I Watched (almost) EVERY Version of Pride and Prejudice - a Tier List

This was a long one!
If you need a recap of the plot of P&P-
• pride and prejudice bu...
Link to the Tier List Template-
tiermaker.com/create/pride-an...
List of Films-
Straight Literary Adaptions-
Pride and Prejudice (1940) A
Pride and Prejudice (1967) C
Pride and Prejudice (1980) C
Pride and Prejudice (1995) S (DW)
Pride and Prejudice (2005) S
Pride and Prejudice: A New Musical (2020) C
Modern Day Adaptions-
Bridget Jones Diary (2001) B
Pride and Prejudice: A Latter-Day Comedy (2003) B (11 CL)
Bride and Prejudice (2004) B (DW)
Lizzie Bennet Diaries (2012-2013) B
Unleashing Mr. Darcy (2016) D
Before the Fall (2017) D
Christmas at Pemberley Manor (2018) D
Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe (2018) D
Pride and Prejudice Atlanta (2019)- C (DW)
Pride and Prejudice, Cut! (2019) C
Flipped-Period Adaptions-
Lost in Austen (2008) B
Pride, Prejudice, and Zombies (2016) A (DW and 11 CL)
Pride and Prejudice Adjacent-
Death Comes to Pemberley (2011) A
Pride and Prejudice: Having a Ball (2013) A
Austenland (2013) B
Adaptions that No Longer Exist-
Pride and Prejudice (1938)
Pride and Prejudice- TV Playhouse (1949)
Pride and Prejudice (1952)
Pride and Prejudice (1958)
Non-English Adaptions
Pride and Prejudice (2015)- Korean Drama
Image Citations-
[1]- commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
[2]- images5.fanpop.com/image/artic...
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Instagram- @costumeandconservation
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[@allisoncudney8241]

You should have had a category labeled “Excellent boiled potatoes” 😂

[@costumeandconservation]

A sadly missed opportunity 😝

[@dorothywillis1]

We would all know then what her favorite version is! I hate those potatoes!

[@nataliabidunartvlog5503]

😂😂😂 Actually, that statement has become a private joke with my sisters and I. One of them would always say that at random, whenever we're having a family dinner and there are potatoes on the table. Confused the heck out of our guests 😂

[@oddish3152]

@@nataliabidunartvlog5503 That is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING 😂

[@herrguru4264]

sorry guys. but *ANYONE* who takes Jane Austens book fastidously, seriously will have to chose: *"Pride & Prejudice"* (1981). It is the only adaptation that is closest to the book (both in style, characters & dialogues). kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJfTqGWjr9KBrsU

[@VeronicaBaughman]

The 1995 version and the 2005 version are both amazing in their own ways. The 1995 version goes into more detail which is why it's six hours. The 2005 is just beautiful to me and has an amazing soundtrack. I can see why some would have their preference when it comes to either film, but I love both in my own opinion.

[@mausicute8804]

Totalle agree

[@user-if9vf5nx3j]

I love you too.

[@AnnaBananaRepublic]

Team Colin Firth 🤍

[@marisanewland9509]

I can’t help laughing at the “this man and this woman, and this man and this woman” line during the double wedding though. I don’t know why but it amuses me.

[@haleypowell6485]

Right? For me it's the super drawn out camera shot as it moves along their faces. The reverend takes such a pause between them 💀

[@caitigrove3548]

the way the camera slightly drops too for the second couple

[@BarryHaworth]

I love how that scene is done in the 1995 version, and the way we have the priest going through the words of the marriage service while we cut to the different couples as exemplars of what he is talking about - Mr & Mrs Bennet, Mr Collins & Charlotte, the Gardiners, Lady Catherine, Wickham and Lydia.

[@andreamiller3578]

My favorite will always be the Colin Firth/Jennifer Ehle version but I enjoyed others too. I have soft spot for Bride and Prejudice. It's a ton of fun and its Mr. Collins (Kohli Saab) is more palatable than the original IMO. I think there are hints that he's a tad more self-aware and isn't mean-spirited. I love all the songs.

[@megan2176]

Totally agree, 1995 is my ultimate fav too, mostly because of the length! I can spend a whole afternoon being whisked away into that world, and when it's over I could watch it all again! I enjoyed Bride and Prejudice too, tons of energy and fun dances and songs, and gorgeous costumes! :)

[@SweetIntoxikation]

I agree!

[@jewellchunn2251]

I’m with you both on both films. That snake scene will always have my sides hurting from laughter. I’ve been watching 1995 version since I was around 9yrs old on vhs, renting it from the library. It came in two huge cases because it was spent up weirdly. But I’d sit down and watch it for the entire day, and by the time it’s dark out, I was starting it again. Like I’m not joking. I’d watch it right after finishing it. Or I’d start near the halfway point and watch to the end, start the beginning and watch the end again😅😅 yeah. My mom loved it too, but she wasn’t about to pull a marathon with me because she had to work. My older brothers didn’t like the fact that I hogged the tv to watch it. Everyone I know doesn’t like it cause “it’s super long” But I tell them it’s a mini series, it’s supposed to last longer than a movie. Which gives more time to be accurate and get the details instead of missing stuff or switching things around *ahem* 2005. Yeah, I notice everything. I’m that kid who watched 1995 and listened to the audiobook every night for an entire year. I know my P&P and that lake scene is now a necessity in my life. A film without, is a film not worth watching

[@megan2176]

@@jewellchunn2251 I used to borrow it from the library on VHS too!! I loved how when the cassettes were all lined up, it was someone's face, I think Darcy's? You know you love a movie, when you don't mind switching the tapes every hour or so! I still listen to the audiobook sometimes, so familiar and comforting, and I love the narrator's accent. :)

[@jewellchunn2251]

@@megan2176 those we’re definitely good times. And the community was awesome in the fanfic world that I actually wrote quite a few because I never wanted their story to end and wanted others to enjoy it like me. Unfortunately I’ve bought books that are based off p&p and they aren’t always good. Some you can’t even return and get your money back😒 I’ve actually read some pretty cool versions of fanfic that if made into a legit book or series I’d watch it. The last great version I was writing was a matriarchal society. Currently sitting on my computer

[@megan2176]

About five years ago, I went to a local production of "Lizzy and Darcy" (or maybe it was Darcy and Elizabeth, or even Lizzy/Darcy??) at a local historical house. Its cast was only two women, and they played all the characters!! We, the audience, followed the two actresses around the house into different scenes, and they would switch characters by adding or removing props, like I think Mrs. Bennett wore a cap and Mr. Bennett maybe had a pipe or something. We also became part of the production at certain points, like in the ball scene. It was amazing!! And being in the historical house made it all the more real. Wish they would do something similar locally again! :)

[@CM-pf1xc]

That’s such a clever idea! Sounds fun, where was this btw?

[@megan2176]

@@CM-pf1xc It was in Napanee Ontario, at the Allan Macherson house. It was put on by one of those traveling theater groups I think, I wish I could remember the name of it. Yes, such a clever idea! :)

[@michmash7888]

The 1995 version is MY comfort version!!! (Yes, sometimes I need 6 hours of comfort. It’s been a rough year!) Enjoyed this a lot, thanks for your “sacrifice”!

[@Airelda]

Me too!

[@lionfish2201]

My only disagreement would be The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, especially having rewatched last weekend. That’s Fine Eyes for sure. It holds very true to the spirit of the source and gives Lydia such depth.

[@DSQueenie]

I just finished commenting the exact opposite lol I felt they totally missed the point of Lydia.

[@lionfish2201]

@@DSQueenie Much like making Bing Lee a mess student or Mr.Collin’s proposal a job offer, making Lydia 3-Dimensional is a concession of a modern adaptation. Much like villain origin stories, modern audiences want dynamic character. Could they have made Lydia a flat, silly flirt and been more true to the source material? Sure. But personally I feel that it gives the whole web series thing more resonance. Plus, the intimate diary nature and year-long span of the project would have made a direct book Lydia unbearable, and frankly unbelievable.

