The Christmas Special

The holiday season is on and I guess most of you have already made plans. Does your plan include watching your favorite Period Drama? Well, which one are you most willing to watch?

Downton Abbey Christmas Special

Downton Abbey Christmas Special

Like last year, Downton Abbey Christmas Special episode would be on air on ITV. It is probably the biggest name in period drama series presently.

This year too, the special episode would be full of drama and love and betrayal. ITV has put in strong efforts in making this one and is expecting over ten million viewers worldwide!

Let me give you a head-start, somebody already has a romantic something for Branson, Lady Edith might have a new love interest, yet again and there is some more romance, involving Mrs. Patmore! This is going to be interesting and promises drama to the very end.

Call the Midwife Holiday Special

Call the Midwife Holiday Special

I love this series because of its sheer honesty and realism. There's hardly anything dramatic about it yet you enjoy watching it.

This is Call the Midwife's first Christmas Special (obviously). So, like always the Nonnatus House and its residents are busy with work even in the holiday season (sure, childbirth wouldn't wait for the holidays to finish). Jenny Lee and Chummy are uptight with their schedule. What else, nurses and nuns are trying to find the parents of a newborn and Chummy is trying to organize something (sounds like an oxymoron Chummy : Organize).

Kind Jenny is looking for the children of an elderly vagrant, so there's quite a lot of work to be done.

 I can't decide which one am I going to watch. The one with lavish drama or the one which actually celebrates childbirth.

I would love to know your reasons for watching (or not watching) these dramas.

Happy Holidays!

Atonement (2007)

Zack Mandell is a movie enthusiast, writer of movie reviews, and owner of Movie Room Reviews which has great information on movies and actors. He writes extensively about the movie industry for sites such as Gossip Center, Yahoo, NowPublic, and Helium.

Atonement (2007)

Atonement is a well written, beautifully performed period film that was first released in 2007. It was adapted from the novel by the same name, written by Ian McEwan, and released in 2001. Atonement begins by painting a picture of life in the joyful English country side of 1935. Having recently recovered from the horrors of World War I, Britain is experiencing a calm that is soon to be shattered by the start of World War II. 

Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan), is a 13 year old girl caught up in, and held captive by the immaturity of her young age. She’s the younger sister of Cecilia Tallis (Keira Knightley), the secret admirer of her sister’s love interest, Robbie Turner (James McAvoy), and the one responsible for shattering the potential happiness of three young lives.

The drama begins after Briony witnesses, and improperly interprets a shared moment between Cecilia and Robbie through an upstairs window. Briony begins to think of Robbie as someone he’s not, and her secret crush on Robbie clouds her ability to see things for how they really are. The film does a great job of demonstrating this by showing this scene first through the eyes of Briony, and then from the perspective of Robbie and Cecilia. What Briony interprets as a rude, aggressive advance on Robbie’s part is actually the first expression of mutual interest, or love, Robbie and Cecilia share on screen.

The innocence and joy of those involved is soon to be shattered. After their first charged episode of on screen interaction between Robbie and Cecilia, Robbie returns home and sets out to write Cecilia a letter. He writes, and re-writes the letter, finally producing two versions, an appropriate letter, and another that’s suggestive to say the least.

Although he doesn't intend on giving the second letter to Cecilia he mistakenly grabs it on his way out the door. Through an act that can only be described as bad luck, Robbie gives the letter to Briony to give to her sister Cecilia. Being incapable of self-control, Briony reads the letter and finds it disgusting, but at the same time becomes jealous over Robbie’s affection towards her sister.

For the morally inclined the movie takes a plunge during a library sex scene between Cecilia and Robbie that Briony secretly views through a half-opened door. It’s awkward and uncomfortable, but a necessary happening for what comes next. A friend of the family, Paul Marshall (Benedict Cumberbatch) rapes Briony’s teenage cousin Lola (Juno Temple) in the woods, and although Briony is witness to the crime, she lies and says Robbie committed the crime. 

