‘Perfect’ British period drama viewers can’t stop watching — ‘better than BBC’ | Films | Entertainment

When it comes to period dramas, Jane Austen adaptations reign supreme. Perhaps the most famous and widely beloved of all is Pride and Prejudice. The tale of love, class, and bad first impressions has enthralled generations of readers.

The next iteration of Pride and Prejudice is Netflix‘s upcoming TV series slated for later this year, starring Emma Corrin (best known as The Crown’s young Princess Diana) and Jack Lowden from Slow Horses. Good or bad, reactions to the new version will make waves and draw comparisons to the most recent and widely beloved adaptation — the 2005 film with Keira Knightley. A warning to viewers: the gorgeous period drama is leaving Netflix later this month.

Austen’s novels are constantly being refreshed into new adaptations, from the BBC‘s faithful Pride and Prejudice miniseries to Netflix’s much-panned rework of Persuasion.

Pride and Prejudice (2005) is less devout than its British predecessor, and for fans, that’s okay. The period drama’s romantic tension and the sheer production value of Joe Wright’s lush film make it a masterpiece in the eyes of many.

On Rotten Tomatoes, it has an impressive 87% and 90% approval rating with critics and viewers respectively.

The site’s critics consensus reads: “Sure, it’s another adaptation of cinema’s fave Jane Austen novel, but key performances and a modern filmmaking sensibility make this familiar period piece fresh and enjoyable.”

The British Film Institute (BFI) selected the movie for its top 10 list of greatest Austen adaptations.

The BFI had this to say: “The greatest assets of this adaptation over the 1995 version are in its production, especially the sun-dappled cinematography of Roman Osin and the luscious score by Dario Marianelli featuring Jean-Yves Thibaudet on piano.

They added: “It is a far less stagey and aloof version than its 1940 predecessor, regenerating the appeal of Austen for the 21st century.”

Alongside Knightley, the queen of period dramas, the cast features Matthew MacFayden as Mr Darcy (now perhaps more widely known from HBO’s Succession), Rosamund Pike, and Donald Sutherland.

The film racked up wins and nominations at the Oscars, BAFTAs and Golden Globes, netting Wright, a first-time director, a BAFTA for Most Promising Newcomer.

What do period drama fans have to say about it?

Though it’s been over 20 years since the movie came out, fans can’t get enough of it.

“Everything about this movie is perfect,” declared one viewer. “The soundtrack and cinematography are truly incredible and I will always say that this is my favourite adaption of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. It has also been my comfort movie for the last 10 years of life.”

Another said: “Amazing, this is a movie I could rewatch over a million times and never get sick of it. I will always claim this movie as my favourite till the day I die, but this is the best time period piece movie ever.”

Regarding the comparisons to the BBC version, one period drama fan said: “I will go to my deathbed defending the movie right up there with the show. The show is obviously the more complete adaptation but the movie dials all the aesthetic and emotional elements up to 11 and that’s completely okay lol.”

A second added: “I’ve always said the BBC version gets the story right and the 2005 version gets the feeling right. Love them both for very different reasons.”

“I think one of the things the 2005 film does better is that it’s more accessible to an audience that isn’t already a fan of the story. You’re investing less than two hours vs. six for the BBC series. You don’t have to work as hard to understand the language in the 2005 version because it has been a little bit more modernised.”

Where to watch Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice (2005) is streaming on Netflix UK until June 20. The BBC’s 1995 miniseries is currently free to watch on iPlayer.

The new Pride and Prejudice TV programme from Netflix is scheduled to be released sometime this autumn.