton family’s eccentric palace. The actor of the two leading men, played by Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi, feels mysterious enough to keep it interesting throughout the film, and at times you’re maddingly unsure where to look. The film has some very edgy scenes that make you feel vicariously embarrassed or uncomfortable. It's provocative, raunchy, raw and anything but subtle. That scene in the bathtub will stay with me forever.

I can’t believe how good Keoghan is in this movie. What a daring, challenging role for him. So well done. “Saltburn” gets a pretty high rating on IMDb, but overall I’ve read a lot of negative reviews. I get why people would not like it, see all of the above. I always love it when a director does something daring, and Fennell succeeded in doing so. Again, praising her for doing something no-standard. “Saltburn” is a really good movie, but not easy to watch and definitely not for everyone.

Rating: 4/ 5

10s Movie Review - Never Let Me Go

Director: Mark Romanek
Genre: Drama/ Romance/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 103 minutes
Year: 2010
Starring: Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, Keira Knightley, Charlie Rowe, Charlotte Rampling, Sally Hawkins, Domhnall Gleeson, Andrea Riseborough, Isobel-Meikl Small, Ella Purnell

Description: The lives of three friends (Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, Keira Knightley), from their early school days into young adulthood, when the reality of the worlds they live in comes knocking. 

 
Review: “Never Let Me Go” is the film adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s bestseller of the same name. Director Mark Romanek managed to surround himself with purely great talent. I believe that “Never Let Me Go” is a fantastic film, that probably not many people have seen.
Kathy, Tommy and Ruth spend their youth in Hailsham, a seemingly idyllic boarding school in the English countryside. Unlike their peers, however, their lives are already mapped out for them. No one seems intent on telling them, but more and more things point to a predestined fate awaiting them. When they leave the protected environment of school behind, they are confronted not only with deep feelings of love, jealousy and betrayal, but also with their inevitable fate.
The three leads, Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley and Andrew Garfield, all play phenomenally. Mulligan, who has the central role, proves once again to be one of the greatest British acting talents. Knightley and Garfield support her perfectly and they form a great trio. The young Kathy, Tommy and Ruth are portrayed almost as impressively as their older counterparts. And also strong supporting roles by Charlotte Rampling and especially Sally Hawkins.  
Screenwriter Alex Garland chose to familiarize the viewer, who is not familiar with the book, with the fate of the children in the same gradual ways as they do during their childhood. It makes the harrowing story even more realistic and poignant. Not only is the narration calm and thorough, actually all facets of the film are made with care and passion.  
The only issue I have with the story is why more people resist the system or flee their fate? Or show their open opinion and disagree with the system, like Sally Hawkins’ character Miss Lucy. But that’s quickly forgiven, because this is such a beautiful film. The cinematography is wonderful. The use of color serves not only to create the atmosphere of alienation and timelessness, but also to distinguish the different chapters within the story. Most impressive, however, are the various shots that are so beautiful that you would want to frame them.
In addition to the cinematography, the atmospheric and emotionally charged soundtrack is also a true beauty. It comes from the hand of Rachel Portman who, seems somewhat unknown, but appears to have an impressive resume (including “The Cider House Rules” and “Chocolat”).
I read the book a long time ago, remembering I wasn’t that big of a fan. But the film is gorgeous and I would recommend it to many people.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Review - The Dig

Director: Simon Stone
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 112 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Carey Mulligan, Ralph Fiennes, Lily James, Johnny Flynn

Description: An archaeologist (Ralph Fiennes) embarks on the historically important excavation of Sutton Hoo in 1938.

Review: The new Netflix film “The Dig” is especially well suited for unwinding for a while, at the rustic images of the English countryside in which a number of solid actors do their thing.
Just before the outbreak of World War II, Edith Pretty commissioned amateur archaeologist Basil Brown to see if there were any interesting things hidden in her land. And there was indeed. The film is based on a true story, but a lot was added or changed for film. Carey Mulligan, who plays Edith, should be at least twenty years older. And the large age difference between the Piggott couple didn’t exist. It’s as if the filmmakers realized that the excavation of an ancient burial ship can be a bit boring and tried to spice things up this way.
The fact that they succeeded somewhat is not due to the clumsily added plot lines, but the solid acting of the entire cast. The film is beautifully shot, it has gorgeous images of the British countryside. The décor and design of the film is worth watching it. Therefore, with an appropriate pot of tea, this is the perfect film to relax and enjoy. The story is quite simple and told very quietly.