As a result of this lie Robbie is sent to prison for four years before being released under the condition that he joins the military. As Atonement progresses Briony, Robbie, and Cecilia find themselves thrust full force into the horrors of World War II. Robbie is a soldier and has one final meeting with Briony and Cecilia who have both become nurses. It’s at this point all three realize that Briony’s lie stole their youth, and chances for a happy life.

The movie ends with an elderly Briony writing a book titled “Atonement”. Although Cecilia dies in a tunnel during the bombing of Britain, and Robbie dies on the beach at Dunkirk, Briony tries to restore some level of happiness between Robbie and Cecilia through her fictional story telling. If they couldn't have happiness in life, perhaps they can have it in death?

The Final Analysis

Atonement has quite a few emotional ups and downs. For the majority of the film I wanted Robbie and Cecilia to get a break and live happily ever after, but the movie never gave me that. I’ll admit this film definitely had a more depressing ending than I am used to seeing, but it was nice to experience something a little more realistic than the idealized love stories movies tend to present.

The scenery and score are both wonderful, and help add to the overall sensual nature of the film. There are a few scenes that left me feeling awkward and uncomfortable so I wouldn't suggest watching this movie with your kids.

Lastly, although I've never read the book, the film adaptation of Atonement is phenomenal. If the book, like they always say, is truly better than the movie, then the book is definitely worth a read!

Happy Holidays!

Hello! I hope the holiday season is going on great!

Sorry for my long absence, I am here to make up for things.

I think most of us have already watched Atonement (2007) and enjoyed it too, for those of us who haven't, I'll be posting a review by Zack Mandell (MovieRoomReviews.com).

Enjoy and keep it warm!

Downton Abbey Season 3

I can't wait to see the third season of my favorite favorite TV drama and fans of Downton Abbey all over are already counting the days to the first episode! It is so exciting!

Here's the trailer of Downton Abbey Season 3:



Well, I am a bit disappointed with this trailer, there's very little of Mary-Mathew in it. Anyway, looking forward to September 16th!

Period Drama : Propaganda and Hype

A row with Downton Abbey clearly suggests that Parade's End is up to some desperate PROMOTION! 

The upcoming period drama Parade's End is aiming at cheap publicity as is evident from the remarks and comments made by actor Benedict Cumberbatch (plays lead in Parade's End) on Downton Abbey, the best period drama series in last few years.

As people say, No Publicity is Bad, this trick is definitely working for Parade's End. The first episode goes on TV on 24th August. The story is a love triangle with two women fighting for, alas, Benedict Cumberbatch (come to think of that, at least they could have gone for a better looking actor, English actors are all so good looking and talented).

Since Downton Abbey is  everybody's favorite so what would be better than criticizing the show openly and get some attention. Well, let us see how this parade goes (I have nothing against the actors and the story) with Cumberbatch in the lead and the cheap publicity, my hopes are not very high (IMDb ratings 4.5/10 from 82 voters). 

Downton Abbey and Parade's End

**Define Benedict Cumberbatch in a word - UGLY!**

Do tell me about the first episode!

America Hot on Period Movies

Now fans of the American period dramas won’t be deprived much since movies on American history are releasing this year and the next, let’s have a look:

Daniel Day Lewis as Abraham Lincoln,
 Licoln (2012)

• Lincoln (16^th November, 2012) – the movie is much anticipated, for two reasons I suppose, firstly, it is directed by STEVEN SPIELBERG (which is quite enough to draw traffic to the screens for about a month) and secondly, Lincoln remains to be a famous figure in American history, having said that, none other than Daniel Day Lewis is playing the part, which makes it official that the movie is going to be a big one at the year’s end.

Bill Murray (as FDR) and Laura Linney,
Hyde Park on Hudson

• Hyde Park on Hudson (7^th December, 2012) - again this movie is about a U.S. President and a very famous one, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR). Unlike Lincoln, this movie is going to be a bit away from politics as it focuses on the love affair between FDR and one of his distant cousin. It brags a powerful cast, Bill Murray as FDR and Laura Linney as his lady love.

