Pride and Prejudice (1995)

Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle portray the lead characters of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett perfectly. Never has Lizzie been so pretty, witty or charming nor has Darcy ever been so brooding, mysterious or handsome as in this series. The chemistry between the leads is electric and the sparks certainly fly in one of the best romantic love stories ever told.

The fact that the writer's have taken the step of showing more of a background for Darcy also helps the viewer appreciate what a good and kind man he really is all along, rather than, as in other adaptations, he appears to suddenly change into being nice.

The casting of Julia Sawahla as the selfish, stupid Lydia Bennett was also inspired. She carried off a difficult role so well that in the end you still have to like her for all her faults.

As for the rest of the cast - there wasn't one that let the series down one tiny bit. Notably, David Bamber as Mr. Collins was suitably sweaty and snivelling, Alison Steadman as Mrs. Bennett was fantastically highly strung, Adrian Lukis as Wickham was a suave villan and Anna Chancellor's, Miss. Bingley was deliciously nasty.

If I could give the rating more stars I would. It's an absolute must for all Jane Austen fans and if you're not a fan already then watch this and you will be!


'Uniformly Charming!' as Mr Collins commented himself...   May 7, 2002
47 out of 48 found this review helpful

I hate myself for not discovering this brilliant BBC 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice any sooner then this Easter. Since buying it, I've watched it hundreds of times and am still fancinated by it every time I watch it again! I was never into period drama, but by this film, I am truly humbled to call it a 'one off'.

It is challenging enough a task already to turn such a famous much loved novel into a film, but to a film that is as high quality as the book, it's extraordinary! The producers have truly done a good job, as well as doing the novel justice.

This film is perfect in every aspect, as well as being completely faithful to the novel itself, the choice of location, the costumes, the acting, the dances, the music, the script and choice of cast, especially the leading man and woman, Colin Firth as Mr Darcy and Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet, is outstanding! Ehle really has the talent in bringing out that liveliness, wit and spirit of Austen's favourite heroine, and surely nothing can show Darcy's deep hidden affections better than Firth's 'come to bed' eyes.

However, despite the beautiful graphics menu, I would like to comment on how annoying the rolling of credits are, at the beginning and end of each episodes on the DVD format. 'The Making Of...'on the DVD also disappointed me slightly as there's no interviews with the two main characters. However, despite the minor shortcomings, a 'big thumbs up' to Pride and Prejudice 1995.

The price may be expensive for a DVD, but believe me, ...for an experience of a lifetime is definately worth it!

Overcome your prejudices, P&P is not just for the over 30s, I've just turned 17, and am already a proud owner of this exceptional 1995 adaptation on both the VHS and DVD format. When will you be?

Let this be one of those rare ocassions where I give 5-stars to a most deserving product...


Completely addictive!   June 29, 2003
28 out of 29 found this review helpful

I know that many people may think it a little strange that a 14 year old should like to watch costume dramas. But I do. And of all the costume dramas I have watched (and believe me - I've seen plenty!) Pride and Prejudice is by far the best!
I find so much comfort in curling up on the settee, pressing play and having the wonderfully perfect music (composed by Carl Davies) begin. I start watching it and I cannot stop - I get completely pulled into what is going on.
The characters are perfectly cast (especially Colin Firth as Mr Darcy, Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet and Benjamin Whitrow as Mr Bennet) and the costumes and locations are gorgeous.
I have read the Jane Austen novel and watched the Elizabeth Garvie version. I know a lot of people think that that one is more true to the book but I find it so stiff, so wooden and almost embarrassing to watch. Andrew Davies wrote this Pride and Prejudice perfectly and I'm glad so many people love it as well as I do.
As Elizabeth Bennet said herself, "I like it very well indeed!"


Pride and Predjudice.   December 13, 2003
22 out of 25 found this review helpful

First I read 'Sense and Sensiblity' and I loved it so much I watched the film. Pretty soon they both became my favourite! But then I read 'Pride and Predjudice' which is an utterly amazing piece of literature and a part of me didn't want to watch the film because in my experience film adaptations are rarely very good. Characterisations or settings are 'wrong' or not faithful to the novel, which is understandable - everybody interprets infomation differently. It's the directors/writers prerogative to put their own opinions on screen. But I decided to give it a go and I'm very glad I did.

This film is amazing. Not only are the characterisations perfect but the setting and the costumes really add to the film. Overall it's about 5 hours long but that's not a problem!! I watched it with my 13 year old sister, while wrapped in a duvet and eating chocolate (and drooling over Colin Firth in a wet shirt!)

I really recommend this film if you want to watch a decent and faithful adaptation of a fantastic novel. You won't be disappointed - and while you're at it, read the novel!

(Did I mention Colin Firth in a wet shirt?! lol ;-) )


Great   January 6, 2003
18 out of 20 found this review helpful

Being only 12 when this drama series first aired on BBC1 I missed out. Having read Pride and Prejudice 2 years ago, I had to immediately see the Television version.. and I wasn't disappointed!

The BBC version captures the charm and humour of the novel and stays faithful to Jane Austen's classic. The 5 hour series is a joy to watch. Every member of the cast plays the characters to perfection inparticular Jennifer Ehle who very much deserved her best actress award for her portrayal of Elizabeth Bennett. Not forgetting Colin Firth's Mr Darcy - perfect.

Well done to everyone involved!