BBC releasing unmissable period drama hailed as 'greatest movie ever'

The BBC is set to deliver a Regency drama that's certain to leave viewers weak at the knees, reports Surrey Live.

Audiences have lavished praise on the period piece, with one eager fan sharing their Rotten Tomatoes review: "Seen this in a movie theater elevates it to another level.

"The top of the top in the romance/drama/comedy genre, and one of the best movies of all times [sic]."

Another elated watcher wrote a glowing second review: "I would have to say, personally, this is the greatest movie I have ever watched.

"The story was so compelling, the characters like no other."

Further praise came from a third delighted viewer who admitted: "I love every single minute of this movie."

Joe Wright's cinematically gorgeous 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice is slated for arrival on BBC iPlayer this month, just in time for its 20th anniversary celebrations and synchronising with what would have been Jane Austen's 250th birthday.

This cinematic rendition sparked debate among die-hard Pride and Prejudice aficionados, especially as it followed a decade after the BBC's much-cherished 1995 series featuring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle as the definitive Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet.

Firth's embodiment of Mr Darcy transcended the pages when he later mirrored the iconic role in Bridget Jones's Diary, amassing an even wider fanbase and solidifying his portrayal as the ultimate Mr Darcy for many.

However, Matthew Macfadyen stepping into the prestigious shoes of Austen's beloved hero for the 2005 film did stir some dissent among admirers, especially as the actor was known then for his work on Spooks.

However, his performance alongside Pirates of the Caribbean and Bend It Like Beckham star Keira Knightley, who played Elizabeth Bennet, managed to win over even the most doubtful critics.

Wright's Hollywood rendition boasted stunning cinematography, featuring expansive shots of the English countryside, including a memorable scene of Lizzy perched on a cliff in the Peak District.

Complementing the striking visuals was the enchanting score by Italian composer Dario Marianelli.

For those unfamiliar with Austen's classic, Pride and Prejudice follows the spirited Lizzy and her sisters as they navigate societal expectations to secure their futures through marriage.

Despite their mother Mrs Bennet's, portrayed by Brenda Blethyn of Vera fame, frantic attempts at matchmaking, several of the Bennet sisters do find a match.

Amidst all this, Lizzy defies convention by seeking a marriage based on love rather than wealth.

Her initial awkward interaction with Mr Darcy sets them both on a transformative journey that challenges their preconceived notions and changes them irrevocably.

Pride and Prejudice boasted an impressive cast including Rosamund Pike, the late Donald Sutherland, Carey Mulligan, Talulah Riley, Jena Malone, Tom Hollander and Rupert Friend.

The film is certainly worth revisiting before Netflix's upcoming adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, which will feature Emma Corrin as Elizabeth Bennet, Jack Lowden as Mr Darcy and Olivia Colman as Mrs Bennet.

Netflix has assured that the upcoming series will be a true-to-source, classic adaptation of the novel, with Dolly Alderton, author of Everything I Know About Love, handling the scriptwriting.

Filming for Netflix's Pride and Prejudice is set to take place in the UK this year.

Pride and Prejudice (2005) will be streaming on the BBC iPlayer from May 26