Do we really need more Pride and Prejudice? After the much loved BBC version and modern spins on the story, such as Bridget Jones' Diary and the Bollywood flavoured Bride and Prejudice, it seems that Jane Austen's classic novel is never far from the screen.

In fact, it's a regularly used template for many romantic comedies.

But while this new version isn't without flaw, it dusts off the cobwebs from the average period piece to create a refreshing take on familiar material.

When the affluent, eligible Mr Bingley arrives in 19th century Hertfordshire, there is much excitement in the Bennett household. Mrs Bennett, in particular, sees him as the ideal suitor for Jane, the eldest of her five daughters (all of whom desperately need husbands, she thinks). Thankfully the couple hit it off, seeming a perfect match.

More complicated by far is the relationship between Bingley's best friend, the sullen Mr Darcy, and the sharp-witted Lizzie Bennett. Despite an apparent hatred at first sight, a convoluted mix of social snobbery, awkward misunderstandings and coincidence keep forcing the pair together. Of course, all this contempt may just be a smokescreen for deeper feelings.

There's an awful lot of story to cram into two hours, and that's the film's biggest problem. Certain characters are sidelined, some relationships are undeveloped, and several major plot points are sped through so quickly you barely notice them whizz by. This leaves some of the comedic and dramatic elements feeling a little underwhelming at times.

But, while cinema struggles to transform lengthy plots into audience friendly running times, it does have other advantages. For one thing, the film looks beautiful. Director Joe Wright gives it a distinct, engaging look without ever resorting to cheap visual gimmicks.

The settings feel earthier than many prim and proper period films; the Bennett household especially has a convincing grubbiness to it. Wright also makes the most of some lovely scenery, never missing an opportunity to set the characters against beautiful sunsets or impressive rainstorms.

Even the society sequences have more vibrancy than most, as the camera sweeps fluidly through corridors and ballrooms to offer a real sense of place and occasion. The dance scenes themselves are boldly filmed, sending the audience spinning amongst the social high-flyers. These touches work well, giving the film a modern feel without unnecessarily updating the material.

But the cinematography is a bit too besotted with Keira Knightley. While she certainly looks very nice in close up, all the angst-ridden zooming in soon wears thin. That said, she gives easily her best performance to date, nicely capturing Lizzie's sparky, witty appeal. Opposite her, Matthew MacFadyen makes a fine Mr Darcy; rude, aloof yet strangely likeable. He mixes the character's quiet dignity and ridiculous stuffiness to great effect, and the pair strike a great chemistry.

There's plenty of humour as well, to offset the slow burning romance. Especially good are Brenda Blethyn as Mrs Bennett and Tom Hollander as pompous curate Mr Collins.

Although some of the sharper elements of both satire and drama are lost, this remains funny, romantic, and well played. It's an extremely tolerable new version of the classic tale, and fully deserves to win its own set of admirers.