"You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."

So I finally got around to watching the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice. I bought the special edition set at Costco around Christmas, but I never had the opportunity to watch it until yesterday.

What did I think of it? I absolutely loved it. I loved it even more than the more recent one starring Keira Knightley. I think the stars from this 1995 version, Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth, are Elizabeth and Darcy. They just are. And the fact that it was made into a six episode series just makes the adaptation that much more wonderful -- everything important from the book (as far as I could tell) made it to the screen. All of the characters were appropriately developed. And the sets! Oh my goodness, the locations, especially outdoors, were stunning.

I have a thing for period pieces, and with Pride and Prejudice being one of my favorite books, I had high expectations prior to watching this series. I'm happy to say they were met and then some.

Here were some of my favorite quotes:

"I am no longer astonished at you knowing only six accomplished women, Mr. Darcy, I rather wonder at your knowing any." - Elizabeth

"An unhappy alternative lies before you. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do." - Mr. Bennet 

"I am determined that nothing but the deepest love could ever induce me into matrimony." - Elizabeth

"In vain have I struggled, it will not do. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." - Darcy 



Are you a fan of Pride and Prejudice, too? Which adaptation is your favorite?

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9 comment(s):

Kate said...

Yes, absolutely!! My heart has always belonged to the BBC version. I'm not really a fan of the Kiera version, although it's good. I'm glad you have finally seen the 1995 version and I'm very happy that you liked it. :)

Rachelle said...

So I, as a avid hater of the Kiera version (the tramp RUINED Lizzy), have to ask... what do you think of it now?

After seeing the BBC version, which to me is the only version that truly captures the spirit of the book, I can't watch any others. Darcy especially can only be captured by Colin Firth. To see anyone else play Lizzy... I just can't imagine it.

Curious to see if this version has changed your opinion of the Kiera one hehe.

Robin said...

Most definitely the BBC version. Keira is too "Keira", better cast as the silly sister. I wish Jennifer Ehle did more, I though she was perfect as Elizabeth. This is the only version as far as I am concerned.

chelsea rebecca said...

ah yes!
i love the bbc version.. because its basically the book in movie form!! they stuck so close to the lines. so its super long but worth it!

Carina & Dan said...

the BBC version is the best, by far! I loved it. When I saw the Kiera one it seemed so rushed. Colin Firth was much more attractive & believable of a MR. Darcy too.

Unknown said...

@Asheyna: You know, I'll have to watch Keira's version again to really give it a fair judgment, but I will agree with Carina and say it seems so much more rushed in comparison. Plus I think Keira pales in comparison to Jennifer Ehle -- Ehle can act with her eyes, she's so good. If I like the newest adaptation at all, I will confess it is because of Matthew Macfadyen. He may not brood as well as Colin Firth, but he sure is easy on the eyes! ;)

Tricia said...

Jennifer Ehle does mainly stage work these days, I believe. I remember when P&P was first broadcast on our TV screens, the thing that most surprised us Brits was that Jen is American! She did some drama training at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London for a few years - but still - must have had an excellent speech coach. We were all fooled. (a bit like the Americans who didn't realise Hugh Laurie's English when he was first in House, I suppose.)

Anonymous said...

the BBC version is the true adaptation of 'Pride & Prejudice' fo' sho'. i love love love Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, but being a fan of Keira i do also heart her as Elizabeth. however, jennifer ehle was also kind of awesome :D

favorite thing about the bbc version, is that Colin Firth stole my heart as Mr. Darcy.

Claire Kiefer said...

I have neither read the book nor seen either of the movies, but that last quote makes my heart swoon a little.