lol, was just about to post about that version being omitted in this video. surprisingly, i actually found it quite enjoyable. to be honest, the only reason i even decided to watch it in the first place was because the premise sounded so ridiculously stupid, i just had to check it out. i never imagined i would actually find it enjoyable.
Colin Firth IS Darcy, IMHO. He's portrayed the character so faithfully, in so many different adaptations of this classic story, that I am loathe to watch anyone else play the character. Being a huge fan of Austen, and especially this particular story, I think the 1995 adaptation is the best, by far. I watched it, after having read the book, and was pleased to find that it stuck fairly close to the original storyline. I think that's the real issue: while I understand WHY plot lines must be changed, in order to accommodate screen time, I'm rarely impressed with cinema, when compared to book.
Had you considered that Firth was 35 yeas old, and in real life would have already had a string of mistresses among his servant staff while waiting for a suitable heiress to marry?
@my3stooges You are confusing English Victorian era standards with Jane Austen's Georgian era, a licentious, bawdy period where royalty and nobility had mistresses galore. Read about King George IV, Byron and Shelley, et al; religion was an irrelevant formality. That is why young Victoria said, "I will be good."
The 1995 adaption is the best, hands down. Not because of the costumes, actors, the love arc etc - although they are all great - but because it shows the best the most important aspect of the story, the development of both protagonist by learning from the self discovery of their own pride and prejudice - even by embarrassing themselves - and becoming better persons. No other P&P-adaptation I have seen - and I saw a lot - did manage this so well. The 1995 adaptation is a great work of art on its own merits not just by being an excellent retelling of one of the greatest literary works.
Armand Simonis The 1995 version perfectly captures Austen’s social commentary and satire. No other version does-in fact, the 2005 movie does Charlotte a great injustice.
The 1980s one is just as good where the development is concerned. Prefer some of the 1995, some of the 1980, but they're both just so good... all a matter of taste from there on out. Mrs Bennett is so much better in the 1980s version it's embarrassing, she spoils the 1995 version somewhat 😆
I just realized that one of the reasons the proposal scene was so tense in the 1995 adaptation was because the camera angle is from Elizabeth's seated position, judging Darcy and looking up.
The 2005 version is my personal favorite. I love the soundtrack, the emotional dynamics, the beautiful scenery. The way they told the story makes Elisabeth so relatable and I love how mysterious and downright fearsome Darcy is in this one. The chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy is portrayed so well, also. Absolutely love the scenes where she reads Darcy's letter and when he tells her he loves her, most ardently. ❤
well 2005 was my first P&P adaptation, so it'll always be my favorite. but 1995 no doubt the better adaptation, because it has 6 episodes for portraying the book
_Definitely_ the 1995 version, starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth was the best! I've always loved the story because it's so charming... but no version holds a candle to the 1995 version. Jennifer Ehle's minxish, expressive face gives the best, most subtle performance EVER.
Personally I think that the 2005 adaptation got it all wrong. Yes the bennets are poorer compared to the Bingley's and Mr Darcy but they wouldn't have pigs living in the house. Also , although they made Elizabeth and Darcy more relatable I feel they went too far as these versions of the characters behave like 21st century people and give their opinions and views too freely unlike what people were expected to do in the early 1800s. Dont get angry at me and I understand why you like the 2005 adaptation but this is just my opinion.
Diving into water and reemerging is also symbolic of the character being "reborn", cleansed, or changed in some important way. That scene isn't just mindless fanservice, it's implying that Darcy is a new man. When he says earlier, "I *shall* conquer this," he doesn't conquer his feelings for Elizabeth but he *does* conquer his pride, stuffiness, and elitism. All symbolized by him being sopping wet and stammering 😂
The comic note from the screen play writer to Jennifer Ehle was that the swimming scene had left Darcy wet enough to show way more of his Darcyness than wanted. If you look at her face when she is saying "I was not expecting to SEE you " it is a very funny moment and shows Andrew Davies 's impishness .. I dont know if Jane would be amused , I hope so ...
I rewatch the 1995 version at least once a year. I adore everything about it, and think it is the best adaptation of the book. However, I truly love the 2005 as an interpretation of the novel rather than an adaptation. Also, the soundtrack to the 2005 version is some of the best music ever done for film (fight me ;) ). I listen to the soundtrack more than the movie or miniseries, so I guess my favorite version is Dario Marionelli’s score.
I've been rewatching the 1995 version multiple times a year. So far for 2020, I've watched it probably 5 times all the way through. It's just so enjoyable. But I do agree the 2005 version has beautiful music and I rewatch that version at least 2-3 a year.
I 100% agree with you, 95 was closest to the book, and I absolutely love it for it, but 05 was a really besutiful and sweet interpretation that I enjoy just as much, but the soundtrack is what really elevates it to something special.
cassie earle yes like the said in training day “king kong aint got nothing on me” i am referring to colin firth as king kong. I love him better in the bridget jones diary version. Colin is a favorite actor of mine but no one can look a woman like Matthew. Especially in a period piece. He is a big bloke and i adore his walk across the field to her. #matthewswag
Loved the 1995 version! Beautifully acted and a wonderful adaptation of Jane Austin's novel! Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth nailed it!! Also loved Mr Collins - David Bamber!! Just an A1 production! Never tire of seeing it!
I could watch the 2005 version over and over again. Loved the scenery and Elizabeth's feisty nature. I started reading the novel, very difficult to get through with how the language was used back then.
The 1995 will always be my favourite as I grew up watching it. But I'll happily watch the 2005 one if I haven't got 6 hours spare. I must admit the music in the 2005 adaptation is beautiful
Beth Lambert The beautiful lacework being woven in the opening credits gives us a hint of the story that follows, the threads of each character woven into a classic tale by a cast of true professionals.
The 1980 was the best. Truest to the book without adding too many “modern” dramatizations. The 1995 version was too dramatized to showcase Firth. The lake scene and fencing scenes are fake (not in the book) and severely changed the book into a Hollywood look and feel.
Eric Lind yes, the 1980s one was a good one. Mrs Bennet was less shrill than in the 1995 and I loved the different take on Lady Catherine. She was almost likeable at first. I like the 1995 better, but 1980 is a close second.
agatask It’s personal taste...but you do fave to admit that the 1995 version adds a tad too much Hollywoodization. The mood, pace and lowkey-ness of the 80’s version feels truest to the book.
Every version is enjoyable but the 1995 version is the definitive version for me. I remember watching it when it first aired and was riveted. Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle embodied Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth and the supporting cast, costumes, locations and script was stellar!
Jennifer EHLE is so beautiful, so feminine, so sweet and inteligent, without being sarcastic. She is Elizabeth Bennett. She seems go out from the Austin, s book. Her beauty is so classy!!
The way he stares at her isn't creepy like the 1995 one. They're chemistry is so effortless. The movie really emphasizes that they are total opposites yet so alike. The way the actor plays Mr. Darcy is perfect. The way he carries and expresses himself is has me rewatching the film over and over again. Yes, I've had the biggest crush on him from the first moment I met you. Lol
I didn’t see any chemistry between them. I am not sure if it is because the film was so short or because I always imagined that Darcy fell for Elizabeth’s wit and her remarks and there was no wit in Keira’s Lizzy.
@@magalystamales I AGREE...mATTHEW mACFADYEN IS THE PERFECT darcy...I AD NEVER HEARD OF HIM BEORE NOW AN ARDENT FAN..have waTcHed tHis version abut 12 timEs so far,,,elizabeth seems a snob in this version...not quite likeable...i watch for DARCY. ARC
6:57 this is the most accurate style of proposal which probably Austen meant while writing this part. And Colin Firth did justice to this role better than any other man ever. I admire Matthew as well, but Colin is absolutely impeccable.
@@helendavies1326 I love Colin but when I discovered the 1980 version I realized that Darcy there is more faithful to the book. Of course Elizabeth wouldn't stand him, he was dry and pompous. Colin's Darcy is too charming, she should have fallen for him much sooner :)
@@soledadferrer1325 -- I totally agree with you, David Rintoul's Darcy is more faithful to the book, and Elizabeth's eyes and personality fit so well the description Austen gives in the book. I think that Colin Firth's Darcy give us a closer look at the character's changes as he falls in love with Lizzie, and Matthew McFadyen highlighted the fact that Darcy was a young man still grieving the loss of his parents. Before age 27 or 28 he already had the responsibilities of the estate and, even more importantly, the guardianship of his sister.
Soledad Ferrer I dissagree a little with you here as the Darcy we read about in the first part of the book is filtered through the prejadice Elizabeth has toards him. It’s likely that he was at least a little more charming than she gave him credit for.
Soledad Ferrer I don’t agre. Darcy is arrogant but not stoic. He is even sarcastic sometimes and I think the 1980 version kills all the colors of Darcy’s personality and leaves him monodimensional.