POSTER NOT RELEASED

• The Butler (2013) – looks like U.S. Presidents and their lives have certainly turned very interesting, as well as the lives of the people around them because this movies centres on the life of a butler of the White House who served EIGHT presidents over a time period of thirty years. Expect good performance since the lead is played by Forest Whitaker (as Eugene Allen) and then there are the presidents, all shiny and handsome.

POSTER NOT RELEASED

• The Normal Heart (2014) – is a movie about the HIV-AIDS crisis in New York in the 80’s and the work done for it by a gay Jewish-American man as he founded a prominent HIV advocacy group. Mark Ruffalo (as Ned Weeks) is in the lead, also, Alec Baldwin and Julia Roberts are starring which makes it good enough for me to watch this one (just that I don’t want Mark Ruffalo gay, he’s so charming).

Well, that’s that, American Period Drama fans won’t be starved for too long now that they have four mighty movies coming their way. Also, just in case you like American period movies (which I am sure you do) and haven’t watched The Conspirator, go ahead and feast yourself.

Happy Birthday Romola Garai

Birthday wishes to Romola Garai as she turned 30 this year!

Romola Garai

We thought we might just be in time to wish a very Happy birthday to Romola Garai - extremely talented actress. 

I am sure almost all of you have seen a period movie with her in the cast. I think I have seen all of her movies and I really like her work. So far my favorites are Mary Bryant and Emma.

Just in case you haven't seen any of her movies or period series, here's a list:

• Nicholas Nickleby
• I Capture the Castle
• Daniel Deronda
• Vanity Fair
• Amazing Grace
• Mary Bryant
• Emma
• Angel
• Atonement
• King Lear
• Glorious 39
• The Hour (comparatively recent)
• The Crimson Petal and the White

I hope this not-so-small list gives the idea of her dominance in the period dramas. You can say that she is one of the most prominent faces of the modern day period movie genre.

We wish her luck and happiness and hope she acts in many many more period movies to come.

A Christmas Carol

Disney’s A Christmas carol is a tale from the wit and greed-filled banter to the ghostly apparitions and finally the grand redemption at the end. Director Robert Zemeckis used the perfect 3-D motion capture animation along with a little creepiness as demanded by the story. Charles Dickens classic novel is framed with marvelous detailed and sharp animation with some frightening scenes as per requirements.

A Christmas Carol

In the story, Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter old money lender is confronted by spirits of Christmas to revel him his miserable existence.  His view on the Christmas holiday can be summed up in his sentiment as, those who celebrate the day with merry and cheer should be boiled in their own pudding and “buried with a stake of holly through his heart.” The story goes through spirit of Christmas Eve of the past, present and Christmas yet to come; all in multiple roles by Jim Carry. Gary Oldman plays Bob Cratchit with a mix of innocence, joy, and devastation, and it all translates well on the screen.

In the classic, some scenes are tear-jerkers, others frightening (few shots may cause audience to jump from their seats); complete eccentricity of scrooge is revealed with the help of terrifying character with facial hair and proper gestures. The tone is joyless, despite an extended passage of bizarre laughter, several dazzling flights in sky of London. Ultimately the movie is well-crafted, laborious but explosion of high spirits at end lacks virtue of entertainment. All we can say is that, Jim Carry and Gary Oldman have done justice with their roles and as Charles Dickens has depicted a sense of morality with the Christmas Eve as backdrop in his book, the same has been shown in the movie. It is a good Christmas Movie, fit for all!


How did you like it? Do tell me.

Period Movies Store

I hope all of us are doing well. I have just added a Movie Store to this blog, Period Movies Store.

You can click on the link above the posts and look for your favourite period movies. New titles will be added regularly so don’t forget to come back again.