[@wiggles14514]

One of the things with LBD was the immersive extra content such as the character Twitter accounts. I agree it was better to watch it as a weekly series as it was coming out.

[@justcogitating]

@@wiggles14514 Agree! It was so exciting to watch the story unfold in real time and to live with the characters for a full year.

[@justcogitating]

@@lionfish2201 Agree with everything you've said here. I also wanted to point out that LBD does the exact opposite of an eleventh-hour Charlotte. It's the one adaptation where you really get to know and appreciate Charlotte and her relationship with Lizzie. LBD's strength was in fleshing out the minor characters while staying true to the source material-- Charlotte, Lydia, Caroline, Gigi, Fitz, and Mary all got personalities that were so much more interesting than the corresponding book characters. My one major criticism of LBD is that I thought the chemistry between Lizzie and Darcy was lacking.

[@ellentally3789]

What I love SOOO much about the 2005 adaptation is just how beautifully shot it is. The way they using lighting is amazing. For example, when the sunlight beams on Lizzie and Darcy when they smile at each other for the first time…AMAZING. I think it has a perfect balance of artistic independence and sustaining of the novel. I could never expect them tok fit everything in the novel into a 2 hour movie, and I think they did a good job of telling the story well in such a short time frame. I do however wish that maybe they spent more time on whickam…because the more the audience is shocked at whickams lies/betrayal, the more you like Darcy.

[@CM-pf1xc]

Great point about 2005s cinematography

[@michaelodonnell824]

I cannot understand how people can call the 2005 version "Beautiful" when the Bennets are literally living with their pigs!!! I got addicted to Jane Austen directly as a result of the 1995 version and while it has its weaknesses (for example, I prefer the way Austen kept the reader in the dark about Darcy's saving of Lydia until Aunt Gardiner's letter), the "Grottiness" of Longbourne, featuring the Bennet sisters doing the cooking and hanging out the laundry and the muck.... They couldn't include the line about Lizzy's muddy hike to Netherfield because, according to this movie, the Bennets LIVE in Muck!!! Yeuch!

[@LH_ore]

@@michaelodonnell824 I hate the love confession under the rain.

[@MegaMilenche]

@@michaelodonnell824 People need to understand that saying "this movie looks beautiful" is not complimentary as they think it is. Long story short, if that is your first thing to mention, then the plot, story-line, acting and dialogue are not good enough.

[@AllenMorris3]

It would have been great in Lizzy had jumped off the cliff, but that was the only reason for that scene to exist.

[@J_Kwan]

Bride and Prejudice will always be number one for me xD Sometimes my family will randomly start chanting “No Life. Without a Wife.” It’s been at least a decade since we watched that movie lmao

[@CM-pf1xc]

Yeeeesss!

[@byusaranicole]

That movie is CHEF'S KISS TIER! It's freaking AMAZING!

[@hrussell9677]

Yes, very clever adaptation and deserves to be in one of the two top tiers.

[@emilypirkl7212]

If I ever find that adult Jane Austen camp is a thing, I'm signing you up.

[@brynjames3779]

Not necessarily a camp, but in Bath, England there are apparently yearly Jane Austen festivals. Well not these last couple years bc of Coronavirus, but there's also the Jane Austen exhibit there, which is lovely

[@WitTwixt]

There’s the Jane Austen weekend held in KY here in the states. It’s happening this weekend - July 9-11.

[@LunaLupin]

@@brynjames3779 yeah i've been there to the Jane Austen house, it's really good

[@juliemcleod1119]

Double wedding's are cheaper than 2 single ones (plus, you only have to see your relations once) As in the UK, its was the expected that the Brides parents would pay for it. Plus as Darcy are Bingly are best friends marrying sisters, its logical..For me the BBC1995 its almost word for word of the book.

[@kellynch]

It does a good job of making people believe that, but it's not completely true. Nowhere in the book does Lizzy say that "only the deepest love will induce me into matrimony." Nowhere in the book do we get bathing Darcy, swimming Darcy, fencing Darcy or London Darcy. In the book, Lizzy says "until this moment I never knew myself" right after she reads Darcy's letter. In the "word-for-word" version, she says it to Jane when she's back at Longbourn, which is several days (at least) later. There are some who believe these aren't material changes, but I am not one of them.

[@imasinnerimasaint]

@@kellynch Hard to see how you could possibly be pleased by any adaptation of any book ever, then.

[@Molly-tv5sv]

@@kellynch it makes small changes and adds other small scenes to make the scene changes coherent, and also presumably due to the long runtime of 6 hours. It makes changes but it's honestly nothing compared to the omissions and artistic deviation made by the 2005 movie or really any other adaptation. To this day, no one has really maintained full accuracy since p&p is indeed, a book, and certain tweaks and andded scenes must be added to create cinematic contingency.

[@dalekbeifong]

@@Molly-tv5sv I agree, a lot of the changes were made to better tell the story through film and I think they kept with the spirit of the source material spectacularly.

[@mausicute8804]

Yes, I like it to be very good version by the Booker, the 1995. I didn' t like very much the version of 2005. But everybody has its own tanto, . No problem!

[@luhaguilar]

“Why not both?” - SAAAAAME hahahaha… I see a lot of people getting heated about 1995x2005 and I love them both equally as well!

[@alenciaga21]

I have the same with the 1996 movie and the 2020 movie of Emma. They are so different and I love them both!

[@chrishrcam]

Same!!

[@CM-pf1xc]

I appreciate 2005 version buuuut absolutely hate its Darcy-he is unattractive nonemotive and doughy. Also frustrated with how they portrayed Elizabeth as kind of a tomboy/rude/rebellious. They made her the modern “female rebellious independent woman” instead of who Jane Austen actually made Elizabeth Bennett’s to be

[@CM-pf1xc]

@@alenciaga21 again Emma. Is so interesting and cool-and I love it’s me knightly!!- but again they were not entirely faithful to original characters. They translated it for a modern audience instead of being understated and ironic like Jane Austen. Eg the way they portrayed Emma and ms. Smiths relationship was just wrong.

[@shireads2954]

@@CM-pf1xc hahahaha he is super doughy though! The Darcy and the complete disregard for the style and manners of the time are my main gripes with that version

[@Gryffindorgirl31]

I loved the Mormon version as a kid. To this day I still quote Collins' salty sermon. "I had a kind of... funny... encounter with a girl in this congregation, who will remain anonymous, but for the sake of the story, let's call her... Elizabeth B. No-no, E. Bennett."

[@megmcguireme]

Every time we need ice cream at my house we look at each other and say" we're out of ice cream Elizabeth ". But if you haven't experienced the culture it's probably not as funny.

[@emmypax5084]

The moment where Lizzie fantasizes about throwing her hymnal into his head while he's at the pulpit is still one of the funniest things I have ever seen in my life.

[@izzieluv]

I am so excited she watched this. Absolutely a guilty pleasure.

[@fishstick7104]

"Men run for your lives! Menstruating monsters approaching!" 😂😂😂😂 I've had days where I relate to that moment so hard!! The grocery store scene is one of my favorite movie moments of all time!! "Triple choc-choc-choc-chocolate chunk? Or Uncle Booba's Big Belly Batter Brinkle?... Both..." 😂😂😂😂

[@emiblock3634]

Its honestly one of my favorite movies.

[@helendietrich7566]

I actually loved 1980s version! I think it has one of the best Lizzy characters where it really shows her growth from an outspoken but still a bit naive girl to a well-rounded strong personality. It is also the only movie where she is actually not as pretty as Jane, which is a kind of important for her character. In other versions when Darcy says she is not pretty, it is not believable. The male characters are worse than in other films, but it kind of reflects that the story is mostly told through Elizabeth's eyes. Overall, I think it has really good female characters and is close to the book.

