Pride and Prejudice
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Which of the two do you prefer? The Series with Colin Firth or the 2005 Movie?
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I am sorry, it is a question? Colin Firth = Mr. Darcy.
I do love Colin Firth and his wet shirt, but I'm not a big fan of Miss Ehle. Except to say I agree with Darcy when he says "She is much too plain to entice me."
First, I apologize for the mistakes I may have, I do not speak English fluently, I understand it very well but I find it difficult to write it without grammatical errors, so I will take the risk using the translator).I love both adaptations, but the BBC is completely the closest to my heart. It was like re-reading the book, and of all the adaptations is the most faithful to the content of Jane Austen. But, of course, you can not compare a 90 minute movie to a series with 6 chapters of about 60 minutes each.
However, as for the characters, the BBC series look more like the people of the Victorian portraits, especially Jane (which I do not consider beautiful, but very much of the time, I hope I can explain myself well).
But, Kiera is definitely my favorite Elizabeth. She has a wild and mischievous look. I just feel like it's perfect for the role.
In conclusion, the BBC version is much more faithful to the book, and is my favorite, but the other version is not bad either.
The BBC series is a much better book-to-film adaption by far.
Katy wrote: "Toni wrote: "There are nine versions of this great novel. For me, the best version is still the 1980 BBC mini-series which is the novel come to life!!
https://www.amazon.com/Pride-Prejudic......"
Colin Firth is hot, not question about it and I love watching him as he warms to Elizabeth, but Jane Austen's characters don't get hot which is why the 1980 Darcy is SO perfect. The scene where he narrates his letter to Elizabeth while walking away, further and further, is awesome. I reread the novel just a few years ago and played the 1980 version in my head. It was a perfect fit.
https://www.amazon.com/Pride-Prejudic......"
Colin Firth is hot, not question about it and I love watching him as he warms to Elizabeth, but Jane Austen's characters don't get hot which is why the 1980 Darcy is SO perfect. The scene where he narrates his letter to Elizabeth while walking away, further and further, is awesome. I reread the novel just a few years ago and played the 1980 version in my head. It was a perfect fit.
Toni wrote: "Katy wrote: "Toni wrote: "There are nine versions of this great novel. For me, the best version is still the 1980 BBC mini-series which is the novel come to life!!https://www.amazon.com/Pride-Pre..."
I also love that scene. It is one of my favorites.
I enjoy both, but sometimes I want to watch the quicker version with Matthew M. Yes, the series is closer to the book, but Matthew M's version also seems like he changes into a nicer person. He seems truly sorry for his snobbish behavior and as if he really is just shy and insecure underneath everything, so to me, he seems more likeable in the end. But I do like CF too.
Colin Firth and BBC series, hands down!I didn't mind the 2005 movie as well, but I think the series does more justice it. I don't think you can do P&P in a hr and half movie and get all nuances of the story right.
Also, if the 1995 one is available on line and anybody has a link to it, please do share. Thanks.
Melody wrote: He seems truly sorry for his snobbish behavior and as if he really is just shy and insecure underneath everything, so to me, he seems more likeable in the end. Yes, I agree on this point very much!
Maaike wrote: "I am sorry, it is a question? Colin Firth = Mr. Darcy."Ha!
Diya wrote: "Colin Firth and BBC series, hands down!I didn't mind the 2005 movie as well, but I think the series does more justice it. I don't think you can do P&P in a hr and half movie and get all nuances o..." you can watch it at gomoviestv.co
What movie? Has there been a new film of Pride and Prejudice? Sorry to be out of touch but the only film of it I know of is the ancient one with Laurence Olivier and Greer Garson, where they changed the story to make Lady Catherine a nice old lady matchmaker.
I strongly prefer the series because its closer to the actual book. many phrases the actors use are 1:1 from the book and its kept more realistically! Also Mr. Darcy is too "soft" in the movie and falls too early and too easily. Colin Firth did a great job.
the elizabeth of the series does portray the "real Lizzy" better than Keira Knightly because she´s more sarcastic and rude, whereas Keira Knightly is too girly and hyperactive, in my opinion.
Margaret wrote: "What movie? Has there been a new film of Pride and Prejudice? Sorry to be out of touch but the only film of it I know of is the ancient one with Laurence Olivier and Greer Garson, where they change..."
I remember that version and it's a good one. If you're interested, there was another movie made in 2005.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414387/
I remember that version and it's a good one. If you're interested, there was another movie made in 2005.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414387/
You can not compare a 6 episode TV show to a 2 hour movie. I personally think the movie did a great job in portraying the moral and the vibe of the novel.