Should you want any titles to be added feel free to ask for and do tell me how you liked it!

Period Movies Store (snapshot)

Ever After

I so love these fairy tale period dramas I think I am going to make a separate category for these and the animated ones.

Ever After (1998)

Ever after is 1998 fairy tale period movie directed by Andy Tenant, starring Drew Barrymore, Anjelica Huston and Dougray Scott. The usual drama and comic elements stirred together to serve as period drama.

Drew Barrymore as Danielle
in Ever After (1998)

Barrymore personified the interpretation of Cinderella with her splendid performance. Two dynamite stars in their classic role created extreme magic that’s definitely going to last ever after. The freakishly handsome Dougray played Prince Henry. He graced the screen with hypnotic charm and chivalry. The story covers hard times endured by Danille (Barrymore), daughter of a dead noble man, which she faces with her strong ,opinionated and fierce character. She stands up for a family servant, risking the wrath of her family. Anjelica Huston as Baroness Rodmilla (stepmother) is cold and cruel, constantly abusing Danielle as well as her own daughter, Jacqueline. Megan Dodds as Marguerite is beautiful, pitiless and cruel, truly Rodmilla’s daughter and in end shares her fate.

Anjelica Huston as Baroness Rodmilla
in Ever After (1998)

Ever after is sweet, frothy twist on ancient fable, dramatized with great buoyancy and wit. The detail is incredible, the costumes gorgeous, and the dialogues enrapturing.  The music composed by George Fenton is soothing which goes very well with gorgeous cinematography. In a nutshell, this dramatic movie scores well in terms of lavish scenery, stylish repartee and violent mayhem.

I wonder how many of you like movies like this. I love comments so post!

Christmas Special Period Dramas

This Christmas, what is it going to be - Downton Abbey or Call the Midwife

Now, there is a rumour or maybe it’s true that two of the biggest period dramas will be up against each other this Christmas, the luxurious Edwardian drama, Downton Abbey against the humble and truthful Call the Midwife.

BBC has been a leader in producing some of the most famous period movies and mini series, when it comes to period dramas you know BBC will get it right and strike the chord but with ITV’s Downton Abbey things changed, it was the most viewed television show last Christmas. According to The Guardian, UK, Downton Abbey won over BBC’s East Enders by a huge margin in the last season and at Christmas which means BBC is definitely up to making something worthwhile to get its crown back.

BBC’S Call the Midwife has been the latest and the greatest success in this genre so BBC is planning to produce a Christmas Special Episode and compete against Downton Abbey.

What do you think are Call the Midwife’s chances against the champion Downton Abbey? Personally, I think BBC’s show is going to give a tough fight to ITV. Call the Midwife is a good show, which I enjoyed a lot. It is different from the typical period dramas (like Downton Abbey) which show the riches and the fine cutlery of jobless aristocrats, rather, it shows the life of people of East London in the 1950s, most of whom have limited resources.

Please let me know, which one would you prefer to watch this Christmas, although I know you have bigger plans than watching television, still, Downton Abbey or Call the Midwife?

ITV's Downton Abbey and BBC's Call the Midwife

Period Dramas - Double Treat with Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardi DiCaprio in two period dramas on 25th December this year! 

Leonardo DiCaprio will be starring in two period movies, and guess what, both these movies are expected to release on the same day! It will be THE GREAT GATSBY up against DJANGO UNCHAINED!


In Great Gatsby, Leonardo will be playing the lead character of Jay Gatsby which has already been portrayed by Robert Redford in 1974 movie of the same name. Comparisons will be drawn but I think he'll equal Robert Redford, might even outshine him.

The second movie is, Django Unchained, where Leonardo plays a ruthless and francophile plantation owner, Calvin Candie, so, that's a negative shade.

Both of these period dramas are expected to release on the 25th of this December, which one are you going to watch first?

