Just because you word it in a certain way and put people in period costume doesn't make it period correct despite ahistorical casting.
It should be labeled FANTASY.
No, it's just colorblind casting!
Dear god, they need to stop with this nonsense. Just change the setting if you're so desperate to have a diversive cast.
Just wait, they will start "finding" historical figures right out of their backsides and make films out of it. Then call it real history. I've already seen them start the process.
shareMake sure you get your Ang Lee version on physical media now before it's illegal to have that version.
shareThey won't go so far as to ban it. But gradually they will let all the older films go out of print on physical media. Then we will only be able to stream it, IF they release it.
Most older period projects are attached to certain streaming services. All the old BBC adaptations are locked down by Britbox and you have to shell out a monthly subscription to even watch them. Luckily I purchased a box set of them before that all happened.
If you and your ilk had your way, the Ang Lee version would be anathema, as well, since it has a non-white director (the Taiwanese-born Ang Lee). In fact, a few reviews at the time made note of this, with one claiming that Ang Lee "isn't sharp on the nuances of British behavior." https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-12-13-ca-13370-story.html. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
shareExcept that the screenplay was written by British Emma Thompson. So any missteps in British Behavior was on purpose and can solely be laid at her doorstep. He obviously depended on her advice since she was both writer and star of the project.
shareIt certainly looked like people were put into roles to check boxes and nothing more.
I mean, why not go full-bore and have some fun with it.
Could you imagine Katt Williams as some kind of pimp daddy Mr. Darcy?
Of the four recent Hallmark Jane Austen movies, this was probably tied for last with the Alison Sweeney as the worst.