Which version of each character is your favorite?

They are like apples and oranges in my mind. Both great for different reasons. The Hollywood version does an excellent job with the drama and cinematography. I also feel like it’s accessible to more audiences. BUT the clever dialogue and restrained, yet deeply moving interactions between the characters in the BCC version add a layer of complexity and subtlety that is unmatched and just so quintessentially English in all its delicious, emotionally repressed glory

The chemistry between Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen seals the deal for me

The BBC version will always be the definitive version. Ehle and Firth's restrained and nuanced acting is PERFECT for Austen's elegant and sparkling Comedy of Manners. Darcy carries himself with the regal hauteur as one can expect from a man with an aristocratic bloodline. Jennifer's portrayal of Elizabeth is the perfect mix of gentility, wit, and spirit. She just has that subtle glow that is simply * chef's kiss. * Also, the whole series is just a masterclass in microexpressions. The best part is that you can actually see the way each character moves through the strict rubric of Regency society in a subtly humorous way. The first time I watched the 1995 version, I immediately knew that Pride & Prejudice was more than just a love story, but also a social satire. The romance between Lizzy and Darcy serves as a vehicle for Austen to make her commentary of the era's social mores. That's where the 2005 version completely fails to understand. Joe Wright even admitted never read Pride & Prejudice. He only watch the Olivier version and read an early draft of the 2005 movie script...and it SHOWS. If you're not going to acknowledge or respect the fact Austen's novels goes far deeper than just romance, then you have no business adapting her work in the first place.

I used to skip Lydia’ scenes growing up because she annoyed me too much XD

I have absolutely no doubt that Mary hardcore wanted to marry Mr Collins. I feel like it is another show of the failure of Mr Collins as a character; he had the opportunity to marry a woman who would have been perfect for him but because he goes after the pretty Bennet girls he completely misses the one woman who would probably have made him very happy of the five of them.

I love both versions, but the scene where Lizzie saves Georgiana from mortification (the pianoforte scene) in the BBC version is perfection. The way that Darcy and Lizzie look at each other with perfect understanding and love is wonderful.

For Mr Collins, I feel like Tom Hollander's delivery of "WHAT EXCELLENT BOILED POTATOES. Many years since I've had such an exemplary vegetable!" is just etched in my brain 😂

Colin Firth as Mr Darcy is perfection.

Colin Firth. There's no other choice for me.

Mr. Collins in the BBC version is just genius! He is way funnier than in the Hollywood one.

And here I thought that I was the only one that realized Mary's feelings towards Mr Collins 😆

BBC version hands down, it's more faithful to the book and the characters are more fully developed. My only criticism is that the characters look a bit older than they are supposed to be. I prefer Hollywood Jane and Bingley though. I loved the zombie version too for entertaining sillyness.

Colin is my true Mr. Darcy. After finally reading the book, I was so excited to watch the 2005 film but it just didn’t hold up for the expectations I had. I really feel like books are also just meant to have episodes like the BBC one, like you said you get so much more in depth with the characters.

The Hollywood version is my comfort movie and my favorite Pride and Prejudice version. I watch it all the time and I have it playing in the background when I’m doing things around the house. I also like just listening to the music.

BBC version. Hands down. I have problems with adaptions that don’t reflect the period as well…..costumes, hairstyles, character behaviour.

definitely prefer the BBC one. Although the Hollywood one is fine, the BBC one feels more like the characters are real. Elizabeth is sassy with lots of facial expressions which makes sense as she can't say whatever she wishes all the time. Mr. Bennet also seemed like a British dad. (I may not be a brit, but I lived there and my friends' dads had that similar way of acting). I found Mr. Darcy to have, as you said, much more pride, and again the fact that you get more out of each character in the BBC version makes the story feel more real. :)

BBC version renders a more pure projection of the novel & therefore justifies all the characters. Essentially, I feel it somehow captures the zeitgeist much better along with a brilliant set of actors playing their respective roles.

