no matter the version, pride and prejudice will sweep you away

By: Valerie Menendez

Pride and Prejudice has always held a special place in my heart, and I’m certain the same can be said for other Jane Austen enthusiasts. Published in 1813, the story has proudly withstood the test of time, inviting new generations of eager readers and viewers, especially following the 1995 British television series and the 2005 film adaptation.

​I remember the feeling I had the first time I watched the 2005 version on my TV,  somewhere around my sophomore year. For 2 hours and 8 minutes I sat transfixed, my curiosity piqued, never realizing how much the film would later impact me. I fell in love with the melodramatic scenes, the scripted cheesy plot dynamics – I even got emotional watching the ending as a die hard romance genre lover. I was devastated when the movie ended because it was only then I had realized how much of a trance I was in. (You know you don’t want a movie to end when you make it all the way through the end credits). You can imagine my surprise, then, when I realized this was one of many versions of the story: in fact, there have been 17 film adaptations since 1938. There is no denying there has to be something about Pride and Prejudice that resonates with audiences; the same something that made me binge-watch the 1995 series; the same something that led to another popular version in 2016 and an upcoming release in early 2026; and the same something for which I now write, hoping to invite you, the reader, into a world you may never want to leave.

Let’s begin with the 2005 re-release. I absolutely live for the enemies-to-star-crossed-lovers genre, prominently on display through the protagonist Elizabeth Bennet, played by Keirra Knightley and the antagonist Mr. Darcy, played by Matthew Macfadyen. 

Despite there being so many recognizable scenes in this adaptation, I appreciated how much more tension was created by their prideful relationship, evident even in the most simplistic of acts. Take, for example, when Mr. Darcy’s character helps Elizabeth Bennet into a carriage and offers his hand out for assistance.The subtle touch sparks the first sense of potential romance between the two. It portrays the genre well; the two hadn't been lingering romantically due to their tense dynamic of hatred and prejudice on display before the carriage incident. We watch this moment unravel on screen when Mr. Darcy walks away immediately afterwards. The camera pans to him clenching his fingers tightly in his hand, revealing that he was, more than likely, affected by the thought of possible future romance with Lizzie. The shot was followed by a close up to Elizabeth Bennet's facial expression as she looked back, as Mr. Darcy walked away from her and the carriage. This scene has captured many fans' hearts, and it will undoubtedly do the same to yours.  

 The 1995 version of the on-screen story, which stars Jenifer Ehle as  Elizabeth Bennet, delivered a staggering performance of excellence. Not only did she bring ambiguity and authenticity to Austen's character, she embodied the protagonist's role to perfection. The first thing that caught my eye from this adaptation was just how much more we get to see of Mr. Darcy, played by Colin Firth, and how much more context is included to better understand Elizabeth’s point of view. Those watching get to really experience the dramatic story through each of their eyes, revealing the depth of Austen’s characterizations. Unlike the 2005 adaptation, we do not get a dramatic love confession in the pouring rain; we do, however, get to see how each character deals with the thoughts of  rejection. It pans between shots of Lizzie’s emotional state, but mostly focuses on Mr. Darcy who writes a letter to formulate reasons as to why Elizabeth has rejected him. Overall, in this onscreen adaptation, we  get more inside access to clearly see how and why characters exhibit their emotions.

I enjoyed watching both the 2005 film and the 1995 show; however, I was a bit disappointed in how abrupt the ending was for the series, which  ended as soon as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy got together, excluding a wedding or proper finale. It was very brief according to its production's decision to be faithful to Austen's novel that disregards a classic wedding day happy ending. The movie went for a more cinematic ending and feel, while the series stayed true to the original novel. While I enjoyed both adaptations, my personal favorite will always remain the 2005 version. I’m a sucker for the dramatic ambiguity brought on screen, and although it may seem cheesy, it takes my heart away. 
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Every single time.