(L-R) Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby and
Leonardo DiCaprio as Calvin Candie in Django Unchained

Period Dramas List (TV)

Best Period Movies and Series (TV)

Period Movies are in vogue and you can’t deny the fact that series like Downton Abbey and Call the Midwife have kept masses glued to the television screens for a while. The thing is, we still want to see more of culture, courtship, bows and bonnets.

I have put together a list of my favourite period dramas on TV (these dramas have been the top television dramas of their times) and I hope you will find it useful.

Feel free to add your favourites too, I love comments!

1. Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey

2. North and South

North & South

3. Call the Midwife

Call the Midwife

4. Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice

5. Lost in Austen

Lost in Austen

6. The Diary of Anne Frank

The Diary of Anne Frank

7. Mildred Pierce

Mildred Pierce

8. Little Dorrit

Little Dorrit

9. Cranford

Cranford

10. Wives and Daughters

Wives & Daughters

11. Tess of Dubervilles

Tess of D'Ubervilles

12. Upstairs Downstairs

Upstairs Downstairs

Please do leave a word if you enjoyed the list or even if you didn't. I would love to know your favorite period dramas on TV.

Darcy through the Ages

Mr. Darcy remains to be the single most popular and charming character to us and has been so for generations now, most of us would agree on that, at the same time, Pride and Prejudice remains to be the most frequently adapted story for the screen (TV or movies).

Please tell who among these handsome men fulfills your portray of Mr. Darcy.

Darcy through the Ages

Anna Karenina (2012)

Finally, the long awaited trailer of Joe Wright's ANNA KARENINA is here. I am sure the movie is going to be grand, the music will be great and there will be more drama than what we are anticipating, that is the case with all his movies, they turn out to be some visual treats. Now, what I am apprehensive about, some originality of the story is going to go missing and I absolutely loathe Aaron Johnson as Count Vronsky (I like him otherwise).

Anyway, it will be enjoyable and I think, Keira will do justice with the role of the tragic heroine. 

Bel Ami (2012)

Bel Ami - A Review

Bel Ami

I saw Bel Ami only last night and I thought maybe it’s high time for Robert Pattinson to start his acting career (you know what I mean). Anyway, seems like our dear Robert has done some progress after all.

Bel Ami is a movie about the rise of an ordinary and penniless young, George Duroy (Pattinson) by means of manipulation of wealthy and influential women, in 1890 Paris.

Robert Pattinson as George Duroy - Bel Ami

George Duroy is shown to be a failed soldier and very poor. He is literally good for nothing but one day a man invites him to dinner and things start to look bright for him. Duroy is helped by Madeleine (Uma Thurman) in his writing assignments for a newspaper (she actually dictates him the whole thing because he is not very literate either) which makes him earn his livelihood and a square meal (and perhaps a lot more).

(L-R) Uma Thurman as Madeleine, Christina Ricci as Clotilde de Marille and
Kristin Scott Thomas as Virgine Walters, Bel Ami

 Duroy then meets two other ladies, Clotilde de Marille (Christina Ricci) and Virgine Walters (Kristin Scott Thomas), who also happen to be very rich, influential and having a liking towards Duroy (probably because they’re frustrated in their own lives and Duroy is a handsome young man).  The story goes on, George Duroy climbs the ladder and manipulates more and more at every step. I won’t give away the complete story.

Now, I would so like to comment upon Robert Pattinson’s performance, he has done something which can be tagged as ACTING, yes, believe me he has more than two-and-a-half expressions this time (very unlike the Twilight movies), though most of his hard earned expressions are irritating.

The leading ladies of the movies have all done a good job although I was very disappointed with Kristin Scott Thomas, she has a reputation to maintain, I mean come on, all those scenes with somebody as wooden as Robert Pattinson! Apart from that, both, Uma Thurman and Christina Ricci have acted well.

The movie could have been made with a little more decency, I think, but they have put in a lot of X-scenes. There’s nothing special about the direction and script, but making Robert Pattinson act is a great achievement in itself.