My heart loves the Hollywood version. My intellect loves the BBC version.

I will always love Matthew McFadyen's Darcy, he will be my favourite until I die. But Colin Firth's was good too

No contest for me, I adore the Hollywood version. Matthew MacFadyen and Keira Knightley are

Colin Firth will forever and always be the quintessential Mr.Darcy in my heart

I LOVE the BBC version. I made my brother watch it too. And now we always quote Mr. Collins saying, "800 pounds!" whenever we want to emphasize that something is surprising/exciting. LOL I am not a fan at all of the Hollywood version. The end when Lizzie says, "I've been nonsensical!" makes me cringe soooo hard. Because a) that was so out of character for Lizzie, b) she may have misjudged but Mr. Darcy is far from blameless so I feel like she's taking on all the blame when she says that, and c) I just find the scene so cringy and embarrassing that I can't watch it. I also don't like Keira Knightley as Lizzie because the scene where Mr. Darcy thinks her plain, and then later when the girl tries to say how ugly she is just makes noooo sense. Keira Knightley is stunning. I think the BBC version is a way better cast because she is very beautiful but you could see how some people might not see that. So much of her beauty is in the intelligence in her eyes. Anyway, I've rambled on for too long. TL;DR BBC is chef's kiss. Hollywood is cringe.

Colin firth is the best darcy for me, that scene where he dives into the lake is off the scale. And the look that elizabeth has on her face, as he steps out, pure naked lust. And all the better for it.

Wasn’t Jane supposed to be the prettiest? Hollywood did a better job of casting for Jane

Hollywood version just makes me feel all the feels

Matthew MacFadyen. Ugh I loved him so much. Their chemistry was great. He will always be my favorite.

Loves this video and yes to other Jane Austen adaptations! I like them both but Colin Firth will forever be Mr. Darcy to me!

1995 BBC version. There is no substitute. I'm sorry but the BBC version has characters. The movie has caricatures. I mean, yes there is a lot more emotion in every important scene but they had to add more emotion because they removed all the intelligence. In the BBC version Darcy's declaration and Lizzy's refusal is a battle of the wits, a swordfight with words where as in the movie it's yelling in the rain.

Since the BBC version is longer, it's definitely more true to the book. The scene she shows for Lady de Burgh is a perfect example: In the Hollywood version Lady de Burgh shows up in the middle of the night and mentions "the little wilderness" on their property. Why would you mention a place to walk if you aren't going to walk there?

I really enjoyed this video (Colin Firth Darcy all the way). I loved when you called Wickham a predator. He is absolutely in this day and age, but the age he went for in the era this was written is a different matter. Thankfully we've evolved since then, but it wasn't uncommon or even considered wrong then.

I love the 2005 pride and prejudice I love kiera Knightley Elizabeth bennet and the chemistry between her and Matthew McFadden I absolutely love it 💖💝🥰😘

P&P 1980 is also a really good, book accurate version. Yes, it's not as cinematic perhaps, but it's solid. Both Lizzie and Darcy are well cast. I reccomend it, if you're looking to check out other versions.

For me, it has to be the Hollywood version. I love the way Keira Knightley plays Elizabeth 🖤

When it comes to Darcy I have to go with BBC because he really feels like th book character. In terms of retellings I really love The Lizzie Bennet Diaries

I loved how the Lizzie Bennett Diaries portrayed Lydia. And yess Jane and Mr Bingley in the movie are so cute! But Mr Bingley in the KZfaq version though 👀😍

The Hollywood version just melts my heart 🥺 I don’t think any other movie or show makes me squeal as much

I'm so glad someone beside me saw Bride & Prejudice (the Bollywood version). At the time, I remember being impressed that it also starred Sayid from Lost.

I’m with you, I love the Hollywood version. The music is phenomenal too!