Rating: 3,5 / 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 52: Suffragette

Director: Sarah Gavron
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 106 minutes
Year: 2015
Starring: Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, Ben Wishaw, Brendan Gleeson, Anne-Marie Duff, Romola Garai, Meryl Streep

Description: The foot soldiers of the early feminist movement, women who were forced underground to pursue a dangerous game of cat and mouse with an increasingly brutal State.

Review: In “Suffragette” we go back in time and see how the battle for equal rights for women began.
At the end of the nineteenth century, women in England wanted to be more than just the wife of a husband. They protested, but nothing happened. Men nodded their heads and hoped for this nonsense to pass. But instead of that, a group of women decided to take a different path. Their movement, the Suffragettes, did everything to get women to vote. In this story, Maud Watts joins the Suffragettes, because she wants to fight for the same right.
The film has some big names: Helena Bonham Carter, Brendan Gleeson and a small part for Meryl Streep. But this movie belongs to Carey Mulligan. She plays Maud Watts and has to carry this film. And she can. She makes the film effective, touching and matter. It’s stories like this that make me appreciate what people did for human rights in world history.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Favorites: Drive

Synopsis: A mysterious man (Ryan Gosling) who has multiple jobs as a garage mechanic, a Hollywood stuntman and a getaway driver seems to be trying to escape his shady past as he falls for his neighbor Irene (Carey Mulligan) - whose husband is in prison and who's looking after her child alone. Meanwhile, his garage mechanic boss is trying to set up a race team using gangland money, which implicates our driver as he is to be used as the race team's main driver. Our hero gets more than he bargained for when he meets the man who is married to the woman he loves.

 

 

Unique Selling Point: Magnificent montage, great camera work. An easy switch between fast action sequences and slower scenes. Sharp dialogues and on edge humor. The acting is strong, the movie is visually stunning, this is powerful cinema. Very impressive and intriguing.

Most Valuable Player: Cinematographer Newton Thomas Sigel, it’s pure art.

Best Moment: The elevator scene. Driver and Irene are in the elevator when he sees the other passenger is carrying a gun. Driver wants to protect Irene and he pushes her back, kisses her and then he smashes up the guys face.

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 99: Far From the Madding Crowd

Director: Thomas Vinterberg

Genre: Drama/ Romance

Runtime: 119 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Carey Mulligan, Matthias Schoenaerts, Michael Sheen, Tom Sturridge, Juno Temple, Jessica Barden

Description: In Victorian England, the independent and headstrong Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan) attracts three very different suitors: Gabriel Oak (Matthias Shoenaerts), a sheep farmer; Frank Troy (Tom Sturridge), a reckless Sergeant; and William Boldwood (Michael Sheen), a prosperous and mature bachelor.

Review: Danish director Thomas Vinterberg has made some great movies, like “Festen” and especially “Jagten”. Three years after the lather, Vinterberg takes a trip beyond the borders with “Far From the Madding Crowd”. He manages to create a good balance between classic and contemporary storytelling.

The movie, based on a novel by Thomas Hardy, centers young Bathsheba Everdene who constantly has doubts about her different lovers and her independence. In the very beginning of the film she is asked to marry to charming sheep farmer Gabriel Oak. He offers her a comfortable life, but decides to decline. Bathsheba doesn’t want to be anyone’s wife. Gabriel eventually loses his sheep and Bathsheba inherits a farm herself. When Gabriel helps Bathsheba to save her famr from a fire, she hires him. In the meantime Bathsheba gets the attention from the aristocratic widower Boldwood and the young soldier Francis Troy.

