“What a superbly featured room, and what excellent boiled potatoes. Many years since I’ve had such an exemplary vegetable.” 

Quoted from Pride and Prejudice, released in 2005 from Focus Features, this line has stayed with many fans over the years. Laughed at from living rooms, bedrooms, and recently theaters, any good, proper fan of Pride and Prejudice understands the simplicity and enjoyment over Mr. Collins’ love of the boiled potato. As a recent fan of the film, I understand why. 

2025 has brought on many anniversaries of movies, books, and television shows. In this list we must include Pride and Prejudice, directed by Joe Wright and starring Keira Knightley as our lovely Elizabeth Bennet, and Matthew Macfadyen as stoic Mr. Darcy. This film, adapted from the novel written by Jane Austen, has remained in fans’ hearts over the course of these 20 years. This 20th anniversary not only celebrates the love of romantic-comedies, and a classic example of an enemies-to-lovers trope, but it has introduced a timeless story to a brand new audience. The film was re-released in theaters in April, drawing a new, old, and familiar crowd of those who love the story. This author must admit—until recently, I’ve never read, or seen, any form of Pride and Prejudice. I know, I know . . . I am ashamed of myself too. As a lover of literature, it feels disgraceful to admit it. Now, however, I can happily say that I’ve not only watched the film, but I loved it. 

Reviewing the Romance

For those that aren’t familiar with the story, Pride and Prejudice is about the slow burn love that blossoms between Elizabeth, affectionately called Lizzie, and Mr. Darcy. Taking place in England during the late 1700s, as the second-eldest in her family, Lizzie is intelligent, witty, and free-spirited. Mr. Darcy, a wealthy man who travels to England, is her opposite. Impassive, joyless, and insufferable, Mr. Darcy and Lizzie meet. The outcome of their first introduction is less than ideal, to say the least. Insulted and biased of Mr. Darcy, Lizzie refuses to let anything remotely sentimental occur between the two. As our characters begin to know one another, they have to let down their walls, as well as their pride.

Challenges, of course, occur, especially with the appearance of Mr. Collins—Elizabeth’s cousin who proposes a mutually beneficial marriage, and the knowledge that Mr. Darcy is already tied to an engagement, though not official, with another lady. This story is full of plots that reveal themselves in time, making it seem impossible for Lizzie and Mr. Darcy to find the romance they both deserve. Nevertheless, our main leads are able to overcome the odds of the world, and themselves. Those who have watched Pride and Prejudice can picture the image of Mr. Darcy walking to Lizzie in the morning fog as the sun rises. The audience has waited for the pair’s love to be admitted, and accepted, and the moment is just perfect. 

The Making of a Classic

It’s not just the acting and portrayal of our favorite characters that makes this adaptation so special, but the cinematography itself is simply divine. Pride and Prejudice was filmed in several locations around England. One of the most special spots is Chatsworth house, the infamous home of Mr. Darcy, where many fans of the film frequent in their free time to live their own Pride and Prejudice fantasies. The Chatsworth house will even be screening a showing of Pride and Prejudice this June, and will be open for fans to visit and truly immerse themselves in the retelling of this romance.


This author feels relief knowing that the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is everything I hoped it would be, and more. I will be sitting here, patiently waiting, to celebrate the 25th, 30th, and even 40th anniversary of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s journey from elusive enemies, to begrudging associates, and to a future neither thought possible. For now, though, we can focus and celebrate the 20th anniversary of a film adaptation so many people adore. Smile, frown, and continue to laugh at Mr. Collins this year as Pride and Prejudice continues to bring in a new audience, and remind an old one why it is so loved.