[@brontewcat]

I binged watched the 1980s version today. I agree - I would have placed it higher. There is a lot to like.

[@hannahpeterson4782]

Me too!! I really think it's the most accurate adaptation.

[@tonywise198]

I agree. Elizabeth Garvie was a GREAT Lizzie Bennet. David R$intould portrayed Darcy as FAR too stuffy.

[@andreakp311]

It's the truest to the book in plot and in spirit. It has its flaws (agree, the male characters could be better) but it is so under appreciated! Elizabeth Garvie is the perfect Elizabeth Bennet and that really makes it for me. It's hands down my favorite P&P.

[@whatcanidooo]

Same it's one of my favorites. It feels like reading the book, and it think everyone did a good job portraying the subtleties of the characters without having to over emphasis their traits from the the original

[@vbrown6445]

I applaud your dedication. Great video and wonderful reviews of each of these adaptations.

[@danjlp9155]

I would say Lizzie Bennet Diaries deserves to be fine eyes. It is IMO the best modern update of the story and just all around good adaptation of the story. I’d say it’s a must for P&P fans since it really does some characters, particularly Lydia, justice. Also it is fun on rewatch. I actually watched it for the first time after it aired and still enjoyed it very much.

[@Saihione]

Yeeess!! For me it goes on 10 000 a year. I love so many things about it! Especially the relationship between Lizzie and Charlotte, Lydia and how mr Collins gets to be annoying but funny. 🥰

[@MissCaraMint]

Especially since the show was such an experience when it was airing. Oh my the tention. The wondering about how they were going to translate this pot point, and wondering when we would finally see Darcy. The twitter, the Lydia Bennet channel. It was just amazing to be part of.

[@jarjargreens]

I LOVE Austenland, Keira and Matthew’s P&P and the Colin/Jennifer P&P series. I have seen these at least 10 times each and they are comfort movies for me. I think you’ve done a wonderful job and I understand your reasoning for all the rankings.

[@EmmeaHufflepuff]

My Boyfriend and I bonded over Austenland when we first got together and to this day 3 years later call each other "Ms. Erstwhile"and "Mr.Nobley ". ❤

[@cassieearle9196]

@@EmmeaHufflepuff that movie is so good

[@tymanung6382]

There is also.Lost in Austen, the travel version TV series.

[@dorothywillis1]

I am sure you are aware, but I'll just mention it, that the double wedding is implied in the line from the text, "Happy for all her maternal feelings was the day on which Mrs. Bennet got rid of her two most deserving daughters." Of course they might have had two entirely separate weddings on the same day, which is the way some people have done it. But I think it is reasonable to say the double wedding is at least not something dreamed up by a daft screenwriter like those boiled potatoes!

[@marwak7581]

wow okay you really made these 39 minutes interesting to watch! massive compliment for holding my attention for so long and also for your good taste

[@laurasmith6933]

I love "Lost in Austen". I just find it a lot of fun. However, the one thing that does always bug me is that a character who is supposed to be so in love with Austen's works (especially Pride and Prejudice) should have a better idea of how to behave in that time period. All of us would be a "fish out of water" if we went back in time. But if someone had even a basic idea of how society worked back then, they would avoid anything that would be outright rude. Still love it - it's just my biggest criticism of the series.

[@roedoresdeoliveira]

I didn't watch the Lizzie Bennet Diaries as it was coming out, but i did fully enjoyed it. I think you didn't enjoyed it as much because you felt the different between them beeing released once a week, but in my perspective i really really loved it. I watched it all in one sleepless night and got obsessed by it, i even watched the pemberly corporations videos and i LOVE the more in depth participation of Giorgianna, who's ignored or not even mentioned in most of P&P adaptations. Fitz is a doll and Mr. Collins is so nicely done. 10/10 would go to my Fine Eyes category

[@Melanie-jy2nw]

Same. I loved that series and ended up reading the Lydia book

[@princepretzel]

Thanks for making this. It was the right amount of explanation, while still being thorough. And it saves us some time, when considering what to watch next.

[@nerdgirl7363]

I'm so here for people liking the 1995 version and 2005 version equally! I will watch either depending on what mood I'm in. If I want raw heightened emotion with romance and Keira Knightleys amazing acting, 2005 is the way. If I want the perfect recreation of the source material that I love, 1995 is the closest I think we will ever come to perfection

[@mhussey9841]

The category titles alone sold me on this video!

[@ETRHeydrich]

Im here repping for the zombies version and although im not well versed in the lore i felt the characters were well done and i loved the zombie killer darcy.

[@sphhyn]

I totally agree. I was really surprised how much I liked the film. 😅 But I like P&P and I also generally like zombie movies. I thought the film makers took P&P seriously and did not make fun of it.

[@realmofthesenses]

Zombie version of Darcy's (in-)famous proposal and Elizabeth's refusal!

[@camimchan3492]

@@realmofthesenses I LOVE that scene because we all know Elizabeth wishes she could beat Darcy up in that scene in the actual story, and she's actually able to in that universe and it's amazing.

[@realmofthesenses]

@@camimchan3492 So true!

[@itsgabriela.br18]

Me too, I will defend pride and prejudice and zombies 😅

[@wynnewhitten-holmes5090]

If you, like me, cannot handle gore but want some P&P and Zombies romantic tension, Jill Bearup has a fabulous breakdown of the fight between Lizzie and Darcy which I found highly enjoyable.

[@pamelawest2523]

The sexual tension; when he is chopping the bushes! Their fighting purposal.

[@megmcguireme]

I love her channel! Also really enjoyed the film.

[@Dracosekt]

Colin & Matthew are my Darcy’s. I really enjoy Austenland and Lost in Austen.

[@JudyAnne741]

I’m with you Patti, these are my favs.

[@MagsMcG]

The dedicated put into this video!! I'm blown away 💕

[@megan2176]

So fun! I'd definitely watch more like this, maybe comparisons of other Austen adaptations?! There are probably a bunch of "inspired by" adaptations I'm not aware of... like I just recently realized Clueless was inspired by Emma (I think?), so there are probably plenty more. :)

[@sandiehopkin942]

Great list! So, one trend in many adaptations I have a problem with (eg: the 2005 film) is the absence of the Hursts at Netherfield. It is completely inappropriate for Caroline to act as hostess for 2 bachelors without a female companion or relative present.

[@sks17873]

Isn’t she the sister of one of the bachelors? Or does it not count since Darcy is there?

[@MichelleTheGinger]

@@sks17873 even if it was your brother,it was not okay for a bachelor to have his sister live with him, he would be pressured to be married ASAP if his parents died before his sister was married

[@lilliegreenlaw]

@@sks17873 Caroline and Mrs. Hurst were Bingley's sisters, yes.

[@Carolinagirl1028]

I do miss their presence at Netherfield as well in the 2005 version. However seeing that the 2005 version had to give us Pride and Prejudice in 2 hours it is understandable why they didn't make the cut. Other than being the married chaperone there wasn't really a role they played that couldn't be filled by Caroline Bingley. Would her being there alone have been proper during that time period? No. But neither would have Elizabeth seeing a dripping wet Darcy in a basically transparent shirt as is shown in the 1995 version. Both I can suspend belief for though because the thought process behind those decisions are understandable even if they don't make sense in the Regency era.

[@hrussell9677]

I also get irritated with the 2005 movie because they reduced the number of Bennett sisters to 4. These two weird exclusions as well as the silly dialogue at the end of the movies that contains non-Austenesque wording is why I consider this to be just a mediocre adaptation. Like a pig with lipstick.

[@Kate-qp7lw]

I LOVE your tiers!!!!

