Jane Austen

The ‘beautiful’ BBC period drama is perfect for fans Jane Austen and is based on a literay classic.

Pride and Prejudice fans have been encouraged to rediscover a “brilliant” overlooked period drama.

The sweet romance on Prime Video, situated in the mid-19th century, has earned acclaim for its “beautiful” landscapes and “heartwarming” narrative.

Originally broadcast on the BBC in 2005, the production boasts a stellar ensemble headed by Miss Austen’s Keeley Hawes. Additional cast members include The Crown’s James Murray, Inside No. 9 actor Steve Pemberton and Lark Rise to Candleford star Ben Miles.

Now that the film has become available to stream, audiences have been revisiting the adaptation based on Thomas Hardy’s celebrated novel of the same name.

Under the Greenwood Tree marks the second published work by the English writer Thomas Hardy, initially released anonymously in 1872, reports the Express.

It chronicles the tale of a romance between schoolmistress Fancy Day (Hawes) and church musician Dick Dewey (Murray).

The official synopsis reads: “In this lighthearted romance from Victorian novelist Thomas Hardy, the beautiful new village school teacher is pursued by three suitors: a working-class man, a landowner, and the vicar.”

Helmed by Nicholas Laughland, the production carries a 6.9/10 rating on IMDb and appears not to have received extensive critical assessment at the time of its release.

Audiences have flocked to IMDb to express their admiration for the overlooked period drama, describing it as ‘brilliant’ and ‘perfect comfort viewing’.

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One viewer wrote: “In the tradition of Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, there is the mix of position, miscommunication, and the delightfulness of authenticity of period. A treat to watch. The acting, script, and setting all played well together. If you adore period romances, then this should go on your list to watch.”

Another fan gushed: “Superb. This film, although made for TV, will be a classic, just like the 1995 Pride and Prejudice directed by Simon Langton. The sets seemed remarkably authentic, and all the cast were excellent […] I have watched it 3 times in two days.”

A third viewer reflected: “The scenery was stunning, the plot had depth and kept me and my family gripped throughout. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone with a warm heart, as it certainly warmed mine.”

“Beautiful film in every way, from the classic Thomas Hardy novel,” another viewer said, while a further admirer agreed: “A thing of beauty and wonder.”

However, not everyone was won over by the film, with one critic labelling it a ‘big let down’ and another commenting: “I usually don’t like Hardy’s stuff… I guess that continues.”

Under the Greenwood Tree is streaming now on Prime Video.

Jane Austen’s most famous novels have been adapted numerous times, but one film adaptation is widely praised as one of the best.

Period drama fans need to clear their diaries this weekend for a Jane Austen classic.

Devotees of period dramas and Jane Austen classics are being urged to set aside time as a “simply excellent” Austen reimagining is being broadcast free-to-air. Pride & Prejudice stands as one of Austen’s most celebrated novels and the 1813 masterpiece has been brought to screen on countless occasions.

The narrative charts the tempestuous relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy and the ramifications of rash judgements.

In 2005, a period romance film featuring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen in the principal roles was released and it garnered widespread critical acclaim from audiences at home. The 2005 Pride & Prejudice film is being shown on BBC Two this Sunday, July 12, having recently departed Netflix.

Screenwriter Deborah Moggach dedicated more than two years to crafting the script, creating approximately 10 different drafts.

Actress Knightley also disclosed on The Graham Norton Show that she hadn’t been an obvious contender for the leading role, as director Joe Wright believed she was “too pretty”.

Despite considerable uncertainties surrounding the film and some criticism from reviewers, Austen devotees have proclaimed it among the finest adaptations to date.

In July 2025, the film appeared in the Readers’ Choice edition of The New York Times’ list of The 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century.

Enthusiasts turned to IMDb reviews to voice their opinions, with one declaring it an “emotional masterpiece”, stating: “Pride and Prejudice was the best movie I’ve seen in a very long time, if not the best I’ve ever seen.

“It captured the very essence of Jane Austen’s brilliant novel. In fact, I enjoyed the movie more than the book itself. Everything about the movie was perfect.

“This movie is a work of art, an emotional masterpiece. Watching this movie was actually a life-changing experience.”

Another viewer described it as “absolutely perfect”, sharing: “This Pride and Prejudice adaptation perfectly captured the wit, the intelligence, the passion and the romance of Jane Austen’s classic.

“The 1995 mini is fabulous, and I have watched it many times, but I have always been frustrated that while it got so much of the dialogue and the detail right, it somehow fell flat on some of the more subtle dynamics of the novel. But this movie adaptation has captured what has before been missing!”.

A final fan labelled it “simply excellent”, sharing: “Loved this movie. It’s simplicity that empowered every possibility for imagination. The music, the natural scenes, the arts, and every honest soul in the movie made this film alive.”

Pride & Prejudice is being broadcast on BBC Two this Sunday, July 12, at 4.25pm.

An ‘exquisite’ period romance adaptation is available for free on BBC iPlayer and fans say it’s the best version of this classic tale

The iconic tome has been adapted many times over the years – could this be the best?