I LOVE Jane Austen's books. Of course, Pride and Prejudice is a favorite so I can't help loving the 1995 movie series. It is a beautiful reflection and adaptation of the book on screen ❤
Hands down, my favorite is the 1995 BBC/A&E version with Ehle as Elizabeth and Firth the epitome of why "Lizzie" ultimately succumbed to Darcy's charms.
Back in college my friends and I did a week long Pride and Prejudice film fest where we watched an episode a day for six days of the most beloved Jennifer and Colin BBC version. At the beginning I wondered why so much time was focused on the pompous bore that was Darcy, but by the end I was madly in love with Darcy (and Colin Firth), nothing can ever compare😊😊😊
the confession moment on 2005 movie is the one that makes me fall in love with this novel, and never have I feel so in love with a romantic movie until now ❤️❤️❤️
Just Mine it was actually a very cheesy scene in this beautiful film, but I am glad that the 2005 adaptation introduced younger audience to Jane Austen.
Lmao same, and I'm not even ashamed of it. There was a time when I liked falling asleep with the TV on, and that's the movie that stayed on my DVD, so I literally watched it (or half watched it) every night😂
A few months ago, someone introduced me to the 1995 Pride and Prejudice BBC miniseries. While I loved the 2005 Keira Knightly version, it could not hold a candle to the BBC version.
@@MissCaraMint really it isn't just that. Keira Knightley or perhaps the directing of her character, played Elizabeth more like Lydia. She was frivolous and barely restrained and conveyed absolutely no maturity. Elizabeth's was meant to have natural optimism but also a sense of dignity and propriety. . . and there was that awful Pemberly statue scene that made Elizabeth appear to be a gold digger.
Miluiel She is more unrestrained than she should be, but I feel like that’s a symptom of the fact that the story moves to fast to lett that streek of stubborness that really is Elizabeths backbone make itself subtily known beneath her charm, propriety, dignety, and of course the humour with which she views the world. They basically ended up having to exagerate this one characteristic, throw the rest out the window, and then hit us over the head with that one thing because they didn’t have the time to develope the incredibly complex character that Elizabeth really is. And she is complex, and pretty rebelious too. She just is also fairly restrained outwardly, especially since she is amused by the ridiculousness of the world and not annoyed by it. Without her stubborness, pride, prejudice, and even pettyness, you don’t get the story, but she would never have charmed Darcy with out her kindness, love, compassion, decoram, maturity, fearlessness, indipendance, talent in music, tact, dignity, intelligence, and propriety. They had to compromise on what aspects the would have time to show in a movie, and while I don’t agree with their choices i understand why the stick with what they did. They basically emphasised the characteristics that could advance the story, and ignored what did not. Look at the 1940s movie. They had pretty good characteriziation (though Darcy is far too charming in the first part, and Elizabeth flips a little too easely, but the decoram part was there), but had to cut out the whole Pemperly bit to make up for it. Something that would have been unacceptable in the 2005 movie. You just can’t make it into a feature length movie.
@@Miluielle Oh my God! Though I love Keira I was disappointed to see her as Elizabeth Bennet but could not exactly put a finger on what was missing. And you did that. She was acting like Lydia. Now I can die in peace. Thankyou
I've watched my 1995 version DVD so many times, I recently bought a backup copy in case I wear out the first one. After watching some clips of the other versions touched on here, I have no interest in any of them.
I, too, have the 1995 film adaptation. I have watched it numerous times. It was beautifully filmed and very faithful to the book, which I also own. It is, without a doubt, my favorite film.
The 1995 miniseries is the best, by several orders of magnitude. There are dozens of reasons, but the one that pops out to me at the moment is that it has the best relationship between Elizabeth and her father. The other versions seem to make Mr. Bennet a bit of a fool.
BBC 1995 adaptation is my favourite. I happened to hear it on the telly while I was in another room and instantly recognized the dialogue. Every minute was worth watching. Thanks, I enjoyed your video!
I watched the 2005 version as a teenager and absolutely loved it, but now as an adult I'd have to say the 1995 version is better because of it's faithfulness to the book and time period as well as the extra time we're given with the characters. As for modern versions, I love Lizzie Bennet diaries!
The 2005 version is fine, but nothing compares even slightly to 1995. Absolutely the preeminent adaptation, because it nails the essence of the book on all levels.
the 1995 version is the best and it still holds up today. I enjoy the expansive story, it is like curling up with the book on a rainy afternoon, no hurry to finish the story, just to enjoy the story. the way the story was so well rounded in all the characters made the view into the past so entertaining.
I have always loved the 1995 version as I had read the book once or twice before and found it to be the closest and truest to the book. It seemed to me that Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth and their developing relationship as portrayed in the `95 BBC version was the most realistic for the way it is shown in the book. Nearly 25 years later, I still feel the same.
Upon reflexion, certainly also the reason why the 1995 version is so successful is that they had 6 hours to put the novel to the screen. They were able to take dialogue directly from the book and had time to show the passage of time. A luxury...
Without a shadow of a doubt the 1995 version. I loved everything about it. It clearly captured the dynamics of all the relationships. It set the standard and no other versions will ever come close.
My favorite is the 1995 version. The period costumes as well as the dialog felt more accurate to the book. Repartee between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy was fun to watch. Other versions just do not capture the entire story as it was meant by the author.
I like your video. The captivating thing about the 2005 version was that every shot, every camera angle was a portrait, perfectly balanced, all settings, sets and arrangements perfectly captured at their best with characters. It was like walking through a museum of classic photos of P&P, paragraph by paragraph, hardly any glimpse a miss.
Tessa Peake totally cracks me up in the 1980 version when she embarrasses Elizabeth and her father when, as playing clueless Mary, she decides to entertain everyone by playing the piano and singing “Early One Morning”. How she could sing so badly out tune and keep a straight face must’ve taken amazing discipline!
Hola! I was a kid when I watched the TV series from 80’s version and until now, it’s my favorite. Mr Darcy in this version, in my opinion, it’s the best and clearly reflects his portrait in the books. Curiously, I watched first in Spanish and right after that I read the book. Later, when I perfected my English, I decided to read the book in its original language and I truly loved it! Therefore, the 1980’s version is very special to me as it opened a window to English Literature
Me too! I love the 1995 series but 2005 movie is so beautiful and the picture, acting and fluid transitions makes me feel into the story and wants to read the book again and again.
The 2005 movie is also much closer to the reality of what life was like then. It wasnt emphasizing that there was poverty in the Bennet household, as the narrator claims, it was showing the reality of life back then.
A photo from the 1995 series on the dust cover of the library book I picked up for my classic summer read fascinated me. I enjoyed the book and then found out about the mini series and have watched it many times a well as re-reading the book. That miniseries is indeed the gold standard and introduced me to other Jane Austen books. She is a national treasure and I wish she could truly enjoyed the success of her writings.
The 1995 BBC adaptation was the iconic adaptation. It was beautifully done and inspired the current and ongoing love of all Jane Austen's works. What other adaptation can claim such a major effect? (Other than Gone With the Wind)
The 2005 movie did it's job and brought my young self to Jane Austen. It will always be my favourite if not only for that reason. Also it's just a beautiful movie overall, with an almost haunting soundtrack.
@@ingriddubbel8468 I'm aware, I've read the novel at least 5 times. But the point is that I wouldn't have even read it once had it not been for the 2005 movie. I appreciate that it takes some liberties with the source material, but it immerses the viewer in the world whether they are familiar with Austen or not, and I am thankful to it for that.
@@ingriddubbel8468 You can't be "true to the novel" with the limited screentime of a movie. You have to condense things and shift them a little. That's just how it works. And with that in mind the 2005 version is doing great. I always loved the subtil way it shows things: The financial problems of the Bennett Family by the lived-in house, the diffent fabrics of the clothes of all the people in the movie, the little, reserved gestures of Darcy and so on... The whole world feels lived-in. It's not a movie set that's a background for the story. It's part of the story. And this soundtrack... So, in my opinion, the 2005 version captures the emotional spirit of the book the best. The 1995 version may be the most accurate depiction of the book, but I'm just not feeling it. (And yes, Colin Firth is great and I'm not really a fan of Keira Knightley.)
@@Shawnasart76597 Finally someone said it. I totally agree with you because it's the same with me. If I didn't watch the movie, I wouldn''t have the urge to read the book. The movie was amazing and by far my favourite movie ever. Although I haven't watched the 1995 version..I just know the 2005 adaptation will remain my favourite. The beautiful soundtrack, the character development, the built-up tension, and let's not forget that beautiful moving ending where he called her "Mrs. Darcy" and they kissed...it's these things I love...these are the things I live for you know. This movie allowed me to develop a deep respect for Jane and I became very fond of her. I'm glad that this movie was produced. I will continue to say that Jane Austen was a genius....A literary genius
Same. If it wasn't for the 2005 adaption, I wouldn't have brought myself to Jane Austen and read the book. The time period fascinated me. I'm currently reading Emma, which got a movie adaption this year.