Oh you're so wrong! I admit I am a huge fan of the book so the BBC version, being closer to the original material, is my favorite but the Hollywood adaptation is exactly that, a glossy version of what Americans think British people are like. And chickens in the kitchen and pigs in the courtyard? The Bennets were gentry, seriously now, we get that they are poorer than Bingley and Darcy, you don't need them to have actual livestock in their house!! (It's been a while and details are fuzzy but there are definitely farm animals in their home)

The best version is Bridget Jones Diary. 😆

Emily squealing "they're so cute" about Mr. Bingley and Jane is so damn relatable

I will always love the BBC version of Pride And Prejudice more then the Hollywood version just love Colin Firth as Mr Darcy 😍 and I have never seen the bollywood version before.

I love both so much, it just depends on what mood I'm in but when it comes to the first rejection by Lizzie to Darcy, the BBC version wins for me. I saw the clip played and while Lizzie is going off, someone edited in "turn down for what" and added a caption on tumblr, "rest in pieces, Mr. Darcy" and that's what got me to watch the series in the first place. It cracks me up every time. There were cute pining moments in the movie where both are awkward and two particular stand out scenes for me are Lizzie mentioning that Jane was shy (cause Darcy thought she was snobby) and Mr. Bennet being exasperated by his family but clearly still loving them (in the BBC version, he clearly only tolerates his wife and children aside from Lizzie). I love the chemistry between each pair but I do feel that Jennifer Ehle is very underrated as Lizzie and more of her playfulness comes through.

Hollywood version is a beautiful film with an enticing love story but I feel it is not a faithful depiction of the world created by Austen in herbook,. As a result, the depth of the relationship between the characters, their differences and similiaries, subtleties in the interractions, all of that gets a bit lost in translation. For example, in the novel Darcy is proud and reserved and not socially awkward (like he seems in the movie version) and this is something Colin Firth portrayed so well. And after rewatching both versions recently I do also prefer the BBC Elizabeth.

Please do videos about more Jane Austen adaptations. ❤️👍

The 2005 adaptation made me want to read the book, I love it so muchhh

I love that you mentioned the KZfaq version!!! The Lizzie Bennett Diaries was SO GOOD!! To any of you who haven’t watched it, it was a really fun take on Pride & Prejudice in modern times!! (Also I think that Hank Green had a hand in production of it in some way-he didn’t write it, but helped find/fund it maybe?) I never watched the movie versions until after I had read the book, so I feel like I don’t have the same nostalgia that others do for them!

Anyone notice during the rain scene right after Keira rejects him, he leans in ever so slightly and whispers "please". That and the hand clench seals it for me

I'm a simple girl I see P&P and Emily I click

i love the layout here!! so cozy

Oh I just love the Hollywood version!

Ahhhhhh this style of video was so unexpected but I’m loving it! As much as I love the BBC version the Movie version is such a comfort watch for me, so I’m biased hehe

This is a sign! I need to watch the BBC version right now!

Really cute set up! I like that lamp :)

There Is a retelling of Pride & Prejudice by Curtis Sittenfeld called Eligible, that I would love your thoughts on. And the BBC version is the best! Colin Firth is Mr. Darcy. I highly recommend the BBC adaptation from 2008 of Sense & Sensibility, its just fenonomal and I dodn't hear many talk about it.

I think the 1995 was the overall better adaptation, and it removed the "will they/won't they" aspect a bit, as Firth's Darcy is actually open about his attraction to Lizzie to others (like he is in the novel)... With that said, there's just something about the drama and the chemistry of the 2005 version that makes it my preferred adaptation

The BBC version is by far the best, imo.

My favorite booktuber talking about my favorite Jane Austen book! This video was such a joy to watch! 😊

Love this video!