Overall, you can watch this movie if you have nothing else to watch and I must say, by the end of the movie, you sort of, start hating Robert Pattinson, may be because of his character or may be because of his lack of acting skills, well, I think both.

Photo Source

Pride and Prejudice Filming Locations

Period Movies' Most Beautiful Locations

Apart from being my all time favourite Austen novel, Pride and Prejudice (2005) is also, I believe, wonderfully shot movie. I love the locations and the grand country houses featured in here, they make the story more real to me.

I have these three favourite places from the movie, all of which are old country houses, beautiful and stately.

     Groombridge Palace, Kent as LONGBOURN

Longbourn, The Bennet family place (or palace). Groombridge Palace was built in 1662 and it has beautiful gardens (as we already know).

Groombridge Palace, Kent as LONGBOURN

LONGBOURN

• It’s a moated (a fortified building surrounded by trenches which are usually filled with water, just in case you didn’t know) Manor House.
• Its famous for its gardens, vineyards and bird of prey sanctuary.
• It’s open to public (most parts) and it has been featured in many films.
• It was featured as ‘Birlstone Manor’ in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes mystery-The Valley of Fear.
• It also has ghost stories linked with it.

      Burghley House as ROSINGS PARK

 Rosings Park, the palace of the ultra fearsome, Lady Catherine de Bourg. Burghley House is an extremely big and palatial building of the Elizabethan age.

 Burghley House as ROSINGS PARK

 Burghley House 

• It has been featured in many movies, like, The Da Vinci Code, Elizabeth the Golden Age (though cut down during editing) and many others.
• One of is distinguishing feature is it’s unaltered Elizabethan facades and the historic interiors.

       Chatsworth Castle as PEMBERLEY

 I am sure every girl who has watched the movie remembers this one, of course, its Mr. Darcy’s handsome palace (if only we could order the package – Darcy + Pemberley!). Pemberley is just as beautiful as shown in the movie, perhaps more.

Chatsworth Castle as PEMBERLEY

 PEMBERLEY

• Presently, it’s the place of Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and has been home to the Cavendish family since 1549.
• Again, this beauty has been featured in many movies, including, The Duchess and The Wolfman.
• It has many beautiful gardens, many made at the order of the different Dukes.

 I hope you liked this post. Please let me know which locations you love the most.

Coming Soon

Pride and Prejudice 1995 VS Pride and Prejudice 2005

Pride and Prejudice - War of the Versions

Pride and Prejudice, the ever popular novel also remains to be the most frequently adapted story on screen. In this post I am going to compare the main characters in the two famous adaptations, Pride and Prejudice 1995 and 2005.

There is a difference between the two, one is a four part mini series which means approximately four hours of screen time while the other is a movie, about two hours long, despite this fact, we can’t help comparing the two. Let’s start then, on the left are the characters from the ’95 version and on the right, the ones from the ’05 version.

Kitty Bennet

Kitty Bennet, Pride and Prejudice

One of the younger Bennet sisters, she is rich in stupidity and non sense. The ’95 Kitty looked more sensible than she ought to be while the 2005 Kitty is just like her character in the book, giggling and stupid.

Mary Bennet

Mary Bennet, Pride and Prejudice

The philosopher Bennet sister, who loves to play the piano forte and give (unwanted) sermons. Now, have a look at ’95 Kitty, she looks murderous, also a moustache, just see. The 2005 Mary looks friendly, may be more pleasing and friendly than her character allows, but better than the previous one.

Lydia Bennet

Lydia Bennet, Pride and Prejudice

The stupidest Bennet girl and the youngest. Lydia Bennet from 1995 Pride and Prejudice looks older and too loud, even by Lydia-n standards. The 2005 version Lydia looks just appropriate, consistent.

Charlotte Lucas

Charlotte Lucas

Lizzy’s best friend, Charlotte Lucas. You see, ’95 version Charlotte has a hard time changing her expressions, you can’t deny that. She delivers all her lines in the same, mono tone. The 2005 Charlotte on the other hand, is more expressive than she should be and I think a bit too old for twenty seven.