I prefer the 2005 film. Anyway, the book is much better than any movie or series!
Olga wrote: "I prefer the 2005 film. Anyway, the book is much better than any movie or series!"
Agreed! The book always wins.
Agreed! The book always wins.
Colin Firth For Sure! I am not alone :) Yes Darcy is amazing and every character is portrayed correctly, nothing has ever even come close to beating it. Every time I am sick I watch it, i don't care that it's four hours long. That's what makes it so good.
Oh I love the movie from 2005. Matthew Macfadyen is the Mr. Darcy for me, and I think the rest of the cast was pretty much on point as well.
I like the book, because it is so great)
I adore the 2005 film, it's one of my favorites and will always be. Keira Knightly is perfect in the role. The 1995 miniseries isn't bad either, I do like it but when it comes to miniseries adaptations my preferred version would be the one from 1980.
I like the original with Lawrence Olivier and Grere Garson. Perfect. The people are almost comic.
The 1995 mini-series for sure. Colin Firth was perfect for the role, there was a lot more character development (due to the longer running time) and I'll never forgive the movie for butchering the language of the book. The proposal scene for example! One of the most iconic and memorable parts of the book and they hacked it apart so it was unrecognisable.
2005 was more believable...but...Colin Firth is so much cuter than Matthew MacFayden...!!!!
Everyone needs to watch the first one with Lawrence Olivier and Grere Garson (? on her name). It's a little overly dramatic as older movies can be, but it's great. The book, again, is so perfect, though. I loved reading.
I saw all three. Liked the series best. The BBC does it so well.
Without a doubt the BBC version. The casting was on point. Kiera Knightly acts the same way in every character she plays! She drives me mad! Everything about the BBC version was right, everything about the movie was wrong. I DNF it I was so offended haha!
I think in reality the BBC series is stylistically better - the film simply didn't have the time span to fully develop the characters in the way that Jane Austen would have envisioned. It is by no means the worst however, the first version made by Americans depicted the entire film in the deep south during confederacy. In the seventies version, whilst robust, Lizzy was rude not clever, more like the way Emma is depicted by Austen in the book. Honestly, I found the language in the latest film aggravating - Austen is known for her dialogue.
definitely the BBC series!
OK, let's compare.While the BBC series was far, far more faithful to the book than ever the 2005 one was, the 2005 one has a better production (i.e., better soundtrack, better casting [except for, arguably, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet], better color).
Colin Firth was stiff to Matthew Macfayden's passion, yes, but look at it this way: they're portraying the same character. Mr. Macfayden (damn-too-many-letters-just-gonna-call-him-Matthew) exhibits what Mr. Firth (nope, calling him Colin) hid. Matthew brought to the surface the sexual tension Darcy doubtless felt around Elizabeth, while Colin, true to the Regency gentleman, kept it as bottled up as possible.
Matthew and Colin have their own versions. Colin looks more suited to Darcy age-wise (he does look younger than Matthew during their screen time), tbh.
Jennifer Ehle was a good actress, and she did the smirk pretty well, but overall I vote Keira Knightley as the better actress for Elizabeth. She channels the spirit of Elizabeth Bennet far more than Jennifer. Her spunk is a lot more palpable.
Donald Sutherland does seem a bit unsuited to Mr. Bennet, but he did his best and I applaud him. Damn, a movie at that age!
Judy Dench was a treasure; I loved the Lady Catherine scenes. She actually seems to radiate that superiority complex, seems to cast that formidability. The BBC actor (dunno her name) seemed more frail and ridiculous.
So, in any case, Colin is, for me, better as Darcy in the first half because he's just as Darcy was characterized: proud, arrogant, and silent. But when you carry that over to the second half, I'm leaning a bit more to Matthew's, seeing as he was far more open with the passion than Colin.
Keira seems a better Elizabeth because the wit and vivacity just leaks through the screen, and you can feel the spirit in her words.
