BBC releasing 'best romance drama movie ever' ahead of Netflix reboot

Period drama aficionados are in for a treat as the drops a classic Regency drama that will leave audiences utterly infatuated, reports .

The show has garnered high praise, with one viewer exclaiming on Rotten Tomatoes: "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 besotted fan said: "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."

One more chimed in, saying, "I love every single minute of this movie."

Anticipate hearts to flutter as Joe Wright's 2005 cinematic take on Pride and Prejudice arrives on BBC iPlayer, celebrating the film's 20th anniversary and venerating Jane Austen's 250th birthday in 2025.

This version of the cherished tale stirred controversy among die-hard Pride and Prejudice devotees, emerging a decade after the 1995 BBC series which featured Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle in the iconic roles of Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet.

Compounding this was the association with Firth's similar portrayal in the Bridget Jones's Diary movies as Mark Darcy, further cementing his link with the character and securing him a new cadre of admirers.

When news broke that then Spooks actor Matthew Macfadyen would be taking on the revered Austen lead, some skepticism ensued.

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 cynical critics.

Wright's Hollywood adaptation boasted stunning cinematography with expansive panoramic views of the English countryside, including a memorable shot of Lizzy standing on a cliff in the Peak District.

The film's breathtaking visuals were complemented by an exquisite score composed by Italian maestro Dario Marianelli.

For those unfamiliar with Austen's novel, Pride and Prejudice follows the spirited heroine Lizzy and her sisters as they strive to secure their futures through marriage.

Despite the unsuccessful schemes and dramatics of their mother Mrs Bennet, portrayed by Vera's Brenda Blethyn, several of the Bennet sisters do find suitable partners.

Amidst all this, Lizzy defies convention by seeking a love match rather than marrying for wealth.

Her initial awkward encounter with Mr Darcy sets them both on a path that forces them to re-evaluate everything they thought they knew and ultimately changes them forever.

Pride and Prejudice featured a stellar cast including Rosamund Pike, the late Donald Sutherland, Carey Mulligan, Talulah Riley, Jena Malone, Tom Hollander and Rupert Friend.

The film is certainly worth viewing ahead of 's upcoming adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, which stars Emma Corrin as Elizabeth Bennet, Jack Lowden as Mr Darcy and Olivia Colman as Mrs Bennet.

Netflix has confirmed that the upcoming series will be a faithful, classic adaptation of the novel, with Everything I Know About Love author Dolly Alderton handling the scriptwriting.

Filming for Netflix's Pride and Prejudice will occur in the UK this year.

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