Although the plot sounds like your average soap opera, director Vinterberg and script writer David Nicholls do manage to make a good book to move adaptation. You see the differences between classes and the feministic character of Bathsheba. It’s great to see such a strong woman again in a costume drama, who chooses independence over the security of having a husband.

Vinterberg did make some big changes though. In Hardy’s book, he often lets certain situations be decided by faith. Like a wrongly send letter or missing a wedding. In the movie that’s not as present. And the crucial role of character Fanny Robin is also underused.

Even the small criticism make this a very good movie. The cinematography is good and also the acting by Carey Mulligan, Matthias Schoenaerts and especially Michael Sheen are worth watching “Far From the Madding Crowd”.

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 153: Inside Llewyn Davis

Director: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 105 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Adam Driver, Justin Timberlake, John Goodman, Garrett Hedlund, F. Murray Abraham, Alex Karpovsky, Max Casella, Ricardo Cordero, Ethan Phillips, Stark Sands, Jake Ryan

Description: A week in the life of the young singer Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961.

Review: Llewyn Davis is a homeless singer songwriter fighting for his life as a musician. In a journey from one bar to another, he meets various people that all don’t know how to deal with the desolate songwriter. The film comes to life when John Goodman, as jazz musician Roland Turner, enters the story. With his sharp observations and arrogance he manages to illustrate the clash between folk and jazz in a hilarious way.

To make this movie not a standard film about music, the Coen Brothers added some typical Coen elements. Genius dialogues, intimate songs and perfects shots. Especially an absurd studio session where Llewyn joins a satirical evocation to president Kennedy, it has a definite Coen signature on it.

Oscar Isaac us very good as Llewyn Davis and he has a surprisingly good singing voice. The movie is not perfect, but The Coen Brothers made a great film. They can make a great story with the simplest material.

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 70: Shame

Director: Steve McQueen

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 99 minutes

Year: 2011

Starring: Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan, James Badge Dale

Description: Brandon (Michael Fassbender) is a 30-something man living in New York who is unable to manage his sex life. After his wayward younger sister Sissy (Carey Mulligan) moves into his apartment, Brandon's world spirals out of control.

Review: Brandon has a sex addiction, that he is able to control until his sister moves in with him. We see the downwards spiral the character end up in. It’s very realistic and raw how the addiction is portrayed here, and we see how Brandon loses grip on his own life.

A new generation of actors is born, with Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan. They both have difficult roles, their characters are complex and their performance is daring. They act sensationally, when in a dialogue but also when they aren’t saying anything. Their facials expressions, a light bow of the head, a look. That in combination with the long, extended shots Steve McQueen is known for. Fantastic.

Although the movie contains various explicit scenes, sexually, it never is shocking. Both Fassbender and Mulligan are seen completely nude, but it’s never erotic. It just makes them human, real and fragile.

“Shame” is complete. I can’t fault it. The script, performances, shots, music, it’s all mesmerizing.

Rating: 5 / 5

Movie Moments: "Drive"

The best movie experiences are the one where you expect nothing much and you’re eventually blown away. That’s what happened when I saw “Drive” for the first time. What an amazing movie! Here are my favorite scenes.

Moment # 1: The getaway
Driver is waiting in his getaway car, for two robbers. They have a five minute window and they make it right before the sirens come closer. Driver tries to escape an them, he stays calm and collected at all times.

Moment # 2: “You wanna see something?”
Driver takes Irene and Benicio home, but first he wants to show them something. He takes them for a drive, they have a great time.

Moment # 3: Hands
Driver takes Irene out. In the car Irene looks at him, smiles and takes his hand.

Moment # 4: The chase
Driver is helping Standard with his final job, so he can pays his depths. Something goes horribly wrong, which leaves Standard dead and Driver speeding up.

Moment # 5: The hammer
Driver looks up Cook and brings a hammer to the party. First he smashes Cooks hand and the threatens to hit a nail right in his eye.

Moment # 6: The elevator
Driver and Irene are in the elevator when he sees the other passenger is carrying a gun. Driver wants to protect Irene and he pushes her back, kisses her and than he smashes up the guys face.

Moment # 7: Driver kills Nino
Driver just found his friend Shannon who was killed. He wants payback and the person he needs to start with is Nino.