[@anotherblonde]

Love the version on your opening screen: David Rintoul and Elizabeth Garvie, dramatised by Faye Weldon. It's my fav version!

[@coloraturaElise]

Really surprised you put the 1980 version so low, mainly because it's so true to the book. The Lizzy was excellent, which is so important, but I do think the Darcy was too stiff and almost robotic, and that does take away from the main relationship in the story. However, like your mother, it was my first, I was THRILLED to have it, and I re-watch it annually. I would also put Bride and Prejudice higher because it is so enjoyable AND because they really get the story--having Mary do the snake dance perfectly encapsulates what Austen wrote about her, and the way they handled modernizing Mr. Collins was brilliant! I do agree with your top 2 choices for many of the same reasons you mentioned, although clearly 1995 is the most iconic, complete, and satisfying. As much as I loved the look, music, and casting of the 2005 version, the departures from reality for the sake of drama (Lady Catherine visiting in the middle of the night....WHAT?! And Lizzy and Darcy getting up at dawn to wander through the fields so that we could see that sunrise kiss) were annoying, and worse than that, people QUOTE LINES from that FILM that JANE AUSTEN DID NOT WRITE. I have even seen them printed on merch, and I think it's a great disservice to my favorite author's favorite book.

[@andreasofiavargas2533]

Agree pretty much.... Except Lizzie Bennet Diaries is my favorite retelling of P&P. The beautiful sister relationship, the vindication of Lidia, the AWKWARD DARCY. Yes. Yes. Please thank you. And as someone who's watching KZbin all day, I appreciate the vlogging.

[@beigeotter]

Great video. I had no idea about so many of these versions

[@linda_smilesrfree2744]

Firstly, you did a great job with this compilation of films, some of which I had no idea even existed. Secondly, your critique of each film is commendable; the mere fact that you had the time and the energy to sit through all these adaptations, and on top of that take notes. I can admire because I am an avid note taker myself, especially with books from my favorite authors. Thirdly, the 1995 P&P (IMO) is by far my favorite: Colin Firth (IMO) epitomizes the character of Darcy. If Colin Firth somehow stepped through a time portal to that era, I suspect that he would, in fact, be Mr. Darcy, standing smack dab in the court of Pemberly! Jennifer Ehle was equally matched in character and chemistry, and dare I say, even "pride" at times; (IMO) there is no other Lizzie or Darcy. However, since you went to great lengths to (as Lizzie would say) share your "good opinion" , I will check out a few of the unknowns. Lastly, you have a flare for critiquing period films or films in general; keep it up! BTW, allow me to wish you the best of luck with your costume conservateur studies.Thank you for sharing your insight.👍🏼😊

[@LadyHoozer]

Can I say I LOVE your categories ;)

[@DelGuy03]

My only real surprise in the ranking is that the 1980 miniseries isn't one or preferably two tiers higher. I understand that the old BBC TV conventions look a bit creaky now (film-outdoors, video-indoors, audible interior monologues), but it does find a way to include all the famous lines, even those in the authorial voice -- and it introduces Charlotte Lucas immediately and doesn't have a double wedding, avoiding both your pet peeves. And I would have thought that 2005 deserves at least a mild knock for getting the Bennets' social status and similar nuances wrong (yes, they derive part of their income from a farm on the property, but they don't live IN the farmhouse among pigs and muck).

[@danielaf3092]

It's not a lesser adaptation cause it changes the Bennets' social status. It could be considered a plus since it explains better why there's a difference in status between the Darcys and the Bennets. Not everyone has read the books or has great knowledge of the Regency period.

[@cherylknight1994]

@@danielaf3092 The Darcy's and the Bennet's were in the same social class. Hence Lizzie declaring that Darcy was a gentleman and she was a gentleman's daughter to Lady Catherine- there was only a monetary difference. The Bingley's, on the other hand, were of a lower status because (oh the horror) their money came from trade and they didn't own land. At the time of writing people would have understood Caroline Bingley's hypocrisy and snobbish-ment, and her determination to get her claws into Darcy.

[@danielaf3092]

@@cherylknight1994 Yes both families were gentry, but as you said the monetary difference matters. All the movie did was exacerbate that difference. I don't understand why '95 fans get so offended by it.

[@kellynch]

@@danielaf3092 way too many 1995 fans get offended by anyone who dares say that it’s not perfect. Which it’s not. Far from it. Long live the 1980 version!!!

[@BenitaPrinsNotTheAuthor]

I agree about changing the Bennets' social status! The other thing that bothers me a lot about 2005 is the costumes, which are horrendously inaccurate. I was actually super surprised this video didn't mention that at all, considering she's specifically into historical fashion!

[@caitlinmarie8261]

When I was a teenager the 2005 version was my favorite, as an adult it's the 1995 version. It's just interesting. Both are still A+++ though, just in different ways.

[@zeppy13131]

Thanks for this! When I saw how many "P&P" productions there'd been through the years, I felt sad, as most of them seemed very hard (or impossible) to find. But it turns out the 1995 and 2005 versions, which are easy to view, are the best! P.S.: "Adaption" means the process of adapting to something (dim light, cold water, etc.)... You mean "adaptation". ;?)

[@KatyBugg]

Agree with most of these ranking as well. However, Bridget Jones Diary and Bride and Prejudice would be higher in my ranking. I love those movies a lot. But 1995 Colin Firth will ALWAYS be the best P&P. I said what I said!

[@Slapchop721]

Agree. I would move these both up one spot. They both manage to pull of the embarrassing mother, but in a believable, current way as well as the class issues without making them too starkly different. I was actually impressed with how well Bride & Prejudice stuck to the plot of the book, including the actual separation and help during a family crisis.

[@kgal1298]

I really enjoyed Bride and Prejudice, but I also really like Bollywood so I guess it's definitely not for everyone.

[@bangchanswebbrowsinghistor5145]

THANK YOU. Bridget jones is such a classic, its not as serious as the other ones but it's so funny and has a high rewatch quality to it. also Colin first and High grant ? yes m'am.

[@user-xh4os4sx1v]

I appreciate you took time out of your life just for our benefit. What dedication.

[@htraudt]

You are the first person I have heard say they are both great versions. Thank you!!! My only disagreement is Bride and Prejudice. I put that up with the top teir. I can't tell you how many times I have watched it.

[@Casutama]

Jill Bearup also says that, she has a few really nice videos about Pride & Prejudice on her channel :)

[@elianwolfert3879]

I totally agree on the 1995 and 2005 versions! I love them both for different reasons. What I like about the 2005 is the great cinematography, there are a couple of moments in the movie that are sooo good such as at the ball where you see Mr. Darcy silently following Elizabeth for a bit. Nothing happens, just that short shot of Mr. Darcy's attention secretly on Elizabeth. Also the scene where Elizabeth and Caroline Bingley take a turn about the room, the way they cross each other and sit down again with Mr. Darcy in the middle of the screen - very powerful composition! And yeah the music. I also love the ending, it's very sweet. Plus I have a crush on Keira Knightley, lol! But the 1995 version is the one I first watched and I watched many times with my sister so it has a special place in my heart. Also love how revolting Mr. Collins is in that one, lol!

[@iri2be]

I always thought the problematic line about Darcy’s Ex wife was a satire of the narrow mindedness and obnoxiousness of Bridget’s mother and her best friend (similar to how Mrs Bennett made Lizzie so ashamed with her comments.) And they were much worse in the books!