The 1980 version was my introduction to P&P and I've watched it countless times. The 2005 version I love for the visuals and production values. So many scenes look like they could be paintings!
I love the 1995 edition. The acting was superb, and Colin Firth was extremely believeable. He carefully showed a variety of emotions in his face and body language. Jennifer Ehle was also excellent also expressing emotion in her face and eyes that suggested her feelings.
The BBC / A&E production is far above any other adaptation. Once I saw that, I could hardly stand to watch any other version. I’ve seen this adaptation more times than I can count! Once the first musical note of the opening credits start, I’m hooked to the tv for the next 6 hours! I just adore it!!
Definitely the 1995 version is the best!! I even visited Lyme Park a.k.a Pemberley mansion when I went to UK just to see the famous lake and the glorious mansion. ❤
The 1980 is also really really good. But yes the 1995 is pretty stunning. I love the 1940s movie but I'd not call it an adaptation. Maybe loosely inspired. The 2005 version I detest 😆 It's cheesy af. But that's just me I know many love it.
My Favorite is 2005.. I love how they captured the way of telling the emotion of Darcy and Elizabeth through subtle facial expression and they’re eyes. Especially with Darcy. And I absolutely Love McFayden .. his voice just sets me swooning 😊. And the cinematography becomes the 5 th actor in the movie. The way they use the lights and how the camera follows them around through their lives almost make you that extra person walking around with them. Plus I love the way it shows the relationship between Lizzy and her Father. I think the 95 version is most closest, but to enjoy the story as a whole I always turn to 2005.
Copper Head THere were deffenetly good thing about the movie, I just can’t get over some of the direction the actors had. Kira in particular was never give gloves or a bonnet, and they staged scenes that would really have been scandalous in Austen’s day. Oh and the Bennet’s were too poor. Yes Kira’s tomboyish dress and the overt poverty were supposed to convey just a bit of the complex social structure that made Darcy react so strongly to Elisabeth’s family in the first place, but it was too heavy handed. I felt like I was being wacked over the head with this information, and it totally left out what they had in common and what would have made Elisabeth, as a gentleman’s daughter still technically the same status as Darcy despite her familie’s faults. Better choices by the director and costuming people would have firedel most problemstilling I had with it. The actors themselves were good. Though perhaps a touch to modern at times.
I'm quite OK with the 2005 movie, but I strongly dislike several things. That they made Bingley into a bumbling idiot and Darcy look more emo - mopey and socially awkward than proud.
Agreed. I watched the 2005 movie and the BBC version; and it's the movie, with that cinematography and Dario Marianelli score, that evoke the strongest feelings for me. I love the way all actors interpreted their parts, the music, the lighting and the direction. It was the movie that pushed me to read Jane Austen books as well :)
I absolutely love the 1995 one. I saw it right after I read Pride & Prejudice for the first time and just feel in love with it. Both the book and the mini-series gave me a life long live for Austen. While I favor the 1995 mini-series, the 2005 version I thoroughly enjoyed.
The 1980 version will forever be my favorite and most beloved version of pride and prejudice. Even though it wasn't extraordinary in terms of budget and production value, the simplicity of it has its charm. It really made the story feel personal and immersive rather than it feeling like a movie.
Trivia - the actor who played Darcy in the 1980 BBC version played the Mad King in Bran's flashbacks in Game of Thrones. He was the one yelling, "Burn them all!"
@@agatask the 1980 version suffers in comparison to the others because its production was not extravagant. But the acting and character development were excellent.
Beyond all comparison, the 1995 version with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle was, and remains, the best in my opinion. Jennifer Ehle captured the personality, spirit, and character of Elizabeth just as I had imagined from the book, and there could never be a more perfect embodiment of Darcy as there is in Colin Firth. One other comment on the 1995 version.....when I read the book, I wanted to slap Lydia, kick Mr. Collins in the shin, and punch Wickham. I had identical reactions to the portrayal of these 3 characters in the 1995 version. Definitely the best adaptation!
Megumi M me too!! It’s my favorite by far. Of course I grew up watching it over and over on VHS, so nostalgia plays a huge part. I loved when finally released the complete original BBC UK broadcast edition on DVD. Even better!
I love Colin Firth and, yes, the 1995 version is great in its own right. However, the 2005 version is by far the most mesmerizing, engaging, beautiful of all of them. The casting, the directing, the cinematography and score, among other things, make it unforgettable.
And, so must beautiful people, a the 2005 is iconic, from so many people around the world, maybe a the 1995, it's more realistic, but a 2005 put the public dreaming.
My favourite is the 1995 BBC version. Now whenever I re-read the book I have the BBC characters in my mind as I'm reading. For me Firth & Ehle are the definitive Mr Darcy & Elizabeth Bennet.
1995 Version with Jennifer Ehle & Colin Firth was the Best! 💟 - - I also liked the 2016 Pride and Prejudice and Zombies - It really had a great cast who played their parts well
Just looking at these scenes from the 1940 movie, I thought Lizzie looked too old. So I looked up Greer Garson and saw she was born in 1904. I know that Elizabeth declines to answer Lady Catherine when she asks how old Elizabeth is, but I don’t think the correct answer would have been 36.
GG was 36 when the movie was released, which is laughable as we're supposed to believe that the character she's portraying is 20? Actually a lot of the actors in this version are much older than their characters. I think the two actors playing Mary & Kitty were the closest in age to their respective characters. It's one of many reasons the 1940 version is my least favorite.
I own them all, and I love them all. My favorite, however... Is the 1980 BBC version... Maybe it's because that version was the very first 1 I saw... But I prefer the slower pace, the sarcastic rendering of Mr. Bennett, a considerably less shrill Mrs. Bennett, a sweet and cheerful Jane, a cerebral and introspective Lizzy, and the horribly snobbish Darcy...
Although my personal favorite is the 1995 version, I see you point. The portrayals of Mr. Bennett and Mr. Darcy may be more faithful to the book in the 1980 version, but for me, the emotional impact is stronger with their somewhat more sympathetic representations in the 1995 version.
I much prefer the 1980 version too, Possibly because it was the first version I saw. It feels more sedate and controlled and more in keeping with the period. The script also seems to use more authentically early 19th Century language. The character of Mrs Bennett is more fun in the 80s version as well (although I do admire Alison Steadman as an actress). The 2005 film was entertaining enough but it's my least favourite version and seemed to move at a breakneck speed!
Likewise. My Mum had it as a box set - she used to watch it when I was a child. I don't think any of the other actors have managed to convey Mr. Darcy's hauteur nearly so well. I also think that Elizabeth was better cast - Jennifer Erle appeared too old to be plausible in the role, and Keira Knightly was far too beautiful in comparison to Rosamund Pike. It made the parts where people were comparing her unfavourably very implausible.
My all time favorite adaptation is the 1995 version; I have it in a DVD box set that I used to watch constantly (to my roommates' frustration) when I had a working DVD player and TV. :D
I’ve always loved the 1995 version! Its so immersive and beautiful. I watched the 2005 version to give it a chance but it all felt so rushed. They talked so fast and sped through scenes so fast. It made it very obvious they were limited on time, and I just couldn’t get into it. . 😕
1940: Outrageous and audacious changes, but great fun if you are able to forget the novel and enjoy the film. I personally love Garson's performance, even though she's too old. Just imagine what she and Olivier could have done with a faithful script! 1980: Very faithful. Elizabeth Garvie's rendering is spot-on, and probably the best I've seen. Other performances were also very good. A little slow compared to later versions, especially when Elizabeth is reading Darcy's letter. That could have been handled so much more imaginatively, but it's a small point. 1995: I love this version. It just sparkles for me. But I get a bit rankled when I hear it called the Gold Standard. It does have several big faults. First, it reverses the order of Darcy's letter, which has the lasting effect on Elizabeth of annoyance rather than contemplation and reflection. Second, and more important, it shows the male perspective so much to the point that we learn how Darcy engineered Lydia's marriage before Elizabeth learns of it. This completely upsets the delicate balance of the novel and Austen's handling of the Big Reveal. There are other faults, but I can forgive them in an adaptation that I still love. 2005: I don't know how I feel about this film. It's good to watch when you want a quick P&P "fix", and don't have hours to spare. But I find Knightley irritating in most things (that's just my opinion, though). My greatest criticisms are directed at interpretation of the characters. Mr Bennet is depicted as a benign curmudgeon, when the book character was quite an acerbic man. The Bennet marriage was a complete failure, but you'd never know that from 2005. I'm not a big fan of Macfadyen's Darcy, either. He is portrayed as merely shy and socially awkward, while I believe Darcy's biggest fault is that he's a snob and just can't be bothered to interact with those he feels inferior to him.
i agree about the letter thing, i think wouldnt be so bad if they gave a little seconds for elizabeth to reflect (in her expressions, something very quickly would do) about what she just learn in the first part and then getting angry about him after with the jane and bingley situation, but the script didnt gave her time to breath between one confession and the other. About the male perspective, i think every adaptation has to bring something new to the table otherwise, lets just read the book. But those new things needs to feel natural and to keep up with the spirit of austen (thats where the 2005 faills, the things they added are nothing like austen style). Adding the male perspective on 95 turns the story from "how they gonna fix this and be together", to " i cant wait until lizzy finds the truth", i think is a good change, fresh, without being drastic and anticlimax.