Moment # 8: Driver calls Irene
Driver gives Irene a call to tell her he’s going away and that the time he spend with her and Benicio is the best he ever had.

Moment # 9: The last showdown
Driver meets up with Bernie Rose and he is about to giver Rose the money. Rose stabs him, but Driver fights back and stabs him too. Driver is sitting in the car and when he blinks we see he’s still alive and Rose is lying dead on the ground. Driver drives off, but leaves the money.

Favorite Moment: Moment # 6: The elevator

Movie Tip # 53: Drive

Director:Nicolas Winding Refn

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Albert Brooks, Bryan Cranston, Ron Perlman, Christina Hendricks, Oscar Isaacs

Description: A lone-wolf Hollywood stunt driver (Ryan Gosling) moonlights as a freelance getaway wheelman, and he finds his solitary existence taking on new meaning after befriending Irene (Carey Mulligan), the lonely wife of convicted felon Standard (Oscar Isaac), and her young son.

Review: "Drive" is a powerful and intriguing film that can not be placed in a box. Its cinematography is sublime and gives it a bit of an arthouse look. Because of the mix of suspense, action and mob violence it will be loved by a bigger audience. In the great opening sequence, the movie grabs you in and from that moment on you get sucked in and it doesn't let you go. 'Driver', played by Ryan Gosling, works for Shannon, a role by Bryan Cranston. He isn't only his agent when he works as a stuntman for Hollywood movies, Shannon is also the one that gets him the nighttime getaway jobs. Driver is a cool, maybe icecold man. He can act without any emotion under every situation. His encounter with neighbour Irene, portrayed by Carey Mulligan, and her son Benicio give him that feeling of being human. After meeting her husband Standard gets out of jail, things go really fast. Driver witnesses when Standard gets in trouble an is forced to help him. He wants to keep Irene and Benicio safe and knows that the next battle is a matter of life and death.
Ryan Gosling's portrayel of Driver is perfect. Especially when you just look at his face, it's very powerful. It's just phenomenal. Carey Mulligan fits her role perfectly and has great chemistry with her co-star. The rest of the cast is also very good. The scenes between Driver and Irene are very tender, but the movie has a lot of extreme moments as well. Very violent confrontations. When that happens the adrenaline rushes through your body. With all these elements it makes "Drive" a well balanced movie.
Fantastic acting, powerful visual cinema. "Drive" is an impressive piece of work.

Movie Moments: "Pride & Prejudice"

This film is based on my favorite novel, written by Jane Austen. Sometimes I wished I could step into this time and experience Elizabeth Bennet's life. Here are my favorite moments from "Pride & Prejudice".

Moment # 1: The ball
The whole Bennet family is going to a ball where they meet Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. Jane gets the attention of Mr. Bingley pretty soon, when Elizabeth tries to talk to his friend Mr. Darcy. When she asks him if he dances, he answers: “Not if I can help it”. Later Elizabeth overhears a conversation between Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, where Bingley is stating his affection for Jane. When he tells Mr. Darcy that Elizabeth is also a beautiful woman, Mr. Darcy says she’s barely tolerable.

Moment # 2: Discussing Mr. Bingley
After the ball, Jane and Elizabeth are in bed under the covers talking about Mr. Bingley. If he really liked Jane or not. Elizabeth is glad that she never has to see Mr. Darcy again.

Moment # 3: Mr. Darcy gives Elizabeth a hand
When Jane is visiting Mr. Bingley’s sister, she has to stay in bed al day because she’s ill. Elizabeth, and later Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth’s three younger sisters, visit Jane. When they leave Netherfield, Mr. Darcy helps Elizabeth in the carriage, which surprises her. When Mr. Darcy walks away he stretches the hand he offered her.

Moment # 4: Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy dance
At Mr. Bingley’s ball, Mr. Darcy asks Elizabeth to dance. She can’t believe she agreed to it. While dancing they start talking and when they stop talking, they dance as if they are the only two people in the room.