[@Nickelini]

Yes, you are correct. The point flew over her head

[@melenatorr]

To be fair to the Greer Garson/Laurence Olivier movie, the credits announce at the start that it's an adaptation of a stage production of the novel, and comes to us kind of second hand, which accounts for some of the discrepancies. I love this more than any other version I have yet watched, in spite of the changes because: It makes me laugh, which very few of the others (including the highly-rated 2005 version) can do. The interactions between the actors really makes me believe these people are part of a family that know each other well - just watch the little instants, looks, touches and smiles between them. The Mr. and Mrs. Bennet scene between Mary Boland and Edmund Gwenn is pure gold. Mr. Collins. I confess that no one does Mr. Collins for me as nicely as does Melville Cooper, complete with his little motif. The wonderfully classically disdainfully perfect Caroline Bingley that is Frieda Inescort. To this day, my sister and I will go "AAAHHH" at each other know where it comes from. The wonderfully, classically meddlesome ego that is the irreplaceable Edna May Oliver as Lady Catherine. Yes, I know they commit a crime with her characterization in the end, but no one, to me, has been able to approach the Lady Catherine scenes as nicely and neatly as Edna May. Again, to this day, my sister and I will intone: "I send no compliments to your *mither". I *em" seriously displizzed" and grin at each other The archery scene, which, yes, I know, is not in the novel, but, especially when punctuated by the exchange between Lizzie and Miss Bingley, is also pure gold (with the cherry on top that is the exchange between Miss Bingley and Mr. Darcy). Mary Bennet, played by very pretty and very talented Marsha Hunt. No one, not Austen herself, has ever been so kind to this character. I love Mary; I love this Mary; I love the innocence and the absentmindedness that glimmers around Hunt's Mary.

[@sharonsienaski6919]

Definitely! My favorite also and no one comes close to Edna Mae Oliver.

[@JK-sh8rc]

I didn't care for the 1940 Greer Garson version. The costumes and hair styles were completely wrong & seemed to be from a later period, i.e., 1830's/1840's. Also, are we supposed to believe that Greer Garson, who was 36 when the movie was released, should have been portraying a character who's 20? Also didn't think there was much on screen chemistry between GG & Laurence Oliver IMO.

[@melenatorr]

@@JK-sh8rc For me, the costuming wasn't a huge deal - the script itself didn't make a point of the exact time period for the story, and the general behaviors fit into the general historical frame, so that wasn't an obstacle for me, any more than, say, putting Richard III into a WWII (or was it WWI?) time frame. Neither was I particularly bothered by the actors ages since the chemistry between them all was so strong. I do disagree with you about the lack of such with Olivier and Garson, and have always enjoyed the banter between them here. A favorite example is the little double-take he gives when Lizzie tosses a light sarcastic comment to him at Rosings. You can see Darcy needs a beat or two for the fact of the criticism to sink in and then it hits, just as Lizzie lightly scales the piano. So sweet, and for me, the movie is littered with these little touches between them.

[@JK-sh8rc]

@@melenatorr I guess we'll have to agree to disagree LOL! To be fair, I did read that there were several cost cutting measures that had to be implemented, i.e., filmed in B&W because the studio supposedly used up all the color film making GWTW, and recycled some costumes which would explain the fashion disparities. Still don't think much of the chemistry between the two lead actors.

[@melenatorr]

@@JK-sh8rc That's what opinions are for! Yes, there were definitely budget issues, and some of my favorite MGM movies had similar problems, such as "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" suffering slightly as concentration of investment was put on "Brigadoon", which I confess not to find a compelling script. Again, for me, after seeing Richard III done in 20th century costumes, the costumes here are a minor infraction. Remember, too, the 1936 "Midsummer Night's Dream", which is a glorious mish-mash of historical and fantasy costuming (I love this movie, also). And we can have a nice laugh at Olivia deHavilland's gowns in "The Adventures of Robin Hood", but I love that one also, and it looks like I'm willing to be less judgmental of costuming if other things strike me positively. But I completely understand how it might drive others up a wall.

[@evildaemonlover]

1980s pride and prejudice was my favorite version. Have watched it multiple times. So sad that it ranked so low. I quite like how many of the characters are portrayed and enjoy some of Lizzie’s outfits.

[@SloanePaoPow]

I also really like it too. I found it very book accurate. As romantic and beautiful as the others are as screen adaptation, sometimes I just want l version that feels like the book.

[@hrussell9677]

Stiff acting.

[@Airelda]

I loved it too! The casting is wonderful for the Bennet family in this version, and great in general. Lizzie and Jane look just as I might have imagined them.

[@rustypplskillz]

This was so great to watch! I'm sad Before the Fall was so bad, but I'm excited to watch Bride and Prejudice. I would have ranked The Lizzie Bennet Diaries a bit higher based on actor chemistry alone, but I agree about the formst being harder to binge now than it was when it came out. Thanks for this, I now have lots of movies to watch!

[@MVLowlifes]

I really enjoyed this video. Thank you for doing it. I didn't know about quite a few of the versions you showed. Going to have to look into them. The ones I did know about and have watch I mostly agree with you on the ratings, especially the Hallmark ones. You would think that Hallmark could make a better version of a P&P based movie.

[@JustCakie]

Austenland is one of me and my sisters favourite movies. Such a fun and silly version of something we have loved dearly for a long time. I found it super refreshing, it managed to have the serious romance element while being a completely absurd movie

[@TheFranchiseCA]

It's also one of my favorite examples of "female gaze," the clearly intended eye candy is a couple of the guys, despite Keri Russell being gorgeous.

[@LunaLupin]

First of all, kudos to you for putting all the effort in, that's a lot of shows to watch. But you asked me to include my opinion so here I go. First of all I'm British, and I love Lost in Austen, I've watched it many times, I've even got it on DVD and I find it hilarious, so I would have at least put it in Fine Eyes. My other differing in opinion is Pride and Prejudice the Musical. I watched that on Amazon when it came out last year, and I have watched it several times since because I love musicals. I understand your problems with the costumes, but I feel like it could have been moved up one their possibly. These are just personal preferences, thank you again for such a detailed and lovely video.

[@maiathebee410]

I felt so old when you kept saying Bridget Jones was a 90s romcom lmao! Bridget Jones is a 2000s romcom!!!

[@costumeandconservation]

Yes! I came out in 2001. I totally had that in my notes too. When I see Hugh Grant, I’m just like- must be the 90s.

[@imasinnerimasaint]

@@costumeandconservation Wait, what Japanese character?

[@lilygg]

@@imasinnerimasaint Mark Darcy was married/divorced prior to the beginning of the film to a Japanese lady. She cheated on him with Hugh Grant's character. Hugh lies to Bridget, telling her that the Japanese lady was his fiance and she cheated on him with Mark. Bridget believes the lie through the entire film until her mother unwittingly tells her the truth at the end.

[@imasinnerimasaint]

@@lilygg oh yeah, of course! Forgot about her. I may be dense, but what was wrong about the representation of her character?

[@sunshinesmile94]

imasinnerimasaint I think the issue was Bridget's mother saying offhand... "Japanese... A cruel race". It was straight from the book adaptation of the same name.

[@batshevanivylerner8582]

For me, the 1980 Pride and Prejudice is the best version of the book. I LOVE this version. I've watched it a zillion times. I should add, it's the first version I ever saw (back in the 80's).

[@costumeandconservation]

There is something to be said that ones first version of P&P will always be a favorite.

[@kellynch]

@@costumeandconservation not completely true. My first adaptation was 1940, but 1980 is my all-time favorite.

[@thenextpersonontheright]

Yes my 1980s version loving people! I adore it so much!

[@susanhaney3437]

I liked Elizabeth in the 1980 version, but IMHO Darcy was awful (sorry, whoever the actor was), and that really brought the whole production down.

[@batshevanivylerner8582]

@@susanhaney3437 of all the Darcys, he's the most faithful to the book and the time period. I love the Darcy from the 1980 version.