I love Colin Firth okay, he's plenty awkward as Darcy BUT I have to go with Matthew MacFadyen, because even though we get more of Darcy behind the scenes in BBC, Matthew is portraying the awkwardness and sheer 'I hate these interactions, I don't wanna be here' somehow better and more believable. So for me, it's definitelly Matthew

Colin Firth was the best 😍

I definitely prefer the BBC Elizabeth. I didn't like what Hollywood did with her. In the book and the BBC version she is a well educated, smart, witty lady. She is sassy and a bit unconventional, but still a lady. Her sassiness is clever and fun, not blunt and rude like she sometimes is in the Hollywood version. Hollywood wanted to make her more emotional I guess, but still they could write some of her lines better. I guess that one of the things that I liked most about Elizabeth was her smart, playful wit. The BBC version got that well and even added to it, while Hollywood did a poor job there. Anyway, I like seeing different versions of P&P and I think it's time for either BBC or Hollywood to come up with a new one :)

I always replay the proposal scene in the rain in the Hollywood version a couple of times cause it is just so iconic; the things he say, the way Lizzie reacts, the dialogue, the sexual tension, the facial expressions, yes please!

In "The Other Bennet Sister" by Janice Hadlow, which is about Mary, it does explore the idea that she would have said yes to Mr. Collins and that she might have been a better match for him.

i know that you are only doing bbc vs hollywood adaptation but i gotta say, i will forever love the Lizzie Bennet diaries´s version of Lydia. I feel that in the web series they did a great job of bringing more personality to side characters than at least the hollywood version did, to be fair tho, the web series is like 10 hours long and the movie only 2 and half (?)

Would love to see you do a indigenous author recommendations video ?

I just can't with the Hollywood versions; the Hollywood version is a romantic NON-AUSTEN movie, that I wish wasn't called Pride & Prejudice. The way Hollywood Mr and Mrs Bennet were portrayed undercut Lizzie's fear of marrying someone she can't respect, the lazy shorthand of "poverty" of Longbourne annoyed me, and all the inappropriate settings (the late night sojourn of Lady Catherine de Burgh… why?), the open shirted walk at dawn by Darcy, the literally wet declaration of love by Darcy (again, romantic… but more Bronte than Austen, really)…

I feel that hollywood is just " more emotional" because the emotions of the characters are made to be more overdramatic and exaggerated , its hollywood in the end. While bbc does this emotions in a more subtle while contrasts these emotions with the rules and morals from the regency times. Thats the thing in that version, they want to explode but they cant because is improper , while in hollywood they do explode, because is a more modern look and approch to the story. I will go with bbc because i think that dinamic is more complex to watch. But as for characters Lady catherine: i like the 80s version better. Between hollywood and bbc 95, i guess i would go for bbc because she was more " ridiculous", i think alot of people dont realize that is a character suposed to be more comic, she is scary but she is ridiculous. Judi denche was just scary Georgiana: 95. You could really see the shy girl who just came out of a traumatic experience, the hollywood one made her too lively Charlotte Lucas: on 95 i really could feel her cold and pratical personality way more, 2005 it was just more desperate, where charlotte i feel is suposed to be pratical. She was also too gigly instead of a mature sensible woman, almost in her 30s. Didnt like the scene where she screams with lizzy, regency ladies didnt behave like that Mr Collins: i like all, i think that is a character where they nailed in all versions. But i think i go will hollywood, he was funny and also more realistic. Kitty: BBC. On 2005 i feel she was so much like lydia insted of the air hair who mimics her Caroline: BBC. She was Caroline Bingley to the T. Every scene she nailed. Lydia: BBC. She's an animal in that version, but a special shout out to the lydia from the lizzie bennet diaries, but that is a modern lydia so... not exactly the one we have in the book Colonel Fitzwilliam: Not a special character for me in any version, not even in the book. But i go for BBC too Mr and Mrs Bennet: I will go for Mr Bennet for the bbc version, the irony, the witty... hollywood was too soft, that is not the mr bennet from the book. But mrs bennet my favorite is the 80s version, but between the two i will go for hollywood, because she was still over the top but in a more human way Mr Wickham: BBC. On the hollywood version he just fades without explination. Mary: I like the simpatetic view they gave her in the hollywood version, is not the mary from the book but is a good change, so i will go with her Jane and Mr Bingley: I like both Jane's. Jane in the hollywood movie was more lively, jane in the bbc version was more shy, bbc is more accurate. The part where darcy didnt see her having feelings for bingley dont make much sense in the hollywood version because she is so more open with him. But i like both, bbc a bit better. But bingley I HATE IN THE HOLLYWOOD VERSION. They made him dumb and stupid, stupid than mr collins. Jane is a inteligent woman how is she going to fall for him? And how darcy is gonna be his friend? he hates dumb people. BBC all the way. Darcy and Elizabeth. BBC. Keira Knightley made elizabeth bennet turn in joe march from little women. And macfadyen made darcy like an edward ferrars, all shy and awkward.