Moment # 5: Mr. Collins proposes to Elizabeth
The Bennet family is having breakfast when Mr. Collins is trying to get their attention. He wants to speak with Elizabeth alone. He asks her to marry him, but Elizabeth declines. Mrs. Bennet is mad at Elizabeth and wants Mr. Bennet to convince her to marry Mr. Collins. Mr. Bennet doesn’t want Elizabeth to marry him and Mrs. Bennet thinks she’s ungrateful.

Moment # 6: Mr. Darcy visits Elizabeth
Elizabeth is staying with her friend Charlotte and her new husband Mr. Collins. When they are out of town, Elizabeth is visited by Mr. Darcy. Not with a purpose, because he seems pretty uneasy and nervous. When he leaves very soon after arriving, Charlotte asks Elizabeth what she did to poor Mr. Darcy,

Moment #7: I love you
Elizabeth hears stories about Mr. Darcy and she runs away. In the pouring rain Mr. Darcy follows her. He tells Elizabeth that she’s the only reason he came, that he loves her and wants to marry her. Elizabeth says no because Mr. Darcy was the reason for Mr. Bingley not proposing to Jane yet.

Moment # 8: Elizabeth visits Mr. Darcy’s house
While traveling with her aunt and uncle, Elizabeth visit Mr. Darcy’s house. When they see a bust of Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth can’t help but stare at it and admitting he’s a very handsome man. Not much later she sees Mr. Darcy and his sister Georgiana.

Moment # 9: Mr. Bingley proposes to Jane
Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy visit the Bennet family. Jane is hoping for a reunion, but both men leave very quickly. Not soon after they leave, Mr. Bingley returns requesting to speak with Jane privately. He asks her to marry her and Jane says a thousand times yes.

Moment # 10: You’ve bewitched me
After a tumultuous night, Elizabeth goes outside. In the breaking dawn she sees Mr. Darcy walking towards her. He tell Elizabeth that everything he did, he did for her. And then quote: “You have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on”. He kisses Mr. Darcy’s hand and the lean into each other.

Moment # 11: Elizabeth loves Mr. Darcy
Elizabeth is waiting for Mr. Darcy outside of Mr. Bennet’s office. When he leaves the room, Elizabeth enters and while closing the door he smiles at her and she looks at him. Mr. Bennet doesn’t understand why she wants to marry Mr. Darcy, because he thought she didn’t like him. Elizabeth says that she loves him and that they are very much alike. Mr. Bennet gives his blessing and is very happy to see Elizabeth like this.

Moment # 12: Mrs. Darcy (U.S. version only)
A dialogue between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.
Mr. Darcy: How are you this evening, my dear?
Elizabeth Bennet: Very well... although I wish you would not call me "my dear."
Mr. Darcy: [chuckles] Why?
Elizabeth Bennet: Because it's what my father always calls my mother when he's cross about something.
Mr. Darcy: What endearments am I allowed?
Elizabeth Bennet: Well let me think..."Lizzie" for every day, "My Pearl" for Sundays, and..."Goddess Divine"... but only on very special occasions.
Mr. Darcy: And... what should I call you when I am cross? Mrs. Darcy...?
Elizabeth Bennet: No! No. You may only call me "Mrs. Darcy"... when you are completely, and perfectly, and incandescently happy.
Mr. Darcy: [he snickers] Then how are you this evening... Mrs. Darcy?
[kisses her on the forehead]
Mr. Darcy: Mrs. Darcy...
[kisses her on the right cheek]
Mr. Darcy: Mrs. Darcy...
[kisses her on the nose]
Mr. Darcy: Mrs. Darcy...
[kisses her on the left cheek]
Mr. Darcy: Mrs. Darcy...
[finally kisses her on the mouth]

Favorite Moment: Moment # 10: You've bewitched me

"The Hunger Games", "Drive" and Rachel McAdams

I made four new wallpapers. The first two are inspired by the movie and cast of "The Hunger Games". I saw it recently and I absolutely loves it.

This wallpapers features pictures of the movie "Drive". Fantastic film, a great performance by Ryab Gosling.

The last one I dedicaded to Rachel McAdams. From the press conference she did for the movie "The Vow".