BBC iPlayer is currently hosting a “masterpiece” adaptation of a much-loved classic novel, available for just one more month. Having aired on Sunday 5th July on BBC Two, the 1943 adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre can be streamed on the platform for the next 29 days.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest novels ever penned, this enduring story follows a young woman who, after losing her parents at an early age, is dispatched to a harsh boarding school. A decade on, she takes up a position as a governess to a young girl, the ward of the mysterious and imposing master of Thornfield Hall.

Little by little, she finds herself falling for her unpredictable employer, all while beginning to unravel his deeply buried secrets.

Helmed by Robert Stevenson, best known for directing Disney’s much-cherished Mary Poppins, this underappreciated Gothic romance from Hollywood’s golden age features Joan Fontaine as Jane and Orson Welles as Mr Rochester.

Film enthusiasts have long maintained that it stands amongst the finest screen adaptations of Brontë’s novel ever committed to film. It’s an absolute must for viewers who have lapped up recent period romances such as Wuthering Heights and The Other Bennet Sister, or are eagerly anticipating the forthcoming versions of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice, reports the Express.

One glowing 10/10 review from an IMDb user declared that, while other renditions of Jane Eyre are equally stunning, fans should “see this to be fully satisfied”.

“This is simply an exquisite film,” they continued. “Film-making at its best in every respect; and while not as letter-perfectly definitive as the 1983 miniseries, I feel it is overall the best, truest version of JANE EYRE.”

Another film enthusiast commented: “While not staying completely true to the book, this is still the best version of Jane Eyre ever made.

“Joan Fontaine is plain but still beautiful and Orson Welles is absolutely powerful and alluring. The chemistry these two share is on screen phenomenal.”

As if that weren’t sufficient, they added: “The scene where they kiss is the most powerful and most beautiful kiss I have ever seen.”

Someone else declared it “A masterpiece!” and wrote: “Magnificent is the only word that can be applied to this remarkable film. It represents Hollywood’s ability to make the occasional brilliant movie when all aspects of the film-making craft come together in such talented union.

“I first saw this film as a very young child, and it gripped and enthralled me then as it still does all these years later. Romantic, gothic and mesmerising, it is as near faultless as it is possible for any movie to be.”

And one final admirer went even further, gushing: “In my opinion, this is the best movie ever made. It’s sweet and romantic, and true to the book. Joan Fontaine is great as the title role, and I think this is Orson Welles in his finest performance.”

Period drama enthusiasts should make certain this gem is at the top of their watchlist before it ceases to be available free of charge at the month’s end.

Jane Eyre is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

The BBC’s The Other Bennet Sister has been a huge hit with viewers and fans are now looking for similar shows and films to watch.

Period drama lovers will not be able to resist a charming Jane Austen adaptation hailed ‘masterful’ by fans.

Fans of The Other Bennet Sister, which is set to receive a three-part Christmas special, are being urged to seek out an Austen-inspired film widely celebrated as “a classic”.

Drawn from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, the opening series of the BBC’s The Other Bennet Sister pulled in 7.3 million UK viewers during its first four weeks on air.

Since its triumphant run, devotees of period drama have been desperately seeking out comparable shows and films to plug the gap while the Christmas special gears up to enter production.

A 2007 film starring Felicity Jones and JJ Feild has emerged as a firm recommendation, serving as an adaptation of Jane Austen’s 1817 novel of the same name.

Northanger Abbey is the title in question, following a young Catherine Morland (Jones), who travels with family friends to Bath and discovers she has captured the hearts of both Henry Tilney (Feild) and John Thorpe (William Beck).

When she receives an invitation to stay at Northanger Abbey, Catherine’s fanciful imagination runs wild as she muddles reality with the Gothic romance found within the pages of her beloved novels.

Viewers have flocked to IMDb to voice their opinions on the film, with one declaring: “Classic!” Another hailed it a “must-watch”, adding: “The 2007 adaptation of Northanger Abbey is a delightful and faithful rendition of Jane Austen’s novel.

“From the charming performances to the captivating storyline, the film brings Austen’s wit and satire to life. Felicity Jones shines as Catherine Morland, perfectly capturing her innocence and imagination, while JJ Feild makes a dashing and charismatic Henry Tilney.

“The adaptation stays true to the novel’s themes, blending romance, humour, and gothic intrigue seamlessly.”

One final enthusiast described it as “masterful”, elaborating: “This is a really lovely TV/film version of this book, and of course… the script is by master adapter Andrew Davies. He is just magnificent. ENJOY this masterful adaptation!”.

A Reddit user put forward the film, which is available to purchase on Prime Video for just £1.89, as a comparable watch to The Other Bennet Sister, commenting: “Surprised Jane Austen adaptations have barely been recommended, unless those are too obvious.

“The Other Bennet Sister is not only a spin-off of Pride and Prejudice with many familiar characters from that story, but in many ways it takes inspiration from other existing Austen novels, which is very Austen of the author, because her stories frequently recycled/reworked the same characters/plot-lines.”

One devotee took to Reddit to express their desire for a fresh Northanger Abbey adaptation off the back of The Other Bennet Sister’s triumph, writing: “@BBC thank you for adapting this rather than another round of endless adaptations of Austen’s books that already have so many amazing adaptations!

