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Period drama fans are passionate about this Austen adaptation(Image: Getty)

When it comes to period dramas, Jane Austen adaptations stand head and shoulders above the rest. Arguably the most celebrated and cherished of all her stories is Pride and Prejudice. This story of romance, social standing and first impressions has captivated generations of readers.

The latest version of Pride and Prejudice is Netflix’s TV series scheduled for later this year, featuring Emma Corrin (who you may recognise as The Crown’s young Princess Diana) and Jack Lowden from Slow Horses. Good or bad, legions of period drama fans will have something to say.

It will inevitably invite comparisons to the most recent and adored version — the 2005 film starring Keira Knightley. A word of caution for viewers: the stunning period drama is departing Netflix later this month.

Austen’s works are continually being reimagined through fresh adaptations, from the BBC’s faithful Pride and Prejudice miniseries to the quirky spin on Emma (2020) with Anya Taylor Joy.

Matthew MacFadyen and Keira Knightley in movie version of Pride and Prejudice in 2005

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Fans love the chemistry between Matthew MacFadyen and Keira Knightley in the 2005 movie

Pride and Prejudice (2005) takes more liberties than its predecessor, and for its fans, that’s perfectly okay.

The romantic tension and the exceptional production quality of Joe Wright’s sumptuous film elevate it to masterpiece status in many people’s estimation.

On Rotten Tomatoes, it boasts an impressive 87% and 90% approval rating amongst critics and audiences respectively.

The site’s critics consensus reads: “Sure, it’s another adaptation of cinema’s fave Jane Austen novel, but key performances and a modern filmmaking sensibility make this familiar period piece fresh and enjoyable.”

The British Film Institute (BFI) selected the movie for its top 10 list of greatest Austen adaptations.

The BFI had this to say: “The greatest assets of this adaptation over the 1995 version are in its production, especially the sun-dappled cinematography of Roman Osin and the luscious score by Dario Marianelli featuring Jean-Yves Thibaudet on piano. It is a far less stagey and aloof version than its 1940 predecessor, regenerating the appeal of Austen for the 21st century.”

Cast of Pride and Prejudice

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Is this the best adaptation of Pride and Prejudice ever made?(Image: UNIVERSAL PICTURES)

Alongside Knightley, the undisputed queen of period dramas, the stellar cast boasts Matthew MacFayden as Mr Darcy (perhaps now better recognised from HBO’s Succession), Rosamund Pike, and Donald Sutherland.

The film amassed an impressive haul of wins and nominations at the Oscars, BAFTAs and Golden Globes, earning Wright, a first-time director, a BAFTA for Most Promising Newcomer.

What do period drama enthusiasts make of it?

Keira also appeared in 2005's Pride and Prejudice

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Keira also appeared in 2005’s Pride and Prejudice(Image: Getty Images)

Despite being more than 20 years old, audiences simply cannot get enough of it.

“Everything about this movie is perfect,” declared one viewer. “The soundtrack and cinematography are truly incredible and I will always say that this is my favourite adaption of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. It has also been my comfort movie for the last 10 years of life.”

Another said: “Amazing, this is a movie I could rewatch over a million times and never get sick of it. I will always claim this movie as my favourite till the day I die, but this is the best time period piece movie ever.”

When it comes to comparisons with the BBC adaptation, one period drama enthusiast remarked: “I will go to my deathbed defending the movie right up there with the show. The show is obviously the more complete adaptation but the movie dials all the aesthetic and emotional elements up to 11 and that’s completely okay lol.”

A second chimed in: “I’ve always said the BBC version gets the story right and the 2005 version gets the feeling right. Love them both for very different reasons.”

A third offered: “I think one of the things the 2005 film does better is that it’s more accessible to an audience that isn’t already a fan of the story. You’re investing less than two hours vs. six for the BBC series. You don’t have to work as hard to understand the language in the 2005 version because it has been a little bit more modernised.”

Where to watch Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice (2005) is currently available to stream on Netflix UK until 20 June. The BBC’s 1995 miniseries can be watched free of charge on iPlayer.

Netflix’s brand new Pride and Prejudice television series is due to land sometime this autumn.