[@niuxen]

omg well now I know I have some p&p adaptations catching up to do, thanks :D

[@reynoldsVincent]

That was a lot of work in the public interest, saving me personally loads of time. I am not much for costumes but I would watch other reviews by you if you would make another. Ideas follow: I very much enjoyed The King's Speech which re-united the amazing Firth and charming Jennifer Ehle, whose acting decisions I adore generally and find fascinating, although I like Knightly and applaud her fine and dedicated performance as well. I do wonder what sort of Cate Stark Ehle would have made had she continued her role in the Game of Thrones pilot. I suspect she would have brought a lot of charisma into the iron will, a bit like Cate Blanchett's Galadriel. Both Ehle and Knightly are in au courant roles I would like to see if I could afford a lot of subscriptions, but I hope to see someday. I used to wear out the 95 version on cassette, but I own to being a purist as I must have as much of the original dialogue to enjoy the experience and the BBC has that. The 2005 version is more beautiful, but for me the point is the original text, so I resign myself to the 90s production values and I will further skip everything below Fine Eyes on your recommendation, or condemnation, rather, and keep my dogeared paperback at the ready as it sounds like the others are too modern for me.

[@zeroceiling]

I agree with you about 2005 version. I find the combination of the music and the cinematography along with the awesome acting… is like an ASMR experience. Our extended family gets together a few times a year and this movie invariably comes on… reaffirming the awesome qualities of belonging.

[@tjacobs4460]

The 1980s BBC version was my ‘first viewed’ film adaptation, so it is close to my heart ( and I would rate it higher). The Lizzie Bennet Diaries are a real treasure - even my husband enjoys them enough to want to watch them more than once! One other film not mentioned here is a strange one called ‘A Modern Pride and Prejudice’ . According to IMDB it was released in 2012, but distribution must have been very limited. The setting is modern (filmed in Colorado) but the language is spoken in the style of the book- creating a kind of mismatch between what you see and what you hear. I would have rated it ‘tolerable enough’ Thank you for your video!

[@Lara__]

Being a connoisseur myself, I agree with the top placing of the two iconic adaptations, with a slight preference over the more accurate 1995 one. One key difference is that "Death comes to Pemberley" would be thus polluting its own shades for me.

[@kellynch]

Agreed. I hated the book and hated the adaptation only slightly less.

[@Saihione]

Do you want to say why? Trying to figure out if it’s worth a watch…

[@Lara__]

@@Saihione well I have strong opinions what he sequel to "pride and prejudice" should be like. It should contain all the familiar characters we know and love, it should have a compelling plot, some type of continuity and it should also be faithful to Austen's writing style. "Death comes to Pemberley" failed on all of these counts. The murder plot and Lydia's return as a murderous villain is so far removed from what Austen would have imagined. I think a better story would have been Liz and Darcy's son or daughter going through a similar story as their parents, and the parents helping out in the end based on their experience, with a happy wedding at the end of something like that.

[@Casutama]

@@Lara__ I disagree on a couple of points. I think had Jane Austen written a sequel to Pride and Prejudice, that might be the case, but this is someone else taking the story and then continuing it in a different genre. I actually enjoy the fact that it's not the same genre. And I do think it still provides some sort of continuity. The murder plot is a bit contrived, which is why I'd certainly not rank it any higher than Fine Eyes, possibly, I'd rank it one rank lower, but with a better plot I would love it dearly. I think it does very interesting but realistic things with the characters we all love. Of course, you and I might be speaking from very different "backgrounds" - I am and have always been an avid reader of fanfiction for every book or film or series I enjoy (and before you turn up your nose at this: some people write fanfiction that really just brilliantly good and well-written). But speaking from that perspective, I am of course very much used to someone lovingly and respectfully taking the sequel or prequel to a story in a very different direction. I am used to it and I enjoy it. I understand that that isn't everyone's cup of tea though

[@michaelodonnell824]

@@Casutama The actual writer of Death Comes to Pemberley is a noted writer of Crime Dramas, which is why I thought the story seemed so disappointing. It was NOT a good Murder Mystery. Plus, in the ten years since the events of P&P, Elizabeth seemed to have gained no new acquaintances - strange

[@lesliestallard5187]

While I adore Colin Firth to me the best version was 1980s series

[@linnea4005]

LOVE THIS! Altho i Will Never be able to understand why you put bridget Jones so love because to me it absolutely (!!) betongs in 10 000 a year, simply because of how iconic it is on the whole but also because of the characterization and how they treat especially darcy and Elizabeth as these modern sort of over the top versions and i feel like it truly captured the essence of austens vibe and comedy

[@mjandbeans]

Do you mind sharing what platforms you streamed some of the older movies from? I'd love to be able to check them out. Thank you!

[@izzieluv]

I am so so so glad you liked P&P a Latter-Day Comedy!! I'm LDS and it was really my first exposure to P&P. It's cheesy, parts of the dialouge are awkward, but it really is so funny and fun and I totally agree you can tell they had a real reverence for the source material. Also, Darcy and Wickham are both hotties and Bingley is the cutest dork.

[@TheFranchiseCA]

Mollywood P&P is far better than it had any right to be, but I wonder how accessible it is to those who aren't at least culturally adjacent.

[@AndrielleHillis]

@@TheFranchiseCA Not very, according to a lot of the reviews of it.

[@locutusdborg126]

You crack me up. Liked and subbed.

[@emilystover5749]

Can you do a tier list of Jane Eyre movies??? There are so many out there and I love it almost as much as Pride & Prejudice. I would love to see your take on the different versions!

[@mjrmanson1]

I have seen many of these movies and I agree with your assessment except I would rate The Lizzie Bennet Diaries higher. I have watched the whole series several times and always enjoy it. It is the only version that brought tears to my eyes. I really like the fact that this version explores Lydia's character with so much depth and I love the character growth of most of the characters.

[@rukbat3]

I also like that you can really see Lizzie's flaws in this version, while still having her be a very likeable and relatable character.

[@mrouth5691]

The 1995 version is closest to the source material. The 2005 uses MODERN dialogue, trying to improve on Austen. Which is why it’s out my fave. Period.

[@Casutama]

I don't think they tried to "improve" on Austen, I think they tried to make it accessible to a wider audience and they succeeded. A lot of people say that this was their entry into "Austen world" and that they went on to fall in love with many of Austen's works afterwards. Also, they lift a lot of the dialogue straight from the book as well. Not as much as the 1995 version does, but still a considerable amount.

[@mrouth5691]

@@Casutama I used the term “improve” more as irony. The problem I had with the modern dialogue vs JA’s dialogue was that the difference in the style was jarring to me. But that’s just me personally. However, I do see where you’re coming from, tho, and thanks for that perspective.

[@finarakhima1327]

@@Casutama I agree with that. That's why the 2005 movie version successfully made many people wanna read Austen books. Great depiction, and captured so much the essence of the book but not in textual way like 1995 series. Big thanks to Joe Wright xD

[@finarakhima1327]

2005 version is not only the surface, it's the 'heart' of the book. It gives soul to audience. That's why many people like it. But I still appreciate 1995 too, it's different format for TV series.

[@angiect3791]

I agree, I can’t stand the KK version. It’s hard to even watch.

[@BuffytheRealSlayer]

I originally saw the 1995 version and it cemented my adoration of Colin Firth. I also bought this version for my mom one year for Christmas. Then the 2005 version came out. Matthew Macfadyen as Darcy. Be still me heart. That walk across the misty field is goals. Lol. This is the version I own. I mean, I enjoy the 1995 version as well, but the 2005 is my personal favorite.

[@cassieearle9196]

i love when they dance at netherfield ball, the proposal scene and when they do close ups of his hands.

[@finarakhima1327]

I love the almost kiss in the rain scene. Makes me butterfly :)

[@michaelodonnell824]

Except, and here's where it completely lost me - Isn't it WAY too close to what Lydia did only months earlier almost to the ruination of her whole family? Mind you, the Grottiness and the attempt to make Mrs Bennet (repeatedly called "Silly" by Jane Austen) seem sensible and logical had already pushed that P&P way down my list (Zombies is a FAR better adaptation and FAR truer to the sense of Austen's era, even if it does actually feature Zombies!)

