MM Film Blog

First, I have to admit that I am quite partial to British films. And among those, anything adapted from a Jane Austen novel is bound to be high on the list. And of those, Pride and Prejudice is among the best of the best. This 1995 television version directed by Simon Langton (of Upstairs, Downstairs fame) is first rate -- it is probably the best of all of the many versions of what is likely Austen's most popular novel.

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Probably the reason for the huge success of this adaptation is the fact that it is 300 minutes in length, and therefore remains very true to the novel. There is no attempt to try to squeeze the story into 120 minutes, assuming that the average viewer's attention span is no greater than that of a chimpanzee. For Austen purists, that is a real treat. The 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightley is quite good (she is quite charming in the lead role), but the 1995 version is exquisite!

The acting in this version is about as good as it gets. Of particular note are Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, and Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet (who looks very much like her mother, the wonderful actress Rosemary Harris). Colin Firth has demonstrated his versatility in a wide range of films, including the role of Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones's Diary, which is very loosely based on the Pride and Prejudice theme. He gives a particularly fine performance in this film, revealing nuances of emotion through the slightest changes in his facial expression. Jennifer Ehle is perfect as the headstrong, opinionated, intelligent Elizabeth Bennet. It is a joy watching these 2 fine actors on the screen together, and waiting with delicious anticipation for the moment when they will ultimately come together.

Much of the cinematography is beautiful as well, including the various locations where the film was shot. It is clear that the film-makers took great care to get all of the details right. In the final analysis, this film takes the time to develop the characters and the story, and to let Jane Austen's words shine. This is film-making at its finest.

MM Rating - * * * * *