5 reasons why I'm still not over Pride and Prejudice!

It's been 20 years since Pride and Prejudice was released, and it still lives rent-free in my head, let me tell you why!

The 2005 movie adaptation of Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' centers on the Bennet family, particularly the witty and independent Elizabeth (Keira Knightley), as they navigate societal expectations and pursuing someone for marriage in 19th-century England. The arrival of wealthy bachelor Mr. Bingley (Simon Woods) and his aloof friend Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen) sets in motion a complex dance of first impressions, social class clashes, and burgeoning romance. 

The plot follows Elizabeth's spirited interactions and misunderstandings with the proud Mr. Darcy, alongside the romantic entanglements of her sisters, including Jane (Rosamund Pike) and Mr. Bingley, and the scandalous elopement of Lydia (Jena Malone) with the charming but unreliable Mr. Wickham (Rupert Friend). Directed by Joe Wright, the film was released in the United Kingdom on September 16, 2005

As someone who has watched Pride and Prejudice (2005) six times and counting, I can confidently say I’m nowhere near over it, and with its re-release hitting theaters on today, I’m already planning my outfit and emotionally preparing to hear “You have bewitched me, body and soul” on the big screen and sob. There’s just something about this film, the atmosphere, the yearning, the slow-burn transformation of two flawed people into soulmate that has a permanent grip on my heart. 

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So, in true fangirl fashion, here are 5 reasons why I’m still completely obsessed with Pride and Prejudice!

The movie still remains quite relevant, two centuries later!

Pride and Prejudice remains timeless because its core themes still hit home, even in the 21st century. The societal pressure on women to marry well, often valuing status and wealth over compatibility or respect, is something many still experience today. Just like the Bennet sisters faced expectations to secure their futures through “good” marriages, modern women are often judged by who they date or marry, and not who they are. It’s proof that some social dynamics haven’t changed as much as we’d like to think.

The Regency's rebellious lead, Elizabeth Bennet, is one for the books!

Elizabeth Bennet is an opinionated queen through and through - she's bold, intelligent, and unafraid to speak her mind in a world that expected women to stay quiet. She doesn’t just charm with wit, she challenges the norms around her. The iconic moment when she rejects Mr. Collins’s proposal, standing firm despite the pressure from her mother and the promise of financial security, will linger in my mind for a pretty long time. Or when she refuses Mr. Darcy’s first proposal—not just because of his arrogance but because he insulted her family and thought she’d overlook it. Elizabeth makes it clear that love without respect is not love at all, and in doing so, she redefined what a strong female lead could look like.

Mr. Darcy is the epitome of a lover boy!

Mr. Darcy was in his ultimate loverboy era, stoic on the outside but completely, hopelessly in love with Elizabeth Bennet on the inside. Even after she rejects him, he doesn’t walk away bitter, instead, he proves his love through quiet, powerful actions. He saves her family’s reputation by arranging Lydia’s marriage, treats her relatives with newfound respect, and perhaps the most telling, he even stands up to his formidable aunt, Lady Catherine, refusing to promise he won’t marry Elizabeth. From the hand flex to the way he gazes at her like she hung the moon, he is the peak pining hero. He doesn't just love her; he adores her. 

Watching them fall in love is like watching two stars slowly collide

One reason to be obsessed with Pride and Prejudice is how beautifully Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship grows. From judging each other through pride and prejudice to truly understanding and falling in love, their journey gives me all the feels! Their love isn’t instant; it’s built on hard truths and self-reflection and that is something I absolutely love!

Mr. Bingley’s timeless charm and love reminds me what true romance looks like

Mr. Bingley is the soft boy we all needed - kind-hearted, bashful, and completely in love with Jane Bennet. He’s the kind of man who feels everything deeply but never makes a show of it. One of the sweetest instances is when he’s about to propose and starts pacing nervously back and forth in front of the lake, in full view of Darcy, psyching himself up like an anxious golden retriever. And when he finally reunites with Jane, he’s so gentle and sincere, it's impossible not to root for him.

Have you watched this movie yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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