Will Keira Knightley's performance as Elizabeth Bennett top our bill?
There have been countless adaptations of Jane Austen novels with varying receptions. As we’re getting ever closer to the 200th anniversary of the writer’s death, here we take a look at some of the best and why we love them.
5. Northanger Abbey (2007)
Starring Carey Mulligan and Felicity Jones, this ITV adaptation of Austen’s mock-Gothic novel made much of an improvement on the 1987 version. Felicity Jones is perfect as the heroine Catherine Morland, but the adaptation felt rather short at just over 90 minutes.
4. Emma (1996)
Gwyneth Paltrow takes on the role of match-making Emma in this adaptation of the novel, and very convincing is she too. This light-hearted version focuses on Austen’s comedy very well and makes for a lovely film to watch.
3. Sense & Sensibility (1995)
A star-studded cast sees this adaptation of Sense & Sensibility shoot to success. Emma Thompson, who also plays Elinor Dashwood, adapts the novel for the screen, with Kate Winslet as Marianne, Alan Rickman as Colonel Brandon and Hugh Grant as Edward Ferrars. The film received seven Oscar nominations.
2. Pride and Prejudice (1995)
One of the most memorable TV scenes in recent history has even had a statue dedicated to it. Colin Firth’s sexy Mr Darcy emerging from a lake captured women’s hearts across the nation.
The stunning miniseries catapulted Pride and Prejudice into the public eye and is responsible for making the novel just as popular almost 200 years after it was published.
1. Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Controversial, but the film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfayden is a brilliant film that is true to the novel. Knightley’s performance of a tomboy Elizabeth Bennett perfectly matches Macfayden’s brooding and rather shy portrayal of Mr Darcy. A firm favourite, I could watch Pride and Prejudice over and over again.
Do you agree that these are some of the best Austen adaptations? We’d love to hear your thoughts, so comment below or tweet @FemaleFirst_UK
by Julia Molloy
Tagged in Movies