“@Netflix take notes! Fans don’t want you to ruin Austen’s work with crummy adaptations that don’t do the original ones justice.

“Let’s adapt other beautiful stories instead! Honestly, I would be fine with another Northanger Abbey adaptation or maybe a Mansfield Park adaptation if it’s absolutely needed.”

Northanger Abbey is available to buy on Prime Video for £1.89

The Other Bennet Sister is returning for a three-part special this Christmas, with Ella Bruccoleri reprising her role.

Star of The Other Bennet Sister Ella Bruccoleri has revealed her fears for the hit period drama to return.

The Call the Midwife actress played Mary Bennet the BBC series, the over-looked middle sister of Pride and Prejudice.

Based on Janice Hadlow’s novel, The Other Bennet Sister followed Mary living a different life to her sisters, as she left Longbourn behind and travelled to London with her aunt and uncle.

After being forgotten in the original Jane Austen novel, this time, she stepped into her own story on her journey of self-discovery.

The Other Bennet Sister captured hearts of fans and proved to be the biggest launch of a new drama in the UK in a year, and is now set to return with a three-part Christmas special following its success.

However, just before the BBC confirmed its return, Ella admitted her nerves over the possibility of a second season.

She told Variety: “When something has felt really perfect and is being received in a lovely way, I’m a bit scared of touching it again.”

Following the season finale, which saw Mary receive her happy ending and getting married, she revealed her plans for her character.

Ella told the publication: “I can see them having this beautiful, equitable, quite progressive relationship for the time, where they both make decisions equally, and prioritize each other’s happiness. And I can see Mary continuing with her governessing.”

She continued: “It felt really important to me that Mary wanted to pass something on that she’d learned being a young woman, so I think she would want to pass that on in some way. I could see them being happy together and living a kind of bohemian London life.”

The Other Bennet Sister is now set for its return this Christmas, with the BBC having teased: “The final episode of the series saw Mary agreeing to wed Tom Hayward, but fans will be keen to know what challenges the future holds for the happy couple…”

In the announcement, Jane Tranter, Executive Producer and CEO of Bad Wolf, said: “We always hoped audiences would fall in love with Mary Bennet’s story, but the response to The Other Bennet Sister has exceeded even our most optimistic expectations.

“These Christmas specials give us the chance to spend a little more time with characters audiences have taken to their hearts, and to explore what happens after the wedding bells fade and real life begins.

“Returning to the world of Mary Bennet with our brilliant partners at the BBC and BritBox feels like the perfect way to celebrate the success of the series and give viewers a treat this Christmas.”

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama also said: “It’s been incredibly exciting to see Mary Bennet cause such a sensation in 2026, and we could not be happier to announce this new three-part Christmas gift to her millions of fans.

“Marriage was just the beginning for the no-longer-so-overlooked Bennet sister, and it’s a joy to be working with Sarah, Janice and the Bad Wolf team to let viewers discover what comes next.”

Jess O’Riordan, Commissioning Executive of BritBox North America, added: “We know how much audiences have fallen in love with Mary Bennet, and we’re thrilled that her story isn’t over yet.

“We are so pleased Mary’s story will continue for three more chapters and to welcome audiences back into the world of The Other Bennet Sister this holiday season.”

The Other Bennet Sister is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

The Other Bennet Sister proved to be a massive hit with period drama fans last month.

A star of The Other Bennet Sister already has two major new projects lined up.

BBC audiences were captivated by the Pride and Prejudice-inspired period drama The Other Bennet Sister, which retells the classic story from the viewpoint of Mary Bennet (portrayed by Ella Bruccoleri).

While the series predominantly centres on Mary’s individual journey, it does track some of the Jane Austen novel’s more central characters, including snobbish social climber Miss Bingley.

In this BBC adaptation, she is portrayed by none other than Sex Education star Tanya Reynolds, who now has two exciting productions on the horizon.

The first of these ventures is dark comedy Dog Person, a film which the 34 year old is not only appearing in but marks her directorial debut.

She will assume the role of Sally, a dental receptionist who is “overwhelmed by life’s pressures and develops a desire to relinquish control, leading to a dark, unsettling fantasy”.

Reynolds won’t be the sole recognisable face to appear in Dog Person either, as she will be accompanied by the likes of Happy Valley villain and Grantchester legend James Norton.

Completing the principal cast is ITV Downton Abbey and Twenty Twenty Six star Hugh Bonneville.

Dog Person isn’t Reynolds’ sole forthcoming project, with Ted Lasso enthusiasts thrilled to learn that she will feature in the highly anticipated fourth season.

Three years have passed since fans last caught a glimpse of the award-winning Apple TV comedy-drama, and a handful of fresh faces are set to join everyone’s beloved football coach.

Little has been revealed about Reynolds’ character, though she is set to play a new assistant coach for a women’s football team.

Fortunately, the wait is almost at an end, with Ted Lasso season four due to make its debut on Wednesday, August 5, on Apple TV, with episodes dropping on a weekly basis.

The Other Bennet Sister is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.