I've read Jane Austin?s Pride & Prejudice, seen the A&E mini-series with Colin Firth (love him!) and I've now seen Pride & Prejudice 2005. This is going to be a comparative between the mini-series and the movie. First of all, I think it is important to note that the mini-series is approx. five hours long and the movie is approx. half that. This provides the mini-series with an advantage. The mini-series is SO true to the book in just about every realm. One has a chance to get to know the characters thoroughly and fall in love with Mr. Darcy right along with Lizzy. However, there is one major thing missing from the mini-series that the movie possessed: PASSION! Colin Firth's portrayal of Mr. Darcy was bar none, but the young lady who played Lizzy (cannot recall her name at the moment) lacked the passion to meet him in the middle.
Keira Knightly and Matthew Macfayden were by far breathtaking in their portrayals of each character. I was left breathless many times by the slight looks given by Matthew Macfayden and received by Keira Knightly. The passion of the 2005 movie version is undeniable! However, be aware that Hollywood did what Hollywood does best: Fluffed it up and made it their own. The mini-series version is so deep and involved with the original story line that it is totally engrossing. However, the movie version brings the story to life with the passion and resonance that Ms. Austin intended. I would recommend watching both. The mini-series for the depth of character development and strict storyline and the movie for the passion and moral awareness that this story was meant portray.