Hollywood Darcy reminded me so much of a guy I had a crush on at the time I first watched it (the hand scene was his brand of awkwardness) that that version will always be my favourite.

Colin definitely. I need to reread and rewatch everything for other characters. But Colin will always be Mr. Darcy.

I have watch all the versions you mention but I grew up watching the 2005 versions and that makes it my favorite ❣️ nothing wrong with the other ones it's just my personal preference.

I just rewatched both the other day and then you post this 😂 I also noticed Mary’s infatuation with Mr Collins. As to who’s the better Mr Darcy, I can’t choose I love them both 😂🙈

I have yet to read this book and to watch either adaptation. (Yet Colin Firth very firmly is Mr Darcy for me somehow!) But you betcha that didn't stop me from watching this video and loving it. The format is a lot of fun! Please discuss other adaptations of novels you enjoyed in the future!

I watched the hollywood movie before reading the book, and I got some hints that caroline liked Darcy. Like when she says "and something in her air and manner of walking". In all that scene she's trying to get Darcy to notice her. It is true thought that in the BBC version it is much more emphasized and I really liked that.

I love the setting though! 😍

Amazing one!! I am more of a "Hollywood" P&P person because that's the first one I watched and the one I've watched countless times. I would choose that one too as my favorite, but not as the best adaptation. Like you've said the BBC one is longer so it gives us more time with the characters + the fact that is the most similar to the book, so the best adaptation. But those scenes you mentioned about the Hollywood one... Specially the one in the rain... That one gets every single time!! I would be curious to know what your opinion is on the Emma versions, the BBC and either the Hollywood with Paltrow or the newest one, because for that one my answer is an easy BBC!! 😊

Emily! Speaking of Pride and Prejudice, I'm looking for book recommendations for my upcoming honeymoon! I want something not too mushy, super engaging, and not a romance....any ideas?

Hahah this video was so fun!

Oh My God!!!! I'm losing my mind rigth now!!!! This is my favorite video of yours, I'm so, so obssessed with P&P and when I got the notification I couldn't believe my eyes.... I agree that the BBC version is closer to the book because it's longer and we get to see a lot more scences and details, but for me the Hollywood version is by far the greatest, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth are pure gold. No one can deny how great Colin Firth is, he was perfect DArcy, but in my head when I was reading the book for the first time(many, many years ago) I definitely imagined someone like the 2005 version. I think Matthew MacFadyen captured Mr. Darcy personality so much better, specially at the beginning when he's more aloof and socially awkward and more introverted. And, of course, the scene in the rain when there was an almost kiss, it gets me everytime.... So, please, do more videos like this. You are amazing!!! Also, my cat's name is Mr. Darcy, so...there is no need to say more :D

And yes, please do Mansfield Park and Sense and Sensibility. I have opinions on both. Emma would be cool too since there are at least 4 versions :D

This is such a cute video idea, I am here for it! That being said, I haven’t seen the BBC version so I only have the Hollywood version as reference. Maybe I should watch the BBC version... but since I’m so attached to the Hollywood version I’m scared of possibly finding the other version superior. 🤭

The Hollywood version was my first introduction to the story so it will always be my favourite! It had such a special place in my heart ❤

"The Other Bennet Sister" by Janice Hadlow is all about Mary!

