Death Comes to Pemberley

The BBC movie "Death Comes to Pemberley" is a good period romance and is enjoyable to watch, especially with its ties to the great Austen novel "Pride and Prejudice" though adapted from the novel by PD James.  The casting was good except for maybe the part of Elizabeth; and I have always been a fan of Matthew Goode.  However, it does not really come across as something that Jane Austen would've written.  Still, it was a well-made BBC movie with good acting and a good storyline.

To me, the most meaningful moment was when Darcy told his sister to marry for love and not to doubt the person they love; having learned from his own experience and mistake in judgment related to Colonel Fitzwilliam.  Also, I found myself cheering for the developing romance between Georgiana and Henry Alveston.  And, Lydia Wickham's character did a good job of blending being spoiled and selfish, but also loyal and fun-loving; while Matthew Goode played a convincing George Wickham with his mixture of charm, intelligence, but deceit.  One scene that stood out was when he was reprieved at the very last minute, after having almost just hung.  It makes us hope that this would be a life changing moment for him for the good.

16-Jan:  In keeping with the theme, I also watched "Austenland".   It was, of course, a totally different type of film, not intending to be a period movie.  It was also more of a romantic comedy and the storyline is not at a really high level of standard; but, it was still somewhat "cute" and funny.  They tried to make the romance between Jane and Henry play out like a take on Elizabeth and Darcy; and both characters were likeable.  This movie probably wouldn't win any awards, but it was okay to watch.