The BBC miniseries version of "Pride & Prejudice" will undoubtedly be the yardstick by which all Jane Austen adaptations will be measured. Oh, there have been plenty of entertaining adaptations since then, such as "Sense and Sensibility" and the 2005 version of "P&P" with Keira Knightley, but it's safe to say that the classic miniseries is the definitive adaptation of a Jane Austen novel. Director Simon Langton captures the essential wit, satire, and suspense of Austen's most character-driven story.
Twinkly-eyed, rosy-cheeked Jennifer Ehle makes a delightful Elizabeth Bennett, and she perfectly embodies Elizabeth's finest qualities: cool-headed, headstrong, witty and passionate. Elizabeth deserves to be placed in the same category of strong literary heroines such as Jo March and Scarlett O'Hara. You come to love Elizabeth as you watch her escape an engagement to the repulsive, simpering Mr. Collins (David Babson) and maintain her sanity among her foolish family members, including her hysterical mother (Allison Steadman) and her vapid, boy-crazy youngest sister Lydia (Julia Sawalha, playing the antithesis of her character from "Absolutely Fabulous"). The supporting cast is also delightful, including Susannah Harker as Elizabeth's serene and lovely sister Jane, Crispin Bonham Carter as Jane's cheerful suitor Mr. Bingley, and Benjamin Whitrow as cynical Mr. Bennett.
But let us not forget the real highlight of "Pride and Prejudice": Colin Firth's star making turn as the misunderstood (but no less dashing) Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth initially dislikes Mr. Darcy, but is surprised to find that he improves "on closer acquaintanceship". Firth plays Mr. Darcy as a man who is uptight and priggish on the outside, but warm, passionate, and romantic on the inside. Plus, it helps that Firth is criminally handsome and has soulful brown eyes that could melt even the coldest heart (oh, I'm such a girl!). The kiss at the end is one of the tender, romantic kisses I've ever seen on screen
"P&P" remains true to the spirit of Austen's story, so it doesn't pander to modern audience's expectations (if your tastes run towards explosions and sloppy sex scenes, this is not for you). Yet it remains delicious entertainment for people willing and patient enough to give it a try. Jane Austen, obviously, never lived to see her books made into film, but I think it's safe to say this brilliant miniseries would have made her glow with, well, pride.
Twinkly-eyed, rosy-cheeked Jennifer Ehle makes a delightful Elizabeth Bennett, and she perfectly embodies Elizabeth's finest qualities: cool-headed, headstrong, witty and passionate. Elizabeth deserves to be placed in the same category of strong literary heroines such as Jo March and Scarlett O'Hara. You come to love Elizabeth as you watch her escape an engagement to the repulsive, simpering Mr. Collins (David Babson) and maintain her sanity among her foolish family members, including her hysterical mother (Allison Steadman) and her vapid, boy-crazy youngest sister Lydia (Julia Sawalha, playing the antithesis of her character from "Absolutely Fabulous"). The supporting cast is also delightful, including Susannah Harker as Elizabeth's serene and lovely sister Jane, Crispin Bonham Carter as Jane's cheerful suitor Mr. Bingley, and Benjamin Whitrow as cynical Mr. Bennett.
But let us not forget the real highlight of "Pride and Prejudice": Colin Firth's star making turn as the misunderstood (but no less dashing) Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth initially dislikes Mr. Darcy, but is surprised to find that he improves "on closer acquaintanceship". Firth plays Mr. Darcy as a man who is uptight and priggish on the outside, but warm, passionate, and romantic on the inside. Plus, it helps that Firth is criminally handsome and has soulful brown eyes that could melt even the coldest heart (oh, I'm such a girl!). The kiss at the end is one of the tender, romantic kisses I've ever seen on screen
"P&P" remains true to the spirit of Austen's story, so it doesn't pander to modern audience's expectations (if your tastes run towards explosions and sloppy sex scenes, this is not for you). Yet it remains delicious entertainment for people willing and patient enough to give it a try. Jane Austen, obviously, never lived to see her books made into film, but I think it's safe to say this brilliant miniseries would have made her glow with, well, pride.