Pride and Prejudice (Mini-Series) Review

The Case

Pride and Prejudice has been my favorite classic since the very first time I read it.  I had never seen a film adaptation until the A&E miniseries, and I must admit, I braced myself for disappointment.  Film adaptations rarely do justice to the novels they are based upon.  Thankfully, that was not the case with Pride and Prejudice.  I enjoy watching the movie just as much, if not more so, than I enjoy rereading the book!

The Good

This miniseries is the most faithful adaptation of a novel that I have ever seen on screen.  It's nearly word for word!  The entire book, almost every scene, is shown in this presentation.  I was just thrilled that they gave it five hours to unfold.  It deserves that, and the film definitely does the original saga, by Jane Austen, justice, both in story and setting.  The tale of Miss Bennet, Mr. Darcy, and their friends and family is a wonderful and engaging story, and it's highlighted by the scenery.  The whole of the movie is gorgeous, shot entirely in England.  If for nothing else, that makes the film worth seeing.

The performances in the miniseries, most notably Jennifer Ehle (Miss Elizabeth Bennet), Alison Steadman (Mrs. Bennet), Benjamin Whitrow (Mr. Bennet), and Colin Firth (Mr. Darcy) were exceptional.  Ah, Colin Firth.  He was born to play the role of Fitzwilliam Darcy.  No one can contest that after seeing this movie!  Other actors who gave spot on performances include Barbara Leigh-Hunt (Lady Catherine de Bourgh), Julia Sawalha (Lydia Bennet), and David Bamber, who, as Mr. Collins, was absolutely hilarious!

The Bad

Since they did give the story five hours, it has a rather slow pace.  Naturally.  Plus, the time period itself demands a slow, sedate feel.  Regardless of this, though, you can't help but be drawn into the story.  If you wish it were moving faster, I'd guess it's because you want to know what's going to happen next, not because of boredom.

The Verdict

Five stars!  I swooned for this adaptation of Pride and Prejudice!