The 1995 version is my favourite. I enjoyed the performance of both Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle but the jewel was Mr Bennetts dealings with his wife and his relationship with Elizabeth. Loved it and have been a fan ever since...
My favorite is the 1995 version, I feel like it captured Austen's intentions while writing the book very accurately while being sparkling. I find the 1940s version rather charming, despite its changes and flaws (I used to be obsessed with old Hollywood movies before I watched this, and the aesthetic of these movies is still dear to me). Back when I saw the 1980 version I thought I wouldn't be able to enjoy the 1995 version, but then it grew on me. As a great lover of the book, it was rather difficult for me to fully enjoy the 2005 version; it was beautifully shot, I must say, but its main purpose deviated a lot from the book. Anyhow, people are free to have their opinions, and so there was mine.
1980 is still my best. when I saw Elizabeth Garvie's twinkling eyes and David Rintoul's awfully beautiful but quite proud and somewhat rigid Darcy, I was like, yes!
I love the 1980 and 1995 equally. David Rintoul did prideful so well! So the transformation was more profound. But I love Colin Firth's Darcy as well. Both productions were very well done. Dislike the 2005, and haven't seen the 1940 version (though I love that era's clothing)
I also really enjoyed the 1980 version. Garvie was wonderful as Elizabeth. Also, the actress who played Mrs. Bennet in 1980 portrayed her more accurately than the 1995 version in which Mrs. Bennet was so over the top as to be a caricature. That being said, I own and enjoy both versions. Whatever the 2005 movie was, it was not Pride and Prejudice. The Bennets (as long as their father was alive) were not poor. Mr. Bennet was a gentleman, and at 2,000 pounds a year, they were well above middle class. They had a multiple servants and a cook.
Megumi M same. I watched it out of boredom cause my mom had the VHS set of it and it turned out to be one of my favourite adaptations of Pride and Prejudice. I’ve watch it dozens of times.
The 1995 production is my favourite. It is hands down the best adaptation so far. Colin Firth is Darcy and Elizabeth's wit and humour steals the show. I have watched all the adaptations, and I loved the 1980 production next. It captures the true essence of the regency era. The characterisation was too good to be true. Especially Darcy's pride and Elizabeth's prejudice is deeply rooted in her expressions. And I was absolutely in awe of the musical score and perfect picturisation. I love countryside and I think the 1980 production does more than justice to that. The 2005 adaptation is a more modern rendition of the novel and has its own plus points. I love the chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy particularly. The cinematography was also spectacular to watch. The 1940 adaptation appears to me as a mere parody. It should not even be called an interpretation. It's sad how our generation doesn't have many people who like to read Austen. I would give up anything for a new adaptation of the novel.
This was excellent. I really don’t have a favorite version, because I like each one for different reasons. The BBC 1980 version I really like because it keeps closer to the dialogue and spirit of the novel. The other three give more romantic and love scenes between Elizabeth and Darcy, in their different ways.
For me, the 1995 was by far the best as well, but whenever I want to have a good laugh, I always go for the 1940 version. The lines of sarcasm in that version never cease to make me laugh.
2005 is for when I want a quick, dramatic, romantic version.
1995 is for when I want a full, realistic, darling version.
And I love them equally.
Same!...
I hate 2005v version.
THIS☝️
Agreed 100%!!
Well said my Lady.
👍🏻👍🏻😉😊😊
I'm surprised no one is talking about Jennifer Ehle. In my opinion, her fantastic acting totally stole the show.
Oh yeah! I love her in this role. Her performance is just unbeatable
There is a lovely chemistry between these to players
Yes! Her portrayal of Elizabeth gives her all the charisma and wit that she deserves. Watching it one understands perfectly why Darcy falls for her!
Her gaze is so incredibly complex and fascinating to watch. She’s a huge deal in the theatre scene if anyone reading didn’t know!
She was perfect in the part, absolutely...
I’m just glad we aren’t talking about the zombie apocalypse version
lol, was just about to post about that version being omitted in this video. surprisingly, i actually found it quite enjoyable. to be honest, the only reason i even decided to watch it in the first place was because the premise sounded so ridiculously stupid, i just had to check it out. i never imagined i would actually find it enjoyable.
Yeah, me too, even though it's a great movie too, I can't think of it as an adaptation of P&P, more like an own movie with it's own story.😂
@@carlos2004 literally me!!
That's because it's not an adaptation. It belongs in the list she mentioned in the beginning
@@carlos2004 I just love how Lady Catherine challenges Lizzy to a dual... Had no idea that would happen but dang, that was amazing!!xD
Colin Firth IS Darcy, IMHO. He's portrayed the character so faithfully, in so many different adaptations of this classic story, that I am loathe to watch anyone else play the character. Being a huge fan of Austen, and especially this particular story, I think the 1995 adaptation is the best, by far. I watched it, after having read the book, and was pleased to find that it stuck fairly close to the original storyline. I think that's the real issue: while I understand WHY plot lines must be changed, in order to accommodate screen time, I'm rarely impressed with cinema, when compared to book.
Agreed.. i can always quote the 1995 P&P as being a perfect example of WHY people should just stay faithful to the DARN books!! lol
Had you considered that Firth was 35 yeas old, and in real life would have already had a string of mistresses among his servant staff while waiting for a suitable heiress to marry?
@my3stooges You are confusing English Victorian era standards with Jane Austen's Georgian era, a licentious, bawdy period where royalty and nobility had mistresses galore. Read about King George IV, Byron and Shelley, et al; religion was an irrelevant formality. That is why young Victoria said, "I will be good."
@my3stooges !!!.....?
Nah I like Matthew best...
The 1995 adaption is the best, hands down. Not because of the costumes, actors, the love arc etc - although they are all great - but because it shows the best the most important aspect of the story, the development of both protagonist by learning from the self discovery of their own pride and prejudice - even by embarrassing themselves - and becoming better persons. No other P&P-adaptation I have seen - and I saw a lot - did manage this so well. The 1995 adaptation is a great work of art on its own merits not just by being an excellent retelling of one of the greatest literary works.
Exactly :-)
Armand Simonis The 1995 version perfectly captures Austen’s social commentary and satire. No other version does-in fact, the 2005 movie does Charlotte a great injustice.
Not for me. Hated the acting . Who cast these roles?
And it has the best Darcy ever!!!
The 1980s one is just as good where the development is concerned. Prefer some of the 1995, some of the 1980, but they're both just so good... all a matter of taste from there on out. Mrs Bennett is so much better in the 1980s version it's embarrassing, she spoils the 1995 version somewhat 😆
I just realized that one of the reasons the proposal scene was so tense in the 1995 adaptation was because the camera angle is from Elizabeth's seated position, judging Darcy and looking up.
That’s an interesting observation. Thanks! I always felt it was tense because it was the first scene the actors shot together.
The 2005 version is my personal favorite. I love the soundtrack, the emotional dynamics, the beautiful scenery. The way they told the story makes Elisabeth so relatable and I love how mysterious and downright fearsome Darcy is in this one. The chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy is portrayed so well, also. Absolutely love the scenes where she reads Darcy's letter and when he tells her he loves her, most ardently. ❤
well 2005 was my first P&P adaptation, so it'll always be my favorite. but 1995 no doubt the better adaptation, because it has 6 episodes for portraying the book
_Definitely_ the 1995 version, starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth was the best! I've always loved the story because it's so charming... but no version holds a candle to the 1995 version. Jennifer Ehle's minxish, expressive face gives the best, most subtle performance EVER.
The soundtrack is the part of that version that I like the least. It's the exact same song played over and over and over. And over. And over.
Totally agree
Personally I think that the 2005 adaptation got it all wrong. Yes the bennets are poorer compared to the Bingley's and Mr Darcy but they wouldn't have pigs living in the house. Also , although they made Elizabeth and Darcy more relatable I feel they went too far as these versions of the characters behave like 21st century people and give their opinions and views too freely unlike what people were expected to do in the early 1800s. Dont get angry at me and I understand why you like the 2005 adaptation but this is just my opinion.
there is no "lake scene" in the book as far as i know :) so even the most accurate version can't avoid giving a little bit of fan service
its ok to have a fan service if they dont change the personality of the character, if is something the character could do, then its fine
Diving into water and reemerging is also symbolic of the character being "reborn", cleansed, or changed in some important way. That scene isn't just mindless fanservice, it's implying that Darcy is a new man. When he says earlier, "I *shall* conquer this," he doesn't conquer his feelings for Elizabeth but he *does* conquer his pride, stuffiness, and elitism. All symbolized by him being sopping wet and stammering 😂
The comic note from the screen play writer to Jennifer Ehle was that the swimming scene had left Darcy wet enough to show way more of his Darcyness than wanted. If you look at her face when she is saying "I was not expecting to SEE you " it is a very funny moment and shows Andrew Davies 's impishness .. I dont know if Jane would be amused , I hope so ...