Caroline Bingley

Caroline Bingley, Pride and Prejudice

The proud sister of Mr. Bingley. I have liked both the actresses playing Caroline, both in 1995 version and in 2005 version. Both of them are remarkably unkind and sarcastic, though the latter is prettier.

Mr. Collins

Mr. Collins, Pride and Prejudice

Noble and not-so-humble cousin of the Bennets. This is one character, I wonder how Jane Austen created something so terribly irritating. Every time I see a new version of Pride and Prejudice, I find him more and more annoying. The ’95 Mr. Collins wins the battle in this regard, he’s just nauseating, whereas the 2005 Mr. Collins is still manageable.

Mr. Bingley

Mr. Bingley, Pride and Prejudice

Handsome and rich owner of the Netherfield Park. I like them both, though the 2005 Mr. Bingley is shown to be a little more ‘chicken type’ and makes rumbling sound while laughing, which is all so not true.

Mr. Bennet

Mr. Bennet, Pride and Prejudice

The head of the Bennet house and the father of all beautiful girls. I really hate the ’95 version Mr. Bennet, he looks so unkind and thief like, in his own house, however, the 2005 Mr. Bennet looks like Lizzy’s father and has some charm to himself.

Mrs. Bennet

Mrs. Bennet, Pride and Prejudice

Probably the most restless soul in the complete story. Mrs. Bennet, similar to Mr. Collins, is super nauseating. I didn't like the 1995 Pride and Prejudice's Mrs. Bennet, she didn’t quite look like, you know, equal in rank, with the Bennets, she might have passed well as a house maid, a comical one. The 2005 Mrs. Bennet was really good, her expressions and panic and all those false tears, she did a good job.

Jane Bennet

Jane Bennet, Pride and Prejudice

The sweet and romantic girl, eldest of the Bennet sisters. No offence, but the ’95 version Jane was NOT pretty at all, just that she delivered her lines sweetly. How could anyone say that she was “five times as pretty as the rest”, (Lizzy lies, you know). The 2005 Jane was exactly Jane Bennet, shy and beautiful, romantic and sweet.

Mr. Wickham

Mr. Wickham, Pride and Prejudice

Handsome and hungry stranger, who flatters Elizabeth. I liked them both although they are very different but there is one thing in common-both of them are attractive. The ’95 version Wickham was a bit more mature than required but very gentlemanly, the 2005 version Wickham, Rupert Friend is more boy-like and agreeable.

Elizabeth Bennet

Elizabeth Bennet, Pride and Prejudice

The bold and pretty leading lady of the story. Casting of Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth sure did some good to the otherwise dim series, she is the saving grace of the ’95 version. The 2005 version Elizabeth, Keira Knightly is truly, deeply, completely, Elizabeth Bennet. Everything comes with a flaw so you can say that Keira Knightly was a bit more outrageous than the original character, but apart from that, she did really great.

Fitzwilliam Darcy

Fitzwilliam Darcy, Pride and Prejudice

The all time heart throb, the most charming man that ever existed (if only in books) and the most agreeable of all partners, the character of Darcy has become that torch using which girls find their partners, sort of a must-have list (sorry for being over dramatic and stupid, you see what Darcy does to me). Finally, this is to declare that the 2005 version Darcy is the IDEAL Darcy for me, and always will be. I don’t know what makes girls go crazy after Colin Firth’s Darcy (is it something about those really clingy pants), I mean he is too rude, no charm (apart from money of course!). Mathew Macfadyen for Darcy, through and through!

I hope you enjoyed reading this post as much as I did while writing it. There are bound to be clashes, of course, over the 1995 version of Pride and Prejudice and the 2005 version, but we can’t help it, can we?

Do write to me about your pick out of these two versions, I won’t mind even if it’s the 1995 mini series!