I will go for the Hollywood version because it's the only version I saw 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️ Emily , I have a question if you don't mind. Why you don't post in your beauty Chanel anymore?? .

If you havent seen it, there was another "adaptation" of the story called Lost in Austen (which I actually adore), where a woman from modern england swaps places with Elizabeth. Honestly one of my favourite tellings of the story, albeit a slight departure from the original (think slightly twisted tale). I love the actor who played Darcy in the Hollywood film, but the one from the Lost in Austen tv show is excellent too! Highly recommend! (Its a 4 part mini series)

Also, BBC is definitely a let down for me when it comes to emotions altogether. There's a lot of awkward staring with a blank face that doesn't say really anything and WE KNOW that during that time those people had to flirt using everything they could spare bc they couldn't even talk to their crush alone

THE BEST VERSION { the only one in my book } is the 1995 BBC one with Colin Firth. There was so much attention to detail in every single facet of this presentation. The clothing was phenominal, the interiors, Coilin Firth's body language throughout this role. His silences spoke volumes!!!!

Am I misremembering or did Jane Austen not have a brief line about Mary being willing to accept Mr. Collins? It was very quick but I swear it was there. (I can't find my physical copy to check)

I love the Bollywood version! 😂 I need to rewatch it sometime. It has so many gold scenes 😂 I also need to rewatch the BBC and Hollywood versions, but BBC will forever be my favourite and Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle my ultimate Darcy and Lizzie 💜 I agree with you on Mary having a thing for Mr Collins in the BBC version! He was so gross though 🤢😂

The important questions!!!! Colin Firth as Mr Darcy is just special, but I love Matthew Macfadyen's rendition too. Also love your lamp! Pride and Prejudice is so special to me, and I love watching and reading all its adaptations! I don't even know how I would rank them. The BBC one is close to my heart, but i also love the Hollywood one, Keira Knightly and Matthew Macfadyen's chemistry was fantastic 😍. I recently saw the KZfaq one and I was so surprised by how well done it was!! And the bollywood and zombies ones are fun too 😂 p&p book adaptations have been more of a miss for me, but I'll still read them 😅

My disgust response is triggered by the appalling sentimentality of the Hollywood version. Pride and Prejudice as if it were Wuthering Heights. Yeurrrckkk. BBC all day, night, year, epoch, etc. (1995 Persuasion, even better).

Kiera Knightley has my vote as the best Lizzie. And Matthew McFayden definitely gets my vote for the best Mr. Darcey!

The Hollywood version is definitely one I tend to watch every year lol

I absolutely loved this discussion. I am a huge sucker for P&P adaptations in any form, TV show, movie, books, etc. I flip flop between which I like more. I think probably the BBC version. But I always come back to the Hollywood version if I want to experience the story quickly and to enjoy the angst. You should check out A Date with Darcy by Tiffany Schmidt if you want to read a YA version of the story. I loved it.

The BBC series IS Pride and Prejudice for me. The cast is THE cast. I've tried with the film but my brain won't have it. "Why is Keira Knightley pretending to be Lizzie Bennett? Why is that mumbly American man pretending to be Mr Bennett?" The 1995 version is my comfort viewing.

Thing you said about Mary and Mr. Collins. I just read The other Bennet sister, it's Mary's story, and it was mentioned there too!

I literally just watched Pride and Prejudice and Zombies last night, and now you post this! Lol

I’d have to say that while I like both adaptations, the BBC production kept the characters closest to their portrayals in the book and so that one wins for me hands down as I am a bit of a JA purist. The Hollywood adaptation lost me on several of their choices and omissions. Though the cast was fantastic.

I agree with you on some, but honestly, I strongly disagree with you about Mr Darcy and Elizabeth. I am a booklover first, and I can't stand Kiera Knightley. Jennifer Ehle is the best and has so much expression on her face that shows how she is feeling without having to be overly dramatic. Colin Firth carries himself the way I think of Mr. Darcy in the book and brings the character I love to life!