@@guywolff man, you gave me a good laugh!
yeah i was so confused when she said that. i dont remember a lake scene in the book.
I think the 1995 version with COLIN FIRTH and JENNIFER EHLE was by far the BEST!!!
Agree, the 1995 version is the best, although I do like some elements from the 2005 film adaption of Pride and Prejudice.
true!!!
I'm agree with you... colin firth and jennifer ehle are the best.
indeed!
Gay
I rewatch the 1995 version at least once a year. I adore everything about it, and think it is the best adaptation of the book. However, I truly love the 2005 as an interpretation of the novel rather than an adaptation. Also, the soundtrack to the 2005 version is some of the best music ever done for film (fight me ;) ). I listen to the soundtrack more than the movie or miniseries, so I guess my favorite version is Dario Marionelli’s score.
I won't, it's true 😂
Yeah the music is brilliant along with the dancing in the 1995 version
Absolutely true
I've been rewatching the 1995 version multiple times a year. So far for 2020, I've watched it probably 5 times all the way through. It's just so enjoyable. But I do agree the 2005 version has beautiful music and I rewatch that version at least 2-3 a year.
I 100% agree with you, 95 was closest to the book, and I absolutely love it for it, but
05 was a really besutiful and sweet interpretation that I enjoy just as much, but the soundtrack is what really elevates it to something special.
i'm partial to the 2005 version because of cinematography and soundtrack. i just love it
Sara Angel ... plus macfayden has the best voice and the walk across the field has me bewitched.
@@ddianedavis7447 also the subtle shots of them touching hands is like crazy good.
cassie earle yes so true not to mention that almost kiss then followed up with “forget it” #mayfadenfan4ever
@@ddianedavis7447 yes yess yess. best darcy. he played him so shy.
cassie earle yes like the said in training day “king kong aint got nothing on me” i am referring to colin firth as king kong. I love him better in the bridget jones diary version. Colin is a favorite actor of mine but no one can look a woman like Matthew. Especially in a period piece. He is a big bloke and i adore his walk across the field to her. #matthewswag
1995's version will always be my favorite adaptation. I feel like it is the one that captures the essence of the book the most.
1995 Colin Firth was superb as Mr. Darcy! He and Jennifer Ehle’s were amazing together . The whole cast had great chemistry!
I read that the 2 stars were dating 1994-1995. That could partially explain why they were so good together.
What chemistry? There was none!
This is like the emperors new clothes ! Insistence on something being great which is totally lacking.
Dating?? And still no chemistry? shame
I hated Lydia and Mrs Bennett. They were caricatures. Otherwise it was pretty much spot on.
The 2005 version was geared toward more modern viewers. The 1995 version allows me to go back in time. Needless to say, I live the 1995 version.
Same here. In the 1995 version I really feel the story. The 2005 version just doesn't do that for me. At all.
I'm a 1995 fan all the way, but the 2005 version does have a saving grace: it turned a lot of people on to the works of Jane Austen.
Buckacre 134 The 2005 version deleted Austen’s social commentary. It’s just the shell of the plot.
S H So did the 1940 version. You can only do so much during the run time of a movie.
MissCaraMint I’m not talking about cutting things out.
Loved the 1995 version! Beautifully acted and a wonderful adaptation of Jane Austin's novel! Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth nailed it!! Also loved Mr Collins - David Bamber!! Just an A1 production! Never tire of seeing it!
I could watch the 2005 version over and over again. Loved the scenery and Elizabeth's feisty nature. I started reading the novel, very difficult to get through with how the language was used back then.
The 1995 will always be my favourite as I grew up watching it. But I'll happily watch the 2005 one if I haven't got 6 hours spare. I must admit the music in the 2005 adaptation is beautiful
Beth Lambert
The beautiful lacework being woven in the opening credits gives us a hint of the story that follows, the threads of each character woven into a classic tale by a cast of true professionals.
Agree. It’s the perfect early morning movie with a cup of tea, to start the day, and the music, as you said, is stunning
The 1980 was the best. Truest to the book without adding too many “modern” dramatizations. The 1995 version was too dramatized to showcase Firth. The lake scene and fencing scenes are fake (not in the book) and severely changed the book into a Hollywood look and feel.
Eric Lind yes, the 1980s one was a good one. Mrs Bennet was less shrill than in the 1995 and I loved the different take on Lady Catherine. She was almost likeable at first. I like the 1995 better, but 1980 is a close second.
agatask It’s personal taste...but you do fave to admit that the 1995 version adds a tad too much Hollywoodization. The mood, pace and lowkey-ness of the 80’s version feels truest to the book.
Every version is enjoyable but the 1995 version is the definitive version for me. I remember watching it when it first aired and was riveted. Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle embodied Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth and the supporting cast, costumes, locations and script was stellar!
Except that Mrs. Bennet should have been about 40 and still attractive in her person.
@@ralphl7643 True, but she really embodied ber personality!
Jennifer EHLE is so beautiful, so feminine, so sweet and inteligent, without being sarcastic.
She is Elizabeth Bennett.
She seems go out from the Austin, s book.
Her beauty is so classy!!
She is very good in the sombre scenes, not so good at being winsome
She has the ideal English rose beauty
Im in love with the 2005 version, something about the chemistry between Kiera Knightly and Matthew McFayden
Becky Ray I love the focus on how painfully shy Darcy is. That little insight into his true personality when Elizabeth visits Pemberley was great!
I just love Matthew McFayden
The way he stares at her isn't creepy like the 1995 one. They're chemistry is so effortless. The movie really emphasizes that they are total opposites yet so alike. The way the actor plays Mr. Darcy is perfect. The way he carries and expresses himself is has me rewatching the film over and over again. Yes, I've had the biggest crush on him from the first moment I met you. Lol
I didn’t see any chemistry between them. I am not sure if it is because the film was so short or because I always imagined that Darcy fell for Elizabeth’s wit and her remarks and there was no wit in Keira’s Lizzy.
@@magalystamales I AGREE...mATTHEW mACFADYEN IS THE PERFECT darcy...I AD NEVER HEARD OF HIM BEORE NOW AN ARDENT FAN..have waTcHed tHis version abut 12 timEs so far,,,elizabeth seems a snob in this version...not quite likeable...i watch for DARCY.
ARC
The 1995 version is by far the absolute best. None of the others can compare.
2005 is my favorite.
Kathy Edens I always thought that having so much time to develop characters and immerse the viewer into the story was a real plus for that version.
Absolutely!!!
2005 is my fav of all tbh
So true!
6:57 this is the most accurate style of proposal which probably Austen meant while writing this part. And Colin Firth did justice to this role better than any other man ever. I admire Matthew as well, but Colin is absolutely impeccable.
I prefer the 1981 version but agree Colin Firth is the best Darcy
@@helendavies1326 I love Colin but when I discovered the 1980 version I realized that Darcy there is more faithful to the book. Of course Elizabeth wouldn't stand him, he was dry and pompous. Colin's Darcy is too charming, she should have fallen for him much sooner :)
@@soledadferrer1325 -- I totally agree with you, David Rintoul's Darcy is more faithful to the book, and Elizabeth's eyes and personality fit so well the description Austen gives in the book. I think that Colin Firth's Darcy give us a closer look at the character's changes as he falls in love with Lizzie, and Matthew McFadyen highlighted the fact that Darcy was a young man still grieving the loss of his parents. Before age 27 or 28 he already had the responsibilities of the estate and, even more importantly, the guardianship of his sister.
Soledad Ferrer I dissagree a little with you here as the Darcy we read about in the first part of the book is filtered through the prejadice Elizabeth has toards him. It’s likely that he was at least a little more charming than she gave him credit for.
Soledad Ferrer I don’t agre. Darcy is arrogant but not stoic. He is even sarcastic sometimes and I think the 1980 version kills all the colors of Darcy’s personality and leaves him monodimensional.
The 1995 version is a hot love story. Mr. Darcy's burning stares had me fall in love with him too. Who wouldn't want to be in Miss Bennet's shoes?♥️👍
I LOVE Jane Austen's books. Of course, Pride and Prejudice is a favorite so I can't help loving the 1995 movie series. It is a beautiful reflection and adaptation of the book on screen ❤
Hands down, my favorite is the 1995 BBC/A&E version with Ehle as Elizabeth and Firth the epitome of why "Lizzie" ultimately succumbed to Darcy's charms.