[@malexander4094]

May already know: but Joe Wright (who did the 2005 film) had never seen the BBC version. He had, however, seen the 1940 film. He is also dyslexic & didn't read much as a kid, so had never read Austen's novel. I think in many ways, this accounts for the best strengths of the 2005. It's very much a fresh take. Lastly: I think one of its underrated strengths compared to the BBC version is, Lizzie & Darcy actually look their ages (20 & 28)!

[@sheleavitt06]

Mrs. Bennett is what I like about 1980. She feels more like a real person that I know in real life and not like a cartoon character in 1995 and even more cartoony in 2005. I know 1980 has other problems but Mrs. Bennett isn’t one of them.

[@kellynch]

Mrs. Bennet is the ONLY person in that family who fully understands what will happen to those girls when Mr. Bennet dies. She’s not the brightest bulb in the chandelier, but she understands the situation. I can’t stand the 1995 Mr. Bennet because I see him as a very toxic character, and the 1995 version makes him rather entertaining. I love 1980 and always will.

[@starlattevanille7598]

The 1980 version's teleplay was written by Australian novelist Fay Weldon. Years ago I stumbled across a non-fiction book she wrote, "Letters to Alice: On First Reading Jane Austen" in which she basically says Mrs. Bennett is the only one who truly understands the economic reality of their future situation - so I think that the fact Weldon wrote that version's teleplay might be why we get a more nuanced portrayal of Mrs. Bennett. (And on a unrelated side note Weldon's book on Jane Austen has one of the most beautiful descriptions on the act of writing that I've personally come across.)

[@kellynch]

@@starlattevanille7598 I’ve read Weldon’s book and thoroughly enjoyed it. 1980 & 2005 are also better about Mrs. Bennet than 1995 because both of them show that Mrs. Bennet had been a lovely young girl when she attracted Mr. Bennet. 1995 turns her into a caricature of a shrieking fishwife. There are so many reasons why 1995 isn’t my favorite, and the portrayal of the Bennet parents is just the tip of the iceberg.

[@JK-sh8rc]

@@kellynch Love your description of Mrs Bennet in the 1995 version as a shrieking fishwife! She's either angry or hysterical and somewhat stupid/clueless thru most of the series and not very likeable at all. It's the one thing about this version that I strongly disliked, everything else was perfection imo.

[@JaneGNova]

The Zombies casting was a good choice for me on this front. As written, the 95 version is bang on and the Zombies version of her follows this aggressively stupid lead, but with an extremely attractive actress her original appeal to Mr. Bennett makes a little more sense.

[@mysoulsayshello9927]

Good job. That was very entertaining to hear your take on these movies. Of note, I watch the 2005 adaptation when I am sad or anxious too. Watched it at least 15 times in 2020!

[@asianiewie9142]

Oh, 1980 miniseries is my favourite! I love all of the characters and their interactions, and the fact that the characters have their own set of clothes used throughout all the episodes! I would really reccomend it! I do not like the 2005 version so much, because I believe that it is hard to squeeze a whole book in one film. But I must admit that it is beautifully filmed, and I watched it over dozen times myself xD And I know that you focused on English adaptations, but I found and old Italian one on YT with eng subs, and I adore it! It is so cheerful and funny, I love it!

[@KLKarin-bu2vu]

Yes, it's my favourite, too. The 2005 version has really, really good casting, but the script is too modernised for my taste. And it's just too short to do the story justice. The 1995 version I like, but some of the acting is a bit over the top and I am one of the few people in the world who hate Mr. Darcy's swim in the lake scene... LOL!!

[@asianiewie9142]

@@KLKarin-bu2vu This scene is funny xD Not hot, definitely not hot xD

[@paulaprice493]

I also really love the 1995 and 2005 equally. I don’t know why it should be one or the other. But then I really love Colin Firth and Matthew MacFadyen equally also. As for other versions, I really like Bride and Prejudice, and Bollywood movies in general. Lost in Austen and Austenland were fun. I’m generally not a fan of sequels written by other authors many years later, but Death comes to Pemberley is an exception and very enjoyable. I’m going to have to go to the book on that one, because it’s P.D. James....

[@musicloverlondon6070]

All episodes of the 1967 BBC adaptation are currently available on You Tube although they are possibly at risk of being deleted by the BBC at any point but every episode of that version survives. 🙂

[@p_nk7279]

You missed The Jane Austen Book Club, which is one of those ‘adjacent’ style movies. They read all the books and they have their own relationship issues throughout, and the characters take on some aspects of the Austen characters. Of course it’s not only related to P&P since it covers all 6 books, but it’s not one to miss. It’s very good!

[@costumeandconservation]

I will have to check it out!

[@JustCallMeAnnie]

I love that movie!

[@katrianamalone2201]

There is much to love about so many of these movies. My biggest surprise was I LOVE death comes tp Pemberly . I was so enthralled and immediately drawn into the characters. I did not expect that.The only thing missing was a ballroom dance scene. I know this does not qualify for your list but can we talk about Becoming Jane?Breaks my heart and I cry every time. .

[@emmakate4313]

I have only watched the Lizzy Bennet Diaries after the fact and I LOVED it! Super fun and silly, and the Darcy reveal still lives in my mind. I screamed

[@ginafromcologne9281]

Very nice video! It's high time for a new version of Pride and Prejudice, don't you think? :) I could imagine some of the actresses from Call the Midwife playing some characters there.

[@rukbat3]

There is currently at least one in development, although I haven't heard anything about it in a while, and I don't have very high hopes for it since it sounded like the screenwriter wanted to emphasize the "darker" aspects of the story.

[@ginafromcologne9281]

@@rukbat3 Thank you! That's interesting, but hopefully they don't make it too dark.

[@WesleyAHuff]

Nicely done! I also liked the 1967 and 1980 versions. Both may not be masterpieces but they both have some very fine moments! I also liked Unleashing Mr. Darcy but I never thought of it as even remotely like the other versions. I am looking forward to watching your solid recommendations. Thanks a lot for that. I find that watching and rewatching these movies always makes me feel very good. You can find true love and although things are very tough, they will work out in the end. Happy, wonderful endings is probably Jane Austin’s great contribution. I also love the Jane Eyre movies. Why don’t you do a similar video on them?

[@dianestacks429]

Thank you for this; I enjoyed it immensely. Although I have by no means seen all the films, the three I'm most familiar with is the 1940, 1995 and 2005 versions. Considering the 1940 film was a celebration of Hollywood's Golden Age where visual excesses far exceeded scripted purity, it told the story appreciably. Greer Garson was one of the two performances as Elizabeth Bennet that I felt represented the character Jane Austen gave us. Jennifer Ehle was breathtaking in her performance as Elizabeth. Like many others, the character of Fitzwilliam Darcy came ALIVE in Colin Firth's performance so the 1995 version is by far my favorite. The 2005 film in many ways not only embraced the era of P&P but the best movie-making craft by Hollywood in set design, lighting, score and cinematography. To be honest there is another aspect of P&P where a location becomes almost a beloved character and that is Pemberley. As Darcy's estate is introduced in the 1995 version, is as breathtaking as is Ms. Ehle's Elizabeth Bennett.

[@sandman3384]

Aww i adored the 1980 version. I thought David Rintoul was a great Darcy (dare I say it better than Colin Firth just a tad), each to their own I suppose. Oh and yeah Bride and Prejudice is my guilty pleasure.

[@thenextpersonontheright]

I am with you, i love love love the 1980s version. The characterisations from the book are spot on. And David Rintoul is the perfect Darcy, he has a sense of humour, he not sullen. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is an abomination that needs to burn. No chemistry, shoehorning in the plot randomly, just awful. Also I love Bride and Prejudice, its so fun.

