Blows every other period drama out of the water!

As a Brit, and an English Literature A-level holder, i am a big fan of the classics. The Brontes, Dickens, Austen, love them all. I have, however, always found the dramatisations somewhat disappointing. I am thrilled to report that this 1995 BBC adaptation of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" was absolutely outstanding. I highly recommend it, especially to period drama virgins.
The story - set in a remote Hertfordshire village, we are introduced to the Bennett Family. The likeable and decent, simple, gentleman-like Mr Bennett, his eccentric, loving and dramatic wife, Mrs Bennett, and their 5 daughters. Jane, the eldest is beautiful, calm, sweet and very slightly nauseating. Elizabeth, number two is intelligent, attractive, outspoken, opinionated (and if you can't tell, my favorite heroine). Then follow "three of the silliest girls there ever were", Mary (studious and pious), Kitty (simple and a bit of a follower) and Lydia (the youngest, the spoilt one, always looking for fun and adventure - essentially she is tiring).
The scene is set - with 5 daughters and no sons, we learn that Mr Bennett's estate is entailed away to a distant cousin - in the event of his passing, his family could be homeless. The girls will need to marry well in order to remain in the comfort to which they are accustomed and so the story begins.
My Bingley enters the story as a young, handsome, wealthy bachelor (sadly he is also somewhat weak, but a nice and meek character). Upon taking up residence in the village, he is the talk of the town, and the target of many young lady's affections. He quickly sets his sights on the demure Jane, setting the expectation that all will be well for the Bennett clan. But of course nothing is so simple. Enter Mr Darcy. The dark, brooding, extremely wealthy Mr Darcy. Moody and proud (and devilishly handsome - Colin Firth, i worship you), he is soon known through the village as an unfriendly and cold character.
As the story progresses we see flirtations build and fall, we see some surprising and some expected proposals, hearts are broken and mended, reputations shattered, laughter, tears, hysterics, drama, and all importantly, a happy ending. Throughout it all, we see the wonderful green green grass of home. Through travels in Hertfordshire and London we see the Bennett sisters grow up and experience all manner of emotions. And through it all, Elizabeth Bennett remains a favorite.
As a woman it is impossible to go any further without mentioning THAT scene. You know the one. The proud and stubborn (and GORGEOUS) Darcy, determined to rid himself of his feelings towards Elizabeth tries walking fast, tries fencing, and eventually, makes all of our dreams come true and strips off and goes for a swim. Of course he doesn't strip off in the Hollywood way - this is of course Austen - but his emergence from the pond, soaking and dripping has been the lingering fantasy for roughly 90% of British women since the series first aired.
In all - this mini-series is fabulous. The acting is top-rate, the characters are likeable where required, hateful where necessary, and desireable as expected. Jennifer Ehle's Elizabeth Bennett will take some beating, and i pity anyone who tries to follow in her footsteps (poor Keira Knightly doesn't even come close). Colin Firth's Darcy is unfaltable. He is the perfect man for the job. He IS Mr Darcy in every action, look and step throughout. The cast is the icing on this wonderful Austen cake.
The story provides the best blend of joy and sorrow, laughs and shock. It is amazing to think that this was written so long ago, and yet conveys all the emotion of modern relationships. The fear and love are as real now as they were then.
The cast, the scenery, the acting, the direction, the costumes - all of it is spot on.
I urge you to see this.