Rating: 
Summary: As good as the book! (No, it's better!)
Review: I wish that my English teacher would've had a copy of this when we studied this book! There are so many things than a director can do to convey meanings and feelings that one can only imagine in a text. This version is VERY well done, and I think it would be enjoyable even for today's students to watch.
Rating:
Summary: A 'Must-Own' DVD!
Review: I'll not bore you with more fawning over Ehle, Firth & co. Suffice it to say that they are fantastic. I just wanted to quickly let people know that this 'Special Edition' DVD is the one that they should buy. Don't bother with any of the other editions that might be out there. This edition is in wide-screen mode. The audio is upgraded. And, other editions have the annoying breaks in the action from where the original A&E TV episodes ended. This edition runs it all together, stopping only when you need to go from disc 1 to disc 2. This is the only way to fully enjoy this marvelous adaptation of one of the best novels in the English language. There is also a short featurette about the making of 'Pride & Prejudice' that is interesting if you like that kind of thing. I'm both proud and prejudiced: this 'Special Edition' is truly a MUST-OWN DVD!!
Rating:
Summary: The Definitive Dramatisation!
Review: Of all the dramatisations of classic novels of British literature that I have seen, none have so completely captured a novel's essence or been so perfectly cast as has this rendition of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. It is simply outstanding--a beautiful treatment of a splendidly witty, humorous and insightful novel. For those unfamiliar with the novel, it is certainly not necessary to read it in order to fully appreciate the dramatisation (although it is a novel that I highly recommend). Briefly, the story concerns Miss Elizabeth Bennet (Jennifer Ehle), a spirited, quick-witted and intelligent (not to mention beautiful) young woman from a family of modest means, and the wealthy Mr. Darcy (Colin Firth), a handsome but very reserved and indeed proud young man. Darcy falls in love with Elizabeth albeit against his will (for he deems her to be socially inferior and cannot abide her silly mother and sisters). Elizabeth (who displays a quickness to judge others based on appearances and "first impressions"), however, does not care for the arrogant, haughty Mr. Darcy, whose real fault lies in letting his pride show. It is the tension between these two main characters that comprises the central story and gives it its spark. I won't say any more, for I don't wish to give the story away for those unfamiliar with it. Suffice it to say that although it takes place some 200 years ago, it is every bit as relevant today as it was then, for although customs have changed and technologies have advanced, human nature remains the same. For those familiar with the novel, liberties have necessarily been taken in bringing the novel to screen in order to create an interesting and enjoyable visual experience, but they are not intrusive, obvious liberties (ie. one must root through the novel in order to find them), and the story remains admirably close to the original. Most important of all, it is absolutely spot on in capturing the essence and themes of the novel (which, I might add is no mean feat!). As for the cast, they are all absolutely superb at capturing the essence of their respective characters--from Julia Sawalha's giddy and vivacious portrayal of the boy-crazy and impetuous Lydia Bennet (Elizabeth's younger sister) to David Bamber's hilarious portrayal of the grovelling, sycophantic toady Mr. Collins (Elizabeth's cousin upon whom the family's house is entailed) to Alison Steadman's humourously shrill and highly strung Mrs. Bennet (Elizabeth's eternally pessimistic mother). Of course, one simply cannot forget the splendid portrayal by Jennifer Ehle, who captures Lizzy's spirit and wit to perfection. Last but certainly not least is Colin Firth, who will forever be etched in many a mind (and heart) as the quintessential Mr. Darcy. In conclusion, this is a story of timeless appeal which I highly, highly recommend. Although it will certainly be of interest to fans of period drama (for it is without a doubt one of the best of all time), I believe its scope is broad enough to be enjoyed by anyone looking for a great story that's superbly acted. This is truly a beautiful, classic story that the whole family can enjoy. It really is a dramatisation that comes along once in a lifetime and one to be treasured. It is a joy to curl up and watch it time and time again, and I simply cannot praise it highly enough. For those who have enjoyed the dramatisation, I highly recommend the superb companion book entitled "The Making of Pride and Prejudice."
Rating:
Summary: Oh, Mr. Darcy!
