ebe28

Besides the lavish production values and the impeccable casting, this 1995 version of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" is simply the best. The labour of love shown from the cast and crew in bringing this adaptation to film is so evident throughout the production.

Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennett and Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy could not be more splendidly cast. At first, Ehle and Firth seem to be uncomfortable with their roles, yet with each passing minute, they easily bring the two characters to life and take us to a time when falling in love was not always an option in society. Their chemistry is undeniable here.

As for the other characters, I must admit that Alison Steadman's Mrs. Bennett can quickly grate on your nerves, but undoubtedly, that is how Austen wanted her portrayed. All of Eliza's sisters were perfectly cast as well. Adrian Lukas' portrayal of Mr. Wickham was almost too perfect. He came across as incredibly charming and likable that it was almost difficult to believe that he had a dark side. While Crispin Bonham-Carter's Mr. Bingley was very likable throughout.

This adaptation had an almost epic feel to it, particularly when they showed Pemberley. The lush scenery and high production values were almost characters themselves to help compliment an exquisite cast.

This one is a must have for your movie collection, particularly if you love romantic period pieces.

I first watched this version of Pride and Prejudice when I was in college about 10 years ago and fell in love with the characters as I envisioned them from the novel.

However, after watching the updated 1995 version from A&E, this one seems to pale in comparison. Reading other people's comments, it seems the common "complaint" if you will regarding this 1979 production is that the characters were "too stiff," and it seemed more "theatrical" in feeling than the updated version, which I agree.

Getting away from the costumes and rather sparse sets, some of the dialogue, though staying true to Austen's novel, doesn't always sound natural when spoken by the actors. The actor playing Darcy doesn't seem to change mannerisms or attitude in the entire movie. There is also so much focus on Elizabeth Darvie as Elizabeth Bennett, which makes sense considering she is the heroine, but it also feels somewhat forced as there are *so* many voiceovers of what she is thinking or feeling regarding a given situation. When Eliza and Darcy finally get together at the end, it doesn't seem natural, and the payoff is not as satisfying.

One word to describe the 1995 version: EPIC. Again, getting away from the costumes and very lush settings, the whole feeling of the A&E version felt like something out of Titanic or Gone With The Wind. The basic plot of P&P is a romance, but the glamorous settings and perfect casting of the various characters made the 1995 P&P seem much more classic and grandeur. Also, there is an obvious chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy, played so brilliantly by Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth, which is glaringly missing in the 1979 production, that the ending is VERY satisfying and stays with the viewer long after watching the film.

The 1979 version is perfect for people who really want to stay more true to the novel, but for pure romantic notions and grandeur settings, the 1995 version is unbeatable, unforgettable, surreal and a must see for any P&P or Austen fan.

These kind of low budget movies are a great reason to have digital cable. I had never heard of "Seven Girlfriends" but noticed that the likeable Tim Daly was in it. Since many movies that are played on cable late at night are usually uninteresting, I thought I would take a gamble with this movie.

It was surprisingly enjoyable for a relatively simple premise. Daly's Jesse is very much someone who could be your neighbor rather than some big Hollywood larger-than-life star. Though he has the enviable task of having to spend time with some of Hollywood's less known but very beautiful actresses, Daly makes every scene watchable. Though I didn't find any "laugh out loud" type humor, it still had very humorous scenes all throughout the film.

I was very impressed by many of the actresses, particularly Mimi Rogers, Laura Leighton, Olivia d'Abo and Melora Hardin even with their rather limited screen time. But that's what made the film flow so well. In the end, I was not surprised which actress Daly ended up with, but it was a nice thing to see. I also liked that there were still more scenes shown even with the credits running through the end. It made the experience of the characters that more satisfying to watch. This is a nice little light movie to put a smile on your face. Highly recommended.