Back in college my friends and I did a week long Pride and Prejudice film fest where we watched an episode a day for six days of the most beloved Jennifer and Colin BBC version. At the beginning I wondered why so much time was focused on the pompous bore that was Darcy, but by the end I was madly in love with Darcy (and Colin Firth), nothing can ever compare😊😊😊
the confession moment on 2005 movie is the one that makes me fall in love with this novel, and never have I feel so in love with a romantic movie until now ❤️❤️❤️
Just Mine it was actually a very cheesy scene in this beautiful film, but I am glad that the 2005 adaptation introduced younger audience to Jane Austen.
I have watched the 2005 version every month for the past 15 years
Omg same, It is my favore version and film. I'm soo obsessed since 2006 (I was 5). I think I watched it 63 times
Me too
Lmao same, and I'm not even ashamed of it. There was a time when I liked falling asleep with the TV on, and that's the movie that stayed on my DVD, so I literally watched it (or half watched it) every night😂
I see that you’re a person of taste, an intelectual individual.
I love the 1995 and 2005 equally tbh, they’re both different but so good
Poor u...
A few months ago, someone introduced me to the 1995 Pride and Prejudice BBC miniseries. While I loved the 2005 Keira Knightly version, it could not hold a candle to the BBC version.
Tamarah Bryan The problem is that there just isn’t enough time in a movie for the complex characters to propperly develope.
L
@@MissCaraMint really it isn't just that. Keira Knightley or perhaps the directing of her character, played Elizabeth more like Lydia. She was frivolous and barely restrained and conveyed absolutely no maturity. Elizabeth's was meant to have natural optimism but also a sense of dignity and propriety. . . and there was that awful Pemberly statue scene that made Elizabeth appear to be a gold digger.
Miluiel She is more unrestrained than she should be, but I feel like that’s a symptom of the fact that the story moves to fast to lett that streek of stubborness that really is Elizabeths backbone make itself subtily known beneath her charm, propriety, dignety, and of course the humour with which she views the world. They basically ended up having to exagerate this one characteristic, throw the rest out the window, and then hit us over the head with that one thing because they didn’t have the time to develope the incredibly complex character that Elizabeth really is. And she is complex, and pretty rebelious too. She just is also fairly restrained outwardly, especially since she is amused by the ridiculousness of the world and not annoyed by it. Without her stubborness, pride, prejudice, and even pettyness, you don’t get the story, but she would never have charmed Darcy with out her kindness, love, compassion, decoram, maturity, fearlessness, indipendance, talent in music, tact, dignity, intelligence, and propriety. They had to compromise on what aspects the would have time to show in a movie, and while I don’t agree with their choices i understand why the stick with what they did. They basically emphasised the characteristics that could advance the story, and ignored what did not. Look at the 1940s movie. They had pretty good characteriziation (though Darcy is far too charming in the first part, and Elizabeth flips a little too easely, but the decoram part was there), but had to cut out the whole Pemperly bit to make up for it. Something that would have been unacceptable in the 2005 movie. You just can’t make it into a feature length movie.
@@Miluielle Oh my God! Though I love Keira I was disappointed to see her as Elizabeth Bennet but could not exactly put a finger on what was missing.
And you did that. She was acting like Lydia. Now I can die in peace. Thankyou
Jane Austen would like the 95 version.
And 1980
Bob Courtier that says it all really doesn’t it
Bob Courtier I concur.
No she didn't.
And are you and Jane on good speaking terms?
1995 version is my absolute favorite! Watched it so many times
Definitely the Colin Firth version. It was the one most true to the novel,
I have read the book and the 1995 is the best. I have the 1995 dvd and have watched it often
I also own the 1995 version!! ❤
kritterbug43 A mini-series version will be better than a 2 hour movie.
I've watched my 1995 version DVD so many times, I recently bought a backup copy in case I wear out the first one. After watching some clips of the other versions touched on here, I have no interest in any of them.
I, too, have the 1995 film adaptation. I have watched it numerous times. It was beautifully filmed and very faithful to the book, which I also own. It is, without a doubt, my favorite film.
I love the 1995 version but the 1980s version is also really really faithful and well made.
The 1995 miniseries is the best, by several orders of magnitude. There are dozens of reasons, but the one that pops out to me at the moment is that it has the best relationship between Elizabeth and her father. The other versions seem to make Mr. Bennet a bit of a fool.
Agree 100%
Opinions not facts even if I agree😂
BBC 1995 adaptation is my favourite. I happened to hear it on the telly while I was in another room and instantly recognized the dialogue. Every minute was worth watching. Thanks, I enjoyed your video!
I watched the 2005 version as a teenager and absolutely loved it, but now as an adult I'd have to say the 1995 version is better because of it's faithfulness to the book and time period as well as the extra time we're given with the characters. As for modern versions, I love Lizzie Bennet diaries!
BBC's 1995 version is definitely the best and my favorite, it sets the diamond standard!
I agree a hundred percent!!
The 1995 movie was the best version of pride and prejudice
The 2005 version is fine, but nothing compares even slightly to 1995. Absolutely the preeminent adaptation, because it nails the essence of the book on all levels.
the 1995 version is the best and it still holds up today. I enjoy the expansive story, it is like curling up with the book on a rainy afternoon, no hurry to finish the story, just to enjoy the story. the way the story was so well rounded in all the characters made the view into the past so entertaining.
I have always loved the 1995 version as I had read the book once or twice before and found it to be the closest and truest to the book. It seemed to me that Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth and their developing relationship as portrayed in the `95 BBC version was the most realistic for the way it is shown in the book. Nearly 25 years later, I still feel the same.
Upon reflexion, certainly also the reason why the 1995 version is so successful is that they had 6 hours to put the novel to the screen. They were able to take dialogue directly from the book and had time to show the passage of time. A luxury...
1995 will forever be my favorite :)
Without a shadow of a doubt the 1995 version. I loved everything about it. It clearly captured the dynamics of all the relationships. It set the standard and no other versions will ever come close.
My favorite is the 1995 version. The period costumes as well as the dialog felt more accurate to the book. Repartee between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy was fun to watch. Other versions just do not capture the entire story as it was meant by the author.
Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book. I felt the 1995 version captured the book the best (it’s also my favorite movie).
I like your video. The captivating thing about the 2005 version was that every shot, every camera angle was a portrait, perfectly balanced, all settings, sets and arrangements perfectly captured at their best with characters. It was like walking through a museum of classic photos of P&P, paragraph by paragraph, hardly any glimpse a miss.
Tessa Peake totally cracks me up in the 1980 version when she embarrasses Elizabeth and her father when, as playing clueless Mary, she decides to entertain everyone by playing the piano and singing “Early One Morning”. How she could sing so badly out tune and keep a straight face must’ve taken amazing discipline!
Hola! I was a kid when I watched the TV series from 80’s version and until now, it’s my favorite. Mr Darcy in this version, in my opinion, it’s the best and clearly reflects his portrait in the books. Curiously, I watched first in Spanish and right after that I read the book. Later, when I perfected my English, I decided to read the book in its original language and I truly loved it! Therefore, the 1980’s version is very special to me as it opened a window to English Literature
2005 is my favorite, thought 1995 is the best. I just get more emotionally out of watching the 2005 version.
Me too! I love the 1995 series but 2005 movie is so beautiful and the picture, acting and fluid transitions makes me feel into the story and wants to read the book again and again.
Agree with u
Amanda Ciccione agreed
Agree
The 2005 movie is also much closer to the reality of what life was like then. It wasnt emphasizing that there was poverty in the Bennet household, as the narrator claims, it was showing the reality of life back then.
A photo from the 1995 series on the dust cover of the library book I picked up for my classic summer read fascinated me. I enjoyed the book and then found out about the mini series and have watched it many times a well as re-reading the book. That miniseries is indeed the gold standard and introduced me to other Jane Austen books. She is a national treasure and I wish she could truly enjoyed the success of her writings.
The 1995 BBC adaptation was the iconic adaptation. It was beautifully done and inspired the current and ongoing love of all Jane Austen's works. What other adaptation can claim such a major effect? (Other than Gone With the Wind)
Lord of the Rings.
My favorite is the 1995 version with Colin Firth. I must have seen it 100 times! Great video! Thank you!
The 2005 movie did it's job and brought my young self to Jane Austen. It will always be my favourite if not only for that reason. Also it's just a beautiful movie overall, with an almost haunting soundtrack.
Its not true to the novel.
@@ingriddubbel8468 I'm aware, I've read the novel at least 5 times. But the point is that I wouldn't have even read it once had it not been for the 2005 movie. I appreciate that it takes some liberties with the source material, but it immerses the viewer in the world whether they are familiar with Austen or not, and I am thankful to it for that.