Review: I've owned this movie for about three years and I still can't get enough of it. I have tortured so many of my friends and family by making them watch it -- they have all ended up loving it, even the guys. But Colin Firth, what can I say? Wow! One reviewer noted that Darcy seems stiff and not very impressive on the first viewing but then after you have watched the movie several times you notice that his subtle facial expressions mean so much. This is so true! Colin Firth can say pages of dialogue without ever opening his mouth just through slight smirks and looks of adoration from his eyes. You know he's falling in love with Lizzie from the second time they meet just by the way he looks at her. Lizzie is such an amazing character who is witty and strong all at the same time. My favorite line in the movie is when Lizzie is being confronted by Lady Catherine about the rumored engagement between Lizzie and Mr. Darcy in which Lizzie states, "He is a gentleman, I am a gentleman's daughter, thus far we are equals." I just want to stand up and cheer everytime I watch. I highly recommend this miniseries! If I had to pick only one movie to have the rest of my life, this would be it without hesitation! One other note -- Lizzie's father's dialogue is some of the funniest and truest to human nature of anything I've heard. Also, if you enjoy Colin Firth as much as I do, I would also recommend "Brigdet Jones' Diary."
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: For as long as this movie is, (approx. 300 mins!) you'd think you'd be bored with it long before the end. Not so! Firth and Ehle have a wonderful chemistry together. The story is as powerful as ever. (Of course, every good story has one or two people you love to hate. You won't be disappointed here!) Must see.
Rating:
Summary: Wish I could rate it 10 stars
Review: I consider Jane Austen's novel the consummate masterpiece of classic fiction, so the plot and characters are of the highest ilk. As to this production of the story, it's by far the best. All of the actors are excellent; the 5+ hours go by without your noticing, and when you finish watching it, you cannot help but want to start over again, because you can't bear to leave the world that it has created. Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy gives a performance that on first watching seems stiff and restrained. Once you've seen it two or three times, however, :) you start to notice just how much is going on in that multi-layered portrayal, and it's stunning. Jennifer Ehle is the perfect Elizabeth Bennett, and her skill and dignity and beauty make this entire production a pleasure to watch. I can't drool enough about this movie...I've talked as many of my friends as possible into marathon viewing sessions, and they have, without fail, really enjoyed it. This ain't a chick-flick, either: I was most surprised to learn of male aquaintances who thought it was great.
Rating:
Summary: Pride and Prejudice
Review: The best of the updated Austen works. The acting is supberb. Colin Firth is one of the best actors of his generation. You feel every emotion with his Mr Darcy throughout this film.
I cannot count the number of times I have looked at this series.
I favorite movie ever!
Rating:
Summary: Perfect!
Review: Wonderful through and through! It is faithful to Jane Austin's book in every way, the acting is great, each character is delightful, and the wardrobe is true to the time period. And of course the story itself is the best every written!... I also think Mrs. Bennett steals the show. Excellently done from start to finish. I watch this movie once a month, and never tire of it. Highly recommended!...
Rating:
Summary: WOW!
Review: On a scale from 1 to 10, this mini-series deserves at least a 50. Generally I boycott film adaptations of my favorite books, but boy am I glad I made an exception for this one. From the music to the costumes, to the locations, to the actors, Jane Austen herself could not have done better. The film is true to the text and the spirit of this classic story. Kudos to A&E/BBC. If you enjoy this film, you will most likely enjoy the A&E/BBC adaptation of Jane Eyre as well. I've lost count of how many times I've watched this film and it never gets old.
Rating: 
Summary: Captivating but slightly off
Review: This version of Pride and Prejudice was lavishly filmed and is visually beautiful. The story is quite faithful to Austen's classic in dialogue and story -- there is an occasional added scene or trimmed scene, but most fit in well. I thought the final scene with Lydia, which was created for this movie, was not true to Austen's spirit, but fit into the movie well enough. This movie is a funny and romantic chick flick, no questions about it. My only real complaints stem from my dissatisfaction as a Jane Austen fan. There are aspects throughout the movie where they Just Didn't Get It. It's one thing for a writer or director to add his/her own spin, but in many cases I think they were just oblivious. This story revolves around the principles of propriety and true ladylike and gentlemanly behavior in Regency England. The main character (Elizabeth Bennett), however, is far too giddy on the one hand and sullen on the other to fit the part of true lady that the role demands. A more minor screw-up is that Jane is supposed to be a beauty, and Lizzie is supposed to have a beauty that sneaks up on you, but isn't immediately obvious. Here Jane seems plane and Lizzie is beautiful. And a little too old for the role, too. (Not so ridiculously too old as the Emma Thompson/Kate Winslet Sense and Sensibility that came out a few years ago, mind you.) Despite these criticisms, the movie is entertaining, beautiful, and very enjoyable. The use of language, mostly straight from the book, is a delight. For people who don't get distracted by a giddy Regency lady or an only very slight straying from the novel, I would give 5 stars out of 5. For overly picky people like myself, I would still recommend it with only trivial reservations. There was a BBC television version in the late 70's or early 80's that caught Jane Austen's intentions much better than this version. It's not nearly so beautiful a film, though, so I'd almost recommend getting both versions. If you find it anywhere, it's worth a look.
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