In the Picture: The Characters from "Pride & Prejudice"

"Pride & Prejudice", written by Jane Austen, is my favorite books and the 2005 version is also one of my favorite movies. There are so many great characters in this film, that I had to bring them up in this item.

Elizabeth Bennet
Played by: Keira Knightley
Elizabeth is the heroine of the story. She is very intelligent and witty and she thinks she's meant for something more then just marry a man and become like her mother. Elizabeth is convinced that she should never marry unless she feels compelled to do so by true love.

Mr. Darcy
Played by: Matthew Macfadyen
Mr. Darcy is a wealthy, reserved and intelligent man. He is a very proud man and slights Elizabeth before falling in love with her. To strangers he can look a bit arrogant.

Jane Bennet
Played by: Rosamund Pike
Jane is the eldest of the Bennet sisters and the one considered the most beautiful. She is very reserved, gentle and doesn't like to show her emotions. Jane likes to only see the good in people.

Mary Bennet
Played by: Talulah Riley
Mary is the third sister, loves reading and is a very shy girl. She hates being compared to her sisters and doesn't care for anything they care for. She hates balls and is very unsure about her appearance. Mary likes to impress others with her schoolwork and limited musical skills

Catherine "Kitty" Bennet
Played by: Carey Mulligan
Kitty is the fourth in the line of Bennet sisters. She generally follows the leads of her younger sister Lydia and is also much like her.

Lydia Bennet
Played by: Jena Malone
Lydia is the youngest sister and extremely naive. She is flirtatious, obstinate and reckless. She actually does want to marry a rich man someday and is the first Bennet sister that does.

Mr. Bennet
Played: Donald Sutherland
Mr. Bennet is a true gentleman, the father of five daughters and husband to a hysterical wife. He does want his daughters to be happy with a man someday, but believes what Elizabeth believes: there needs to be love involved. Mr. Bennet is especially very close with his two eldest daughters.

Mrs. Bennet
Played by: Brenda Blethyn
Mrs. Bennet has only one wish for her daughters: that they marry a preferably wealthy man, as soon as possible. She has high hopes for Jane and doesn't understand Elizabeth when she declined a proposal from Mr. Collins, a man Elizabeth simply didn't care for.

Charlotte Lucas
Played by: Claudie Blakly
Charlotte is Elizabeth's closest friend. She ends up marrying Mr. Collins instead, something that Elizabeth doesn't understand. Charlotte doesn't have the beauty of the Bennet sisters and just has to settle for anything less that comes by. She prefers having a home and security.

Charles Bingley
Played by: Simon Woods
Charles is a young, wealthy man and a very close friend of Mr. Darcy. Charles doesn't hide his feelings and shows his affection to Jane Bennet. He is a kind and good hearted man and truly loves Jane.

Lady Catherine de Bourgh
Played by: Judy Dench
Lady Catherine is Mr. Darcy's aunt and patroness of Mr. Collins. She is dominant and very proud. She had planned for her daughter and Mr. Darcy to marry, ever since they were children and isn't happy that Darcy shows interest in Elizabeth.

Favorite Character: Elizabeth Bennet

Movie Tip #11 - Pride & Prejudice

Director: Joe Wright

Starring: Keira Knightley, Matthew MacFadyen, Rosamund Pike, Brenda Blethyn, Donald Sutherland, Carey Mulligan, Jena Malone, Judi Dench, Talulah Riley

Description: The story is based on Jane Austen's novel about five sisters - Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty and Lydia Bennet - in Georgian England. Their lives are turned upside down when a wealthy young man, Mr. Bingley, and his best friend Mr. Darcy arrive in their neighborhood.

Review: I secretly adore every Jane Austen story, with "Pride & Prejudice" being my favourite. This is the remake from 2006, with Keira Knigthley as Elizabeth Bennet. She's a very loveable actress and she portrays Lizzy the way Austen discribed her in the book. Mr. Darcy is perfect, a man you love to hate and hate to love. Matthew MacFadyen (I didn't know him), is a wonderfull Mr. Darcy. It's a great lovestory, a great movie.