WARNING: spoilers including lots of pics!
I've recently been reading some reviews on the new Pride & Prejudice with Keira Knightley, and thought I might address some issues that people have brought up against the movie. Over at the Common Room the HeadMistress wrote an excellent review of Pride & Prejudice, also referencing previous versions of the wonderful story by Jane Austen. I highly respect HeadMistress, and love her and her family, but I have a different opinion than she does on certain areas of the movie.
First let me say that I own the A&E version, have watched it several times, love it and will continue to watch it, because of its accuracy in following Austen's original story. However, I do not necessarily think that it is better than the new production. I actually went back to see the new production a second time because I liked it so well.
A few of the reviews I have read cite major errors in regency morals and customs, which, after reading the explanations, I can somewhat understand. I did find it interesting that no one mentioned the fact that Bingley walked in on Jane lying in bed with only a nightgown on, with no apparent feeling of embarrassment on either side. this scene was the only moral scruple I had when watching the film.
Concerning Lady Catherine's arrival at Longbourne in the middle of the night - I just thought it showed how she was truly concerned about the rumor, of Lizzy marrying Mr. Darcy, that she was willing to disturb the whole household to put a stop to it.
I did think Bingley was a little goofy, but I thought his lines like "I'm glad you're here. I mean, not glad you're ill, just glad you're here--and ill." showed how much he really liked Jane, so much that he couldn't get the words out right!
I thought that the new version did an excellent job in the beginning of portraying the relationship of the family, especially the sisters. It was very believable and perhaps for some people, relatable, with all the sisters giggling together at their mother & father's conversation. though I do not have my own sisters, I've spent time with families full of daughters and the 
sensation was similar to that scene. I have to admit that I loved the scene where Mrs. Bennet starts chasing Lizzy after she refused Mr. Collins offer of marriage. That was hilarious! with Mrs. Bennet yelling back to Mr. Collins reassuring him that she would make Lizzy accept.
I really liked the actors & actresses they chose for the roles. I liked the new Mr. Darcy much better than Colin Firth's Mr. Darcy (which says a lot coming from me). Judi Dench plays an excellent Lady Catherine, and the new Mr. Collins did a great job too. Rosamund Pike was the perfect picture of Jane, what a beauty! I especially liked the way Donald Sutherland played Mr. Bennet. 
Overall, I think Emma Thompson did a good job writing the script for this movie. yes, it differs form the original story somewhat, and it may not be totally historically accurate. But, I believe it will attract people who may have never heard of Austen before, and isn't that really a good thing? At least they will now have the knowledge to go read the real story.
I used to be one of those people who was extremely offended if a movie differed from the original story, and would point out every part where it did and complain about it. Then my brothers started refusing to watch certain movies with me because it wasn't enjoyable. I've since realized that it is much more fun to watch movies for what they are - a new creative piece. I still keep in mind what the original story is but I accept the fact that it isn't necessarily an exact copy.