@@ingriddubbel8468 You can't be "true to the novel" with the limited screentime of a movie. You have to condense things and shift them a little. That's just how it works. And with that in mind the 2005 version is doing great.
I always loved the subtil way it shows things: The financial problems of the Bennett Family by the lived-in house, the diffent fabrics of the clothes of all the people in the movie, the little, reserved gestures of Darcy and so on... The whole world feels lived-in. It's not a movie set that's a background for the story. It's part of the story. And this soundtrack...
So, in my opinion, the 2005 version captures the emotional spirit of the book the best. The 1995 version may be the most accurate depiction of the book, but I'm just not feeling it. (And yes, Colin Firth is great and I'm not really a fan of Keira Knightley.)
@@Shawnasart76597 Finally someone said it. I totally agree with you because it's the same with me. If I didn't watch the movie, I wouldn''t have the urge to read the book. The movie was amazing and by far my favourite movie ever. Although I haven't watched the 1995 version..I just know the 2005 adaptation will remain my favourite. The beautiful soundtrack, the character development, the built-up tension, and let's not forget that beautiful moving ending where he called her "Mrs. Darcy" and they kissed...it's these things I love...these are the things I live for you know. This movie allowed me to develop a deep respect for Jane and I became very fond of her. I'm glad that this movie was produced. I will continue to say that Jane Austen was a genius....A literary genius
Same. If it wasn't for the 2005 adaption, I wouldn't have brought myself to Jane Austen and read the book. The time period fascinated me. I'm currently reading Emma, which got a movie adaption this year.
The 1980 version was my introduction to P&P and I've watched it countless times. The 2005 version I love for the visuals and production values. So many scenes look like they could be paintings!
I love the 1995 edition. The acting was superb, and Colin Firth was extremely believeable. He carefully showed a variety of emotions in his face and body language. Jennifer Ehle was also excellent also expressing emotion in her face and eyes that suggested her feelings.
The BBC / A&E production is far above any other adaptation. Once I saw that, I could hardly stand to watch any other version. I’ve seen this adaptation more times than I can count! Once the first musical note of the opening credits start, I’m hooked to the tv for the next 6 hours! I just adore it!!
I’m pretty split between 1995 and 2005 versions on which is my fave. Ive actually enjoyed all the versions so far
Agreed... Who wants them to make multiple exact versions of the same story... I appreciated all of them... It's P&P... You can't screw it up too badly
Jolene Davies Well, you could add zombies.
@@lisamac2403 pride & prejudice & zombies did that already! :-)
@@JoleneDaviesITKWJ - now that is the best version of P&P.
I'm split between 1995 and 1980. The 2005 really annoyed me but I have severe cheese allergy😆
Definitely the 1995 version is the best!! I even visited Lyme Park a.k.a Pemberley mansion when I went to UK just to see the famous lake and the glorious mansion. ❤
Agreed!
I'm so jealous, lol!
Lucky you!
The 1980 is also really really good. But yes the 1995 is pretty stunning. I love the 1940s movie but I'd not call it an adaptation. Maybe loosely inspired. The 2005 version I detest 😆 It's cheesy af. But that's just me I know many love it.
My son-in-law proposed to my daughter there. She’s a huge Austen fan.
The 1995 miniseries is definitely my comfort show, I watch it literally any time I'm feeling sad. That is all I have to say :)
The 1995 version with Colin Firth is my favorite by far!
My Favorite is 2005.. I love how they captured the way of telling the emotion of Darcy and Elizabeth through subtle facial expression and they’re eyes. Especially with Darcy. And I absolutely Love McFayden .. his voice just sets me swooning 😊. And the cinematography becomes the 5 th actor in the movie. The way they use the lights and how the camera follows them around through their lives almost make you that extra person walking around with them. Plus I love the way it shows the relationship between Lizzy and her Father. I think the 95 version is most closest, but to enjoy the story as a whole I always turn to 2005.
Copper Head THere were deffenetly good thing about the movie, I just can’t get over some of the direction the actors had. Kira in particular was never give gloves or a bonnet, and they staged scenes that would really have been scandalous in Austen’s day. Oh and the Bennet’s were too poor. Yes Kira’s tomboyish dress and the overt poverty were supposed to convey just a bit of the complex social structure that made Darcy react so strongly to Elisabeth’s family in the first place, but it was too heavy handed. I felt like I was being wacked over the head with this information, and it totally left out what they had in common and what would have made Elisabeth, as a gentleman’s daughter still technically the same status as Darcy despite her familie’s faults. Better choices by the director and costuming people would have firedel most problemstilling I had with it. The actors themselves were good. Though perhaps a touch to modern at times.
Oh and you’re right about the cinematography. It’s beautiful.
I'm quite OK with the 2005 movie, but I strongly dislike several things. That they made Bingley into a bumbling idiot and Darcy look more emo - mopey and socially awkward than proud.
Agreed. I watched the 2005 movie and the BBC version; and it's the movie, with that cinematography and Dario Marianelli score, that evoke the strongest feelings for me. I love the way all actors interpreted their parts, the music, the lighting and the direction.
It was the movie that pushed me to read Jane Austen books as well :)
AGREE
I absolutely love the 1995 one. I saw it right after I read Pride & Prejudice for the first time and just feel in love with it. Both the book and the mini-series gave me a life long live for Austen. While I favor the 1995 mini-series, the 2005 version I thoroughly enjoyed.
The 1980 version will forever be my favorite and most beloved version of pride and prejudice. Even though it wasn't extraordinary in terms of budget and production value, the simplicity of it has its charm. It really made the story feel personal and immersive rather than it feeling like a movie.
YES! It is *intimate*, as if you were actually there, watching things unfold.
Agree completely. Elizabeth Garvie was great as an elegant and witty Lizzie Bennett.
My absolute favorite.
I found the cassette in the Geelong library and watched several times before reluctantly returning it.
Same here.
The 1995 version was most definitely my most favorite
Trivia - the actor who played Darcy in the 1980 BBC version played the Mad King in Bran's flashbacks in Game of Thrones. He was the one yelling, "Burn them all!"
MavenCree I love the 1980s Darcy! The whole show was great!
@@agatask the 1980 version suffers in comparison to the others because its production was not extravagant. But the acting and character development were excellent.
@@sharongelfand5065 do you know where I can find it? It's so hard, not even the 1995 versions is available in my country in the streaming services
@@vivianc.7983 Try dailymotion.com. It's broken done into five parts.
The 1995 mini series adaptation is the best and most accurate to the book. I love it!
2005 pride and prejudice will always be in my heart .💕
Beyond all comparison, the 1995 version with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle was, and remains, the best in my opinion. Jennifer Ehle captured the personality, spirit, and character of Elizabeth just as I had imagined from the book, and there could never be a more perfect embodiment of Darcy as there is in Colin Firth. One other comment on the 1995 version.....when I read the book, I wanted to slap Lydia, kick Mr. Collins in the shin, and punch Wickham. I had identical reactions to the portrayal of these 3 characters in the 1995 version. Definitely the best adaptation!
Hahaha I love your additional note in the end. I completely relate!
I really love 1980 Version!
Megumi M me too!! It’s my favorite by far. Of course I grew up watching it over and over on VHS, so nostalgia plays a huge part. I loved when finally released the complete original BBC UK broadcast edition on DVD. Even better!
I love Colin Firth and, yes, the 1995 version is great in its own right. However, the 2005 version is by far the most mesmerizing, engaging, beautiful of all of them. The casting, the directing, the cinematography and score, among other things, make it unforgettable.
And, so must beautiful people, a the 2005 is iconic, from so many people around the world, maybe a the 1995, it's more realistic, but a 2005 put the public dreaming.
2005's is VERY Well Made🧡
My favourite is the 1995 BBC version. Now whenever I re-read the book I have the BBC characters in my mind as I'm reading. For me Firth & Ehle are the definitive Mr Darcy & Elizabeth Bennet.
1995 Version with Jennifer Ehle & Colin Firth was the Best! 💟 - - I also liked the 2016 Pride and Prejudice and Zombies - It really had a great cast who played their parts well
Just looking at these scenes from the 1940 movie, I thought Lizzie looked too old. So I looked up Greer Garson and saw she was born in 1904. I know that Elizabeth declines to answer Lady Catherine when she asks how old Elizabeth is, but I don’t think the correct answer would have been 36.
I love Greer Garson but this made me laugh
Haha, true, but she does actually answer. Elizabeth was 20 at the time.
GG was 36 when the movie was released, which is laughable as we're supposed to believe that the character she's portraying is 20? Actually a lot of the actors in this version are much older than their characters. I think the two actors playing Mary & Kitty were the closest in age to their respective characters. It's one of many reasons the 1940 version is my least favorite.
@@JK-sh8rc Is another one of your many reasons how they rehabilitated Lady Catherine?
