Jane Austen's classic novel of 1813, Pride and Prejudice, still wins the hearts of countless schoolgirls with its romantic story of Elizabeth Bennet and her Mr. Darcy. Now, the 1996 BBC miniseries is winning over adults, with its faithful adaptation, gorgeous scenery, and superb acting.

The essence of the story is the antagonism between Mr. Darcy, a wealthy single man who believes Elizabeth to be beneath him, and Elizabeth, who upon being insulted at a dance by the aloof Darcy refuses to associate with him in any manner. Austen evokes incredible tension with the wit and flirtation of the two characters, and director Simon Langton (who also directed Upstairs Downstairs) successfully translates the repartee and conflict in this six-hour miniseries. Dialogue, for the most part, is painstakingly replicated, except when fleshing out and smoothing for modern sensibilities was necessary. Darcy, for instance, is drawn out, giving his personality significantly more depth. The acting sweeps you away to Regency England: Jennifer Ehle (of Wilde) is convincing as the obstinate Elizabeth, who, despite her mother's attempts to marry her off, spurs the attentions of Darcy. And Colin Firth (of The English Patient) will have women everywhere longing for a Mr. Darcy of their own.

Disappointed Viewer

I greatly anticipated the arrival of my Pride and Prejudice tape set. I set aside the perfect moment and the perfect time so that I could indulge in all six volumes back to back. I had recently read the book and was quite excited to see it acted out. Much to my dismay the movie was a bit dull and in some instances hard to follow. Had I not read the book, I would not have had a clear understanding of some of the scenes. Overall, the movie contained many many elements of the book, but perhaps my expectations were simply too high. I did not find Jennifer Ehle particularly convincing as Elizabeth Darcy. She made annoying faces and appeared considerably older than her implicit age of around 20. It's worth watching, but it's not as intriguing as I had hoped. Maybe I will find another version of the book more to my liking.

Movie With Merit

I have watched this entire movie four times this month. Every time I watch it I enjoy it as much as the first time. The experience is very pleasurable. The sets and scenery are gorgeous. The music is also very pleasing. It is a relaxing experience. The characters are very amusing. Mr. Collins tops the list of bumptious fools and his wife Charlotte is the model of saintly restraint. The world is a better place for all the Charlottes in it who manage to live with grace and dignity. Elizabeth Bennett is superbly played by Jennifer Ehle. Colin Firth is a very enigmatic Mr. Darcy. Mr. Bingly is delightful.
Mr. Bennett is amusing. It's the best of all worlds where romance triumphs and deserving people are happy. It's a supurb production and also a great gift.

PERFECTION

HOW OFTEN DO WE SEE TOTAL PERFECTION ON SOMETHING ORIGINALLY MADE FOR TV VIEWING!!

I FELT EVERY SINGLE ACTOR WAS BORN TO PLAY THE PART THEY CREATED.GREAT JOB BY THE CASTING PROCESS AS WELL AS THE ACTORS THEMSELVES.

ESPECIALLY BRILLANT IS COLIN FIRTH AS MR DARCY. THERE ARE NO VERBS AVAILABLE THAT CAN DESCRIBE THE LOOK ON HIS FACE AS HE WATCHES ELIZABETH AT THE PIANO.

EVERY TIME I START WATCHING MY DVD, I CAN'T STOP VIEWING UNTIL I'VE WATCHED TO THE VERY END.