Average Rating: 
Rating:  - A marvelous adaptation of one of the great novels.
This A&E/BBC miniseries is a true masterpiece, bringing Jane Austen's most popular novel to life in a near perfect production. It has everything: authentic Regency Period atmosphere, costumes, settings, a beautiful musical score, excellent performances by a well-chosen cast. Andrew Davis's script does full justice to Austen's original. Colin Firth is excellent as Mr. Darcy, but Jennifer Ehle just takes my breath away with her magnificent performance, which catches every nuance of Elizabeth Bennet's character exactly right in every scene. It is a pleasure to watch all 4 1/2 hours straight through again and again. As a longtime devoted admirer of Jane Austen's works, I am very critical of any movies based upon her novels, but this has to be one of the very best adaptations of any major literary work.
Rating: - An enchanting film.
A sort of eighteen century chick flick. This is an adaptation of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" which was first published way back in 1816. This already sets a pretty definite mood to the film. Language can be difficult to understand for those who aren't used to it. Lots of formal bowing and that sort of thing. I personally, am pretty used to all this and can enjoy this movie without getting annoyed at all the formal language. I actually think it adds to the subtlety of the wit and sarcasm which both the film and the book possess.The story is about the Bennet family living in Longbourne, England. Mr. Bennet married much lower in society and so most of his fortune has been lost and his five daughters need to marry wealthy men in order to stay alive, basically. This plot puts off a lot of people. I'm not sure why, but it does. So, let me say that this film is really very good. Jane Austen was a literary genious, in my humble opinion, and her wit and skepticism is conveyed very strongly through Miss Elizabeth Bennet (Jennifer Ehle), the heroine of the story. The hero is Mr. Darcy, played by Colin Firth who also played a Mr. Darcy in Bridget Jones's Diary. The characters are so intriquite in this story. Each compliments the other in manner, appearance, and speech. My personal favorite is Mr. Collins, the bumbling clergyman who is keen on complimenting every one beyond what they deserve. He's so crazy and kind of oily and groveling, its really hilarious. I recommend this movie to anyone who wants to give it a try. I can't really put it in a category. I guess, romantic comedy but also a certain amount of drama. And of course in a certain 18th century style.
Rating: - I'M SO GLAD I WAITED FOR THIS DVD VERSION!
I've owned the two tape VHS set of this finely made BBC miniseries for several years and had practically worn it out with repeated viewings. I held off converting to the DVD version mainly due to the high cost, and am I ever glad that I did! This newly released 2 disc set is a vast improvement over the previous one if for no other reason than it is letterboxed in 1:85/1 format which really brings the story and characters into much sharper focus. One of the features I love best about DVD is the ability to review old favorite films with a clarity of image and sound which makes the entire experiance new and rewarding, and this beautiful version of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE is a great example. Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth seem born to assay thier roles, leading a sterling cast of great British character actors in a spirited romp through the magnificent English countryside. Like Emma Thompson's award winning adaption of SENSE AND SENSIBILITY, this film really breathes life into Jane Austin's tale. It was well worth waiting to see it in this DVD transfer.
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