The set and costumes certainly seem very authentic, though I am by no means an expert. No expense has been spared in creating a realistic version of 19th century life. The music true is perfect for the story and used well throughout to highlight events and emotions. The language too is perfectly adapted and it seems as if Austen could have written this adaptation herself, it is so true to the time. It is certainly far better than any of the Beebs other period dramas, far more convincing. The whole production really captures this time and society believably.

The cast though is the production's strongest point. Colin Firth is absolutely outstanding as Darcy - he really has made the part his own. His smouldering looks aside - his facial expressions tell everything about Darcy's emotions, which is vital as he is a man of few words. His performance makes Darcy's development wholly believable. Jennifer Ehle is also superb as the outspoken Elizabeth, capturing her battle between love and duty with great skill. The supporting cast are also excellent too. Alison Steadman is wonderful as Mrs Bennett, though the character does grate on you at points, but this just goes to show her success in the part as this is how Mrs Bennett should be. Everyone in this piece plays their part almost perfectly which goes a long way to making the production the success it is.

Overall, the Beeb has been brilliantly successful in bringing to life a classic faithfully, but so that it can capture a modern audience. I never tire of watching this uplifting drama. It is a pleasure to watch and should go down as a classic.


The only way to experience Austen. Required viewing for all.   November 26, 2004
 5 out of 7 found this review helpful

Jane Austen may be the only major author in history, whose work actually improves when adapted for the screen. One has only to think of the wonderful and very different movie adaptations of Sense & Sensibility or Emma. However, neither of these are in the same league as the BBC's magnificent Pride & Prejudice.

Everything tells; every detail, from the music and casting to the language and photography, marks this production out as one of the great works of the BBC and puts many of Auntie's other costume dramas to shame. Obviously Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth are superb and they are the names people remember, but one musn't forget the uniformally splendid performances provided by the supporting cast.

Reading Jane Austen can be a bore, especially for men, but any prejudice caused by enforced school reading must be put aside. In our house, we never get tired of watching this five hour feast and usually sit through it in one marathon session. It affords us new pleasures on every viewing, as more and more of the subtleties of the performances are revealed.

Now that I've gone on about it, some will be determined to hate it, just because of the unqualified praise. Please, do not deny yourself. This is what home viewing is all about. A must for all.


Pride and Prej   November 13, 2004
This is a wonderful story and this adaptation of it is amazing. The way Colin Firth played Darcy brought me to tears of his love for Elizabeth Bennet. This should be shown to the world so everyone may enjoy it.


Reasons for divorce   September 17, 2004
 2 out of 3 found this review helpful

Pride and Prejudice is just the most beautifully filmed BBC program ever. The characters are believeable and the way they speak their wonderful lines can be listened to over and over again without becoming bored. My wife is getting worried not only because she finds me constantly watching P&P but our 13yr old daughter can also be found constantly ingrossed in P&P. My one complaint is that the BBC could not have edited out the beginning and ends of the individual programs so we could watch without interuption.


One of the best!   August 22, 2004
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

This is an excellent and enjoyable drama. The characterizations and casting is second to none. I was rivetted from start to finish and have watched it over and over again. The scenery and costumes are superb as is the acting of all the cast.