The 1995 BBC adaptation has been praised as one of”the best TV show ever made”
A celebrated period drama regarded as the benchmark for literary adaptations is available to stream without charge in the UK.
The BBC’s legendary 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice transformed Jane Austen’s 1813 story of romance, social hierarchy and prejudice in Regency England for television audiences and achieved enormous success.
The description on BBC iPlayer states: “There’s great excitement for the Bennets when a young aristocrat makes an appearance. The spectacular adaptation that sparked Austen-mania. Starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.”
Viewers were captivated by the palpable chemistry between Ehle and Firth, whose smouldering portrayal of Mr Darcy catapulted him to stardom.
The six-part series was adapted by Andrew Davies and helmed by Simon Langton, reports the Express.
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One enthusiast on Reddit commented: “I maintain that the 1995 Pride And Prejudice is the pinnacle of Period Drama. Every second of it is pure delight. I’ve seen it at least ten times and it is still the best television I’ve ever seen in any genre. Yeah I like it a little LOL.”
Another commented: “Agree wholeheartedly! It’s simply peerless! The costumes, music, filming, locations, cast and the technical staff made this absolutely memorable.”
“And if course Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle simply are Darcy and Lizzie! Shows what the BBC can do – entirely worth my licence fee!” A third commented: “I just started my millionth rewatch today and have to agree. I found myself appreciating all of the little things and thinking how amazing the cast and director were.
“The opening shots of each chapter that set the scene, the small facial expressions that said so much, the costume choices and the music. Ahh, it’s divine!”
A fourth remarked: “Nothing beats it to this day, and I don’t think anything ever will. It was one of those moments when the stars aligned, and the final result was an instant classic.”
Enthusiasts also lauded it on discussion forum Bogleheads.org, with one responding to a request for British and American period drama suggestions, describing the 1995 BBC production as “arguably the most famous and beloved of all”.
One admirer on Rotten Tomatoes revealed they “binge watch the whole series several times a year, it is that good, if you are a P & P the book fan”.
“No film is long enough to do the book justice, I feel cheated now watching a movie of this great classic.”
Another posted: “The best adaption of Pride and Prejudice! An absolute masterpiece. No one will ever forget Colin coming out of that lake.”
A third dubbed it the “Best TV show ever made”. The series boasts an impressive 96% rating from over 100 audience reviews on the platform. It also holds a solid 88% score amongst approved critics (from 17 reviews).
Pride and Prejudice is available to stream free on BBC iPlayer.
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