So if you could give me the BBC series with a modern production, a bit more sexual tension and hearts-on-sleeves thing, Keira and Colin (or as close as possible) as the MCs, that's the perfect adaptation for me.
i recently watched both the versions , Jennifer ehle was definitely good , but she does not look 20 , plus her body is not light and sporty as featured in the book. Keira Knitley suits more as Lizzy Bennet. As for Colin Firth, he definitely is more handsome than MM, but he is too stiff as Mr. Darcy. MM's eyes always conveyed a sort of passion, love ,admiration and respect for Lizzy. CF's eyes were so blank , like wholly devoid of expression. He always looks so grumpy, like suffering from constipation ,even when he makes acquaintance with Mr and Mrs.Gardiner. I loved Mr Bennet and Mr Collins from the previous version though, The 205 version of MR collins is short and not lanky , and he is not even that irritating. But for all the other supporting characters , i will go for the kk version. The 1995 version Jane is so weird , and she is supposed to be exceedingly pretty. Plus, Mrs Bennet and Caroline Bingley of the 1995 version is so cartoonish and well, sorry, ugly . I mean Caroline Bingley looks like a male dressed as a female...ugh. So ugly to beheld. And Mr. Wickham looks like an absolute duffer,Denny was more handsome. And wait, what happened to Charlotte Lucas, she is prettier than Jane in the 1995 version , when she is supposed to be not handsome. Lady Catherine de bourgh from the 1995 version looks gentle and not even threatening . And to tolerate all these for 6 hrs, tis a torture. So, i will go with the 2005 version.
Agreed. Excellent observations.
I prefer the 2005 movie. The series was long (so long), Lizzie didn't look like the character I was expecting from the novel, and was kind of too nice and gentle; I don't understand the Colin Firth obsession, or the lake thing. Such a weird episode there; someone watching the other from their bath/ someone actually having a bath as a scene...just really don't get the whole lake-swimming-bath thing. Was awkward. There were good things, of course, as there were annoying things in the movie. But I much preferred the movie. It moved more quickly, the characters were mostly well-portrayed (Keira Knightley does have that annoying way of speaking, though), and it was funny as well as moving.My favourite adaptation, though, which is maybe surprising given that I like the book (except for how it handles the reconciliation conversation between Elizabeth and Mr Darcy at the end) and like an adaptation that's true to it, is "Lost in Austen". Except (haha! There are always exceptions) the actual main character, who is so modern and too coarse for my liking - why should Mr Darcy have to put up with her? Haha. But otherwise she's kind of adorable. Anyway, mostly love this adaptation, apart from the crude bits. We all wanted that to happen to us; so it's perfect. It's very funny, entertaining, sweet, and clears up some questions readers have. And in my opinion, it has the best Mr Darcy of any - most correctly like the book character, and the most attractive in the way that he's meant to be (as in, not traditionally but having a certain gravity and pull of charm).
Well, I liked both. The series was better developed and who could ever forget Colin Firth's performance as the very proper Mr Darcy?
I believe the 2005 movie had a great cast, soundtrack and it goes right to the point. That been said, I don't like Keira's Lizzie. I think that in all her interactions, with Darcy and Lady Catherine, look way too practiced, so they don't look real at all. That's what I like best from the series, that Lizzie seems real, by thinking and reacting more naturally.
Apart from that, both are pretty good.
I prefer the 1995 version. It was very faithful to the novel. I thought it captured Mr. and Mrs. Bennett’s relationship much better than the version with Donald Sutherland as Mr. Bennet. I also was disturbed by the less gentile look of Longbourn in the 2005 version. That being said, I thought Matthew McFadden approached Darcy correctly, though I have a preference for Colin Firth. To me, the two Mr. Collins are both exquisite, with a slight nod to Tom Holland.
After recently finishing a viewing party of both after reading the book, me and my friend are leaning towards the BBC miniseries. We've compiled a list of thoughts for each:2005 film:
- the WOMEN. wow. so beautiful!! Rosemund Pike is without a doubt the superior Jane. and how can anyone not fall in love with Keira Knightley??
- the CINEMATOGRAPHY. everything is just *chefs kiss* and I loved the 1-shot feel of many scenes, especially where they panned between each room of the house, letting the audience peak into each character. and can't forget the party scenes!
- the soundtrack. so luscious. so dramatic. so GOOD!!
- usually when a movie adaptation strays from the book, it doesn't end well; however, I loved their interpretation and enjoyed the little touches they added like the "Mrs. Darcy" scene at the end, Bingley rehearsing his proposal to Darcy (that was SO CUTE!), and the interaction between Lizzy and Mr. Bennet after Darcy proposes. the "I love...love...love you" was a little unnatural though.
- the overall chemistry between Lizzy and Darcy was more apparent. from the beginning it's clear they have a connection - it makes it seem like the only thing that made Lizzy reject him the first time was his supposed ruining of Darcy.
- bc of the limited time, it did feel very rushed.