@@JK-sh8rc what are the other reasons?
I own them all, and I love them all. My favorite, however... Is the 1980 BBC version... Maybe it's because that version was the very first 1 I saw... But I prefer the slower pace, the sarcastic rendering of Mr. Bennett, a considerably less shrill Mrs. Bennett, a sweet and cheerful Jane, a cerebral and introspective Lizzy, and the horribly snobbish Darcy...
Although my personal favorite is the 1995 version, I see you point. The portrayals of Mr. Bennett and Mr. Darcy may be more faithful to the book in the 1980 version, but for me, the emotional impact is stronger with their somewhat more sympathetic representations in the 1995 version.
It’s mine too!! I’m shocked to find that you’re the first person I’ve seen to comment this!
Yes: ALL the characters are straight out of the novel, without any modern updating, or exaggerating.
I much prefer the 1980 version too, Possibly because it was the first version I saw. It feels more sedate and controlled and more in keeping with the period. The script also seems to use more authentically early 19th Century language. The character of Mrs Bennett is more fun in the 80s version as well (although I do admire Alison Steadman as an actress). The 2005 film was entertaining enough but it's my least favourite version and seemed to move at a breakneck speed!
My favourite version..
Maybe because in the 1980s I remember sitting around the fire..the curtains drawn..with my parents..Best time ever
The 1995 is by far my favorite! All the actors were SO good!
1995 version with Jennifer and Colin is my favorite.
Colin Firth IS Mr. Darcy. 1995 is the best version by far.
Yes he is!
Absolutely agree. Colin Firth as Mr.Darcy and Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth will always be my favourite!
I disagree, the 2005 version is definitely the best
The 1980 version is still my benchmark.
Mine too! 😊😊
Likewise. My Mum had it as a box set - she used to watch it when I was a child. I don't think any of the other actors have managed to convey Mr. Darcy's hauteur nearly so well. I also think that Elizabeth was better cast - Jennifer Erle appeared too old to be plausible in the role, and Keira Knightly was far too beautiful in comparison to Rosamund Pike. It made the parts where people were comparing her unfavourably very implausible.
I was sooo disappointed in the dresses as a s young girl hahaha.
And Me..my favourite I mean
The 1995 version is my favorite, but I will watch them all and read the book over and over.
My all time favorite adaptation is the 1995 version; I have it in a DVD box set that I used to watch constantly (to my roommates' frustration) when I had a working DVD player and TV. :D
I’ve always loved the 1995 version! Its so immersive and beautiful. I watched the 2005 version to give it a chance but it all felt so rushed. They talked so fast and sped through scenes so fast. It made it very obvious they were limited on time, and I just couldn’t get into it. . 😕
1940: Outrageous and audacious changes, but great fun if you are able to forget the novel and enjoy the film. I personally love Garson's performance, even though she's too old. Just imagine what she and Olivier could have done with a faithful script!
1980: Very faithful. Elizabeth Garvie's rendering is spot-on, and probably the best I've seen. Other performances were also very good. A little slow compared to later versions, especially when Elizabeth is reading Darcy's letter. That could have been handled so much more imaginatively, but it's a small point.
1995: I love this version. It just sparkles for me. But I get a bit rankled when I hear it called the Gold Standard. It does have several big faults. First, it reverses the order of Darcy's letter, which has the lasting effect on Elizabeth of annoyance rather than contemplation and reflection. Second, and more important, it shows the male perspective so much to the point that we learn how Darcy engineered Lydia's marriage before Elizabeth learns of it. This completely upsets the delicate balance of the novel and Austen's handling of the Big Reveal. There are other faults, but I can forgive them in an adaptation that I still love.
2005: I don't know how I feel about this film. It's good to watch when you want a quick P&P "fix", and don't have hours to spare. But I find Knightley irritating in most things (that's just my opinion, though). My greatest criticisms are directed at interpretation of the characters. Mr Bennet is depicted as a benign curmudgeon, when the book character was quite an acerbic man. The Bennet marriage was a complete failure, but you'd never know that from 2005. I'm not a big fan of Macfadyen's Darcy, either. He is portrayed as merely shy and socially awkward, while I believe Darcy's biggest fault is that he's a snob and just can't be bothered to interact with those he feels inferior to him.
i agree about the letter thing, i think wouldnt be so bad if they gave a little seconds for elizabeth to reflect (in her expressions, something very quickly would do) about what she just learn in the first part and then getting angry about him after with the jane and bingley situation, but the script didnt gave her time to breath between one confession and the other. About the male perspective, i think every adaptation has to bring something new to the table otherwise, lets just read the book. But those new things needs to feel natural and to keep up with the spirit of austen (thats where the 2005 faills, the things they added are nothing like austen style). Adding the male perspective on 95 turns the story from "how they gonna fix this and be together", to " i cant wait until lizzy finds the truth", i think is a good change, fresh, without being drastic and anticlimax.
The 1995 version is my favourite. I enjoyed the performance of both Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle but the jewel was Mr Bennetts dealings with his wife and his relationship with Elizabeth. Loved it and have been a fan ever since...
Colin Firth...good lord, what a beautiful man.
The 2005 version is my favorite. I love Keira Knightly as Elizabeth.
Love the 1995 movie best. The music soundtrack is phenomenal!
i love the Darcy in the 2005 version so much. i also just love the 2005 version.
2005 version.....has won my heart
1995 by far,,,whenever im down i watch that and i feel good again
My favorite is the 1995 version, I feel like it captured Austen's intentions while writing the book very accurately while being sparkling. I find the 1940s version rather charming, despite its changes and flaws (I used to be obsessed with old Hollywood movies before I watched this, and the aesthetic of these movies is still dear to me). Back when I saw the 1980 version I thought I wouldn't be able to enjoy the 1995 version, but then it grew on me. As a great lover of the book, it was rather difficult for me to fully enjoy the 2005 version; it was beautifully shot, I must say, but its main purpose deviated a lot from the book. Anyhow, people are free to have their opinions, and so there was mine.
1980 is still my best. when I saw Elizabeth Garvie's twinkling eyes and David Rintoul's awfully beautiful but quite proud and somewhat rigid Darcy, I was like, yes!
I love the 1980 and 1995 equally. David Rintoul did prideful so well! So the transformation was more profound. But I love Colin Firth's Darcy as well. Both productions were very well done. Dislike the 2005, and haven't seen the 1940 version (though I love that era's clothing)
I also like the 1980 and 1995 versions equally.
I also really enjoyed the 1980 version. Garvie was wonderful as Elizabeth. Also, the actress who played Mrs. Bennet in 1980 portrayed her more accurately than the 1995 version in which Mrs. Bennet was so over the top as to be a caricature. That being said, I own and enjoy both versions. Whatever the 2005 movie was, it was not Pride and Prejudice. The Bennets (as long as their father was alive) were not poor. Mr. Bennet was a gentleman, and at 2,000 pounds a year, they were well above middle class. They had a multiple servants and a cook.
Megumi M same. I watched it out of boredom cause my mom had the VHS set of it and it turned out to be one of my favourite adaptations of Pride and Prejudice. I’ve watch it dozens of times.
Megumi M I agree. The 1980 BBC series was wonderful.
My favorite is 1995. I watch it often; Colin Firth is amazing. It is very true to the book, with additional scenes that show what might happen.
1995 for the win. Hands down.
The 1995 production is my favourite. It is hands down the best adaptation so far. Colin Firth is Darcy and Elizabeth's wit and humour steals the show. I have watched all the adaptations, and I loved the 1980 production next. It captures the true essence of the regency era. The characterisation was too good to be true. Especially Darcy's pride and Elizabeth's prejudice is deeply rooted in her expressions. And I was absolutely in awe of the musical score and perfect picturisation. I love countryside and I think the 1980 production does more than justice to that. The 2005 adaptation is a more modern rendition of the novel and has its own plus points. I love the chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy particularly. The cinematography was also spectacular to watch.
The 1940 adaptation appears to me as a mere parody. It should not even be called an interpretation.
It's sad how our generation doesn't have many people who like to read Austen. I would give up anything for a new adaptation of the novel.
This was excellent. I really don’t have a favorite version, because I like each one for different reasons. The BBC 1980 version I really like because it keeps closer to the dialogue and spirit of the novel. The other three give more romantic and love scenes between Elizabeth and Darcy, in their different ways.
For me, the 1995 was by far the best as well, but whenever I want to have a good laugh, I always go for the 1940 version. The lines of sarcasm in that version never cease to make me laugh.
Jennifer Ehle was without doubt best Elizabeth. She managed to portray Austen's character very faithfully even in silent expressiveness.
My favorite Elizabeth
Great review! Very informative. 1995 version is my all time favorite. 😍👍
My favourite is the 1995 BBC version with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.
I enjoy the different versions of Pride and Prejudice, but the 1995 miniseries is my absolute all time favorite. 💕💕