With a masterful script, deft direction and star-making performances from Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, Pride and Prejudice transports viewers to Georgian England, where affairs of the heart are an exquisite game, and marriage the ultimate prize. But Elizabeth Bennet -- spirited, independent, and one of five unmarried sisters -- is determined to play by her own rules and wed for love, not money or privilege. Will her romantic sparring with the mysterious and arrogant Darcy end in misfortune -- or will love's true nature prevail?
 
"...deserves the accolades it received for its faithful translation of Austen's book to the screen."  David Bezanson, FilmCritic.com
"There is but one definitive filmed Pride & Prejudice. The luminous Jennifer Ehle was Elizabeth Bennett. The frosty Colin Firth was Mr. Darcy."  Knight Ridder Tribune
"Perfectly splendid."  Nell Minow, Movie Mom
"...the peak [of Pride and Prejudice adaptations] is still the five-hour 1995 BBC miniseries starring Jennifer Ehle and a never-better Colin Firth."  Rolling Stone
"The best Austen of all."  The New York Times
 


Editor's Note

The bicentennial production of Jane Austen's novel is given the most lavish treatment yet, by UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS director Simon Langton in this television mini-series. PRIDE AND PREJUDICE stars Jennifer Ehle (POSSESSION) as Elizabeth Bennet, a witty and headstrong young woman in 19th century England. When she meets the standoffish Mr. Darcy (Colin Firth), they initially clash, but there may be something deeper behind their animosity. Firth (BRIDGET JONES' DIARY) sets the standard for period film heroes with his portrayal of Mr. Darcy, a character sure to make both minds and hearts race. The classic novel of manners, society, and love includes much of Austen's rich commentary on human nature, and features extensive, gorgeous location shooting in and around historic English country homes.


Plot Summary

From Jane Austen's classic novel about the morals and mores of the class system in Georgian England.| The intelligent and spirited Elizabeth Bennet is one of five daughters -- which, during that era, meant trouble: because women cannot inherit, upon her father's death her family's home will become the property of their nearest male relative. Only marriage, preferably to someone wealthy, can ensure her security. But the proud young lady instantly takes offense when Mr. Darcy, a promising newcomer in town, doesn't seem quite admiring enough, and she spurns his advances.| Slowly and painfully, Elizabeth realizes her error, but not before it seems she has lost Mr. Darcy forever.