- the whole Wickham plot was almost neglected. if I hadn't read the book, I definitely would've been confused when they referenced him running away with Lydia. It was an integral part of the book, and though I understand the time limitations of a movie, it felt awkward and out of place, almost.
- similarly, they did Georgianna so dirty!! whereas the miniseries actually portrayed her and Lizzy's interactions and their mutual affection, the movie summed it up in a simple "I feel like we're friends already!" and she basically never came up again.
- I loved Mary in the movie a lot better. The scene where she cried into her father's arms during the ball sobbing "but I've been practicing all week!" It just adds more depth to her character and also shows Mr. Bennet not being so much of a jerk to his daughters.
BBC 1995 miniseries:
- the MEN. sorry but ginger Bingley was not okay. Crispin Bonham-Carter will forever be my image of Mr. Bingley. and Colin Firth?!?! I think the rest of the comments talk about him enough but sheesh is he amazing. his portrayal of Darcy was much more to my liking. In the movie it kinda felt like Matthew MacFadyen was just saying his lines, and though I respect the portrayal of Darcy he did, I think Colin Firth perfectly encapsulated that awkward, stern yet gentle character of Darcy. and he's hotter without a doubt which doesn't hurt.
- here is the rest of my casting obsession rant:
- ELIZABETH!! Sorry Keira Knightley - I love you. I really do. but Jennifer Ehle suits the image of Lizzy a lot better. Just the mature, ladylike, sensible air and countenance she possesses is far more fitting for the character Jane Austen brought to life than Keira's more playful portrayal.
- Mrs. Bennet. oh my god. absolutely HILARIOUS! hands down so much better than the movie. she is perfectly infuriating and laughable and makes me cringe and want to scream.
- Mr. Collins. forgot the actor but he did such an amazing job. I love the little hand to mouth motion he does whenever Lady Catherine interrupts him. cracks me up every single time.
- Caroline Bingley. whereas the movie just portrayed her as a total bitch, the series actually gave her more depth and flavor. she acts with grace and even warns Lizzy to stay away from Wickham though she is aware that she is a prominent obstacle to her desired engagement to Darcy. we actually get to understand her behaviors and appreciate her as a character.
- the sisterly love between Jane and Lizzy is also much more prominent in this one.
- it also does a better job of Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and the parent-like role they take on for the Bennet sisters since their parents are. ya know. not the best role models.
- speaking of the parents, I think this version is more true to the book in their relationship. You can tell they don't love each other, but Mr. Bennet's teasings and witty remarks make the pair more whole and realistic than the movie did.
- I didn't like how Jane and Bingley's whole proposal went down though. I get they were in love since they met but still. For them to not exchange a single word for months, not talk at all upon his return, and then suddenly get married? seemed unnatural to me.
- I think the success of the miniseries is accounted by the fact that Pride and Prejudice is a plot-heavy book that is hard to be squished into a single movie. the series allows us to have a more smooth line of events, though it does feel slow at times.
if you read all of this thank you! haha feel free to let me know your thoughts. I absolutely love Pride and Prejudice and would be happy to converse with anyone who feels the same!
When I watch an adaptation of a book, I like it to really be an adaptation, meaning it captures the feelings of the book, even if it doesn't cover all of the little details. The series felt like someone was trying to copy the book exactly, point for point. It was really good, but some of the emotion and feelings were lost in translation, and it was a little stiff. The movie was the opposite - it may have missed out on some of the small details, but it managed to capture the general feel of the book a bit better, even if it was a little over the top at times. As much as I enjoyed them both and love Colin Firth, I liked the movie a bit better.P.S. I'd like to throw another adaptation into the mix - The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, anyone? Certainly not regency era, but it is the best thought out adaptation, even if I still prefer the other two.
Aria wrote: "After recently finishing a viewing party of both after reading the book, me and my friend are leaning towards the BBC miniseries. We've compiled a list of thoughts for each:2005 film:
- the WOMEN..."
I appreciate your thoughtful review of the movie vs the BBC version and I totally agree with your points.
2005 no questions asked. Matthew Macfadyen knew what he was doing.
I'm not a die-hard Austen fan. I read Pride and Prejudice as a teenager. Then I watched the 2005 film with Keira Knightley and Matthew McFadyen and read the Manga Classics version. I reread the original novel three years ago. I have a better grasp on it now then back then, If you're looking for book-accuracy, the BBC series will suit your tastes. However, if you're looking for an adaptation that stands on its own especially for newcomers, I'd go with the 2005 version.
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https://www.amazon.com/Pride-Prejudic......"
The only version I have ever seen is the 1980s version and I absolutely love it.