[@sandman3384]

@@thenextpersonontheright Oh thank golly I am not alone. Always wary about voicing my love for Rintoul's Darcy for fear of being lynched by the Firth brigade. Its funny how you get dare I say it defensive or even protective of your own fav!!!!!

[@imasinnerimasaint]

@@sandman3384 Mum found a few series of Dr Finlay in an op shop and sent them to me. Quite good. They star Rintoul and gave me a new appreciation for him.

[@sandman3384]

@@imasinnerimasaint oh I remember getting so excited when that came out as I had been patiently waiting for another Rintoul programme/series/film. Yeah I just remember it being very sweet.

[@imasinnerimasaint]

@@sandman3384 I can't say all of it was sweet - the second episode is pretty heavy, emotionally - but I certainly enjoyed it.

[@kimberlycarpenter9468]

Hi! My first time watching one of your videos. This was an interesting place to start! For me, your rankings seem a little arbitrary and hard to follow, so I would recommend you maybe make some categories that you think are important and give them scores that would relate to your ultimate ranking. (Faithful to the story, faithful to the metaphor, cinematography, entertaining, etc). Just an idea.

[@pridenprejudice2004]

Fun video! I'm wondering why you are so opposed to the double wedding when that's howJane Austen wrote the story?

[@joanaloneathome]

thank you for mentioning the double wedding trope, it's like the *one* thing I try to ignore about the 1995 adaptation! i love love love this version but the double wedding scene just feels so unnecessarily awkward!

[@avasophia1859]

I love the 1995 and 2005 versions EQUALLY for different reasons too! 🙌 Agreed with everything you said about those two.

[@janetkizer5956]

The thing about the double wedding is that most audience members are aching to see a wedding by the end, so why not a double wedding? Two for the price of one. After all that uncertainty, here's the payoff. I loved it, especially when Elizabeth and Darcy kiss, right at the end. The sweetest conclusion.

[@kellynch]

Here's the very first sentence of chapter 61: "Happy for all her maternal feelings was the day on which Mrs. Bennet got rid of her two most deserving daughters." This definitely can be read as a double wedding.

[@sheilalopez3983]

For me, the one with Colin firth is the best. Ms. Euel as Elizabeth (? sorry, I don't exactly remember the spelling of the actress's name), is the best foil for Darcy (Mr. Firth). The pride and the prejudice changes hands between them throughout this miniseries.

[@Molly-tv5sv]

For me, I love both the 1995 and 2005 versions equally; I watch P&P 2005 when I'm looking for a wonderful romanticised love story and 1995 when I want to revisit the plot of the book in a lot of detail and hear direct quotations (plus Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth as Lizzie and Darcy)

[@Shawnasart76597]

2005 P&P is my comfort movie- if I'm ever having a really bad day or am super anxious or sad, it will always make me feel better. It also introduced me to Austen, so I will always appreciate it for that.

[@captainsplifford]

The 1940 version with Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier is a sentimental favorite of mine. I saw it when I was 10 or 11, and it just stayed with me so much that I was preconditioned to love the novel when I first read it in 1991. (Also, it was cowritten by Aldous Huxley, fer chrissakes!) And thus, absolutely loved the BBC adaptation in 1995.

[@MissCaraMint]

Oh I agree. I love that version. It has adapted the strory very loosly in but the spirit really is there. You can see from the start that perhaps Darcy isn’t so bad as Elizabeth thinks him which I also kinda like. And Wickham is so sus. I love that about him.

[@shelinkzelda]

I love the scene where Collins is picking a Bennett and the sisters are speaking volumes with their exchanged glances

[@michellegarcia4432]

Would switch the 2005 version with the 1980 version.

[@agot7fan855]

Aw I really like bride and prejudice 😂 wish it was a bit higher lol.

[@sandman3384]

Mark bias here hahaha

[@lizben3463]

I completely agree with your top spots! I love both versions equally, too ❤

[@cloudquartz242]

The Lizzie Bennet Diaries should be 10,000 a year, it is the best modern adaptation and it has such respect and love for the source material! The acting is top tier, the format is innovative, I own the boxset, that is how much I love this series. I think it is absolutely a must-watch for pride and prejudice fans!

[@lenochod6]

I agree so much. The LBD is best!

[@krose2913]

Your description of the warrior princess trope that you enjoy makes me wonder if you have read the Throne of Glass series?

[@kosmos5177]

Porque no los dos, indeed! If I want candy in a movie form, I go with Knightley. If I want in-depth, I go with Firth!

[@mlwest4141]

I equally like the 1980, 1995 and 2005 versions, for varying reasons for each. I like different actors from each if these movies as the ideal portrayal of what I think the character should look and sound like. I'm okay with a bit of variation amongst each and from the book.

[@Cassandra-..-]

Yep, I agree with almost all of your takes. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies was such a fun read - lots of in-jokes that a P&P fan will love - and the movie was fun, too. Death Comes to Pemberly is a really good mystery novel! I will for the movie, for sure. Lizzie Bennett Diaries was really good/interesting in the moment, but I really just go back and watch one of the last episodes where Ashley Clements does an impression of many of the other characters. Really shows her talent. And the expanded Gigi Darcy character was good, too.

[@SusanLH]

I was curious how you'd feel about the 1980s version of P&P and I think it's a generational thing. On one level it probably captures Regency society better because it had to have been a serious place with a thick layer of manners and societal expectations on top. The world was much different when I grew up during the 1960s, and there was little latitude to behave differently; it was all wit and fun as JA writes and Lizzy does so well. It's hard to appreciate that world if you didn't grow up then. I also love David Rintoul's Darcy: he kills haughty and proud the best of all Darcy's.

[@JK-sh8rc]

My favorite versions are 1980 & 1995. I hated the way Longbourn was portrayed in the 2005 version. So dirty & unkempt! I almost expected to see chickens & livestock wandering thru the house!

[@kellynch]

@@JK-sh8rc where was the dirt? I never saw any. I will say that it didn’t look like a museum. It looked like people actually lived there. The house used was a real house that was lived in during the Georgian era. I’ve seen the blueprints of the house, and it’s what it should be - a house with a farm attached. And we know for the book that the Bennets had a farm.

[@JK-sh8rc]

@@kellynch I agree that the Bennett family wasn't as wealthy as Mr Darcy or Mr Bingley, but they weren't poor either. The pig walking thru the house shot, filthy doors, walls & door moldings were everywhere, not to mention the stained wallpaper & dirty upholstery. Plus the shot of Mrs. Bennett with filthy shoes & stockings! And they have numerous servants, so I'm used to seeing their home portrayed as the (clean) home of gentleman. You can show a family living in a house without all dirt & grime IMO.

[@starlattevanille7598]

The 1980s is my preferred version as well because of Rintoul's Darcy and also Elizabeth Garvie's Elizabeth Bennett. I have always thought Garvie hands down came closest to portraying the Elizabeth I personally envisioned from the book.

[@SusanLH]

@@JK-sh8rc To give the 2005 version its due the pig didn't actually walk through the house itself but a covered walkway between the house and an adjoining building. But this isn't my preferred version either. No family trying to keep up its head in society, especially one that believed theu had the status to marry into the Bingley or Darcy fortunes would live in a way that would lead them to be counted as farmers (think Mary in Persuasion and her anger at the likelihood of having a farmer's son and curate as in law). I think Mrs Bennett, who married "up" with a gentleman from a family in trade, would have understood that and been careful with their status.

[@jillfoutz9557]

I agree with you on the top picks! I love both those versions for different reasons. Yes, the Kiera Knightly version has the most beautiful music--definitely a comfort film for me! The only change I would make is, I liked Bride and Prejudice so, I would put it in Fine Eyes! It is super funny if you enjoy silly humor! And watch it especially if you like dance!!