'Best and most definitive version' of Jane Austen adaptation streaming for free

A well-loved adaptation of a Jane Austen novel is streaming right now that period drama lovers can't miss.

The movie came out in 1995 - a golden year for Janeites and also Austen's 220th birthday.

There were several big adaptations that year, including the BBC's iconic Andrew Davies TV version of Pride and Prejudice, which left a nation weak at the knees at the sight of Colin Firth's Mr Darcy in a dripping wet shirt; Emma Thompson's gorgeous star-studded Hollywood film Sense and Sensibility; and this TV movie.

Audience members have said of the adaptation: "Simply perfect! From the cast to the production design and direction, this bbc film is the best and most definitive version of Jane Austen's last and (for me) best novel [sic]."

A second reviewer on IMDb wrote: "Best Jane Austen adaptation of late! This has got to be the most watchable Jane Austen adaptation since the recent influx."

A third top rated review gave the film 9/10 and said: "Jane Austen's world perfectly brought to life."

Another person posted: "Beautiful adaptation, terrific casting. And the celebration of the ordinary and the idea that true love will out itself whatever the obstacles put in its way.

"The casting was inspired and utterly believable in this wondrous adaptation."

The BBC's 1995 film version of Persuasion starred Unforgotten's Amanda Root as heroine Anne Elliot and HBO's Rome and Game of Thrones star Ciarán Hinds as Captain Frederick Wentworth.

Other cast members included Killing Eve's Fiona Shaw as Mrs. Croft, All Creatures Great and Small actor Samuel West as Mr. Elliot, The Crown's Victoria Hamilton as Henrietta Musgrove, and Hustle and Spooks' Robert Glenister as Captain Harville, among others.

Persuasion followed 27-year-old Anne, who was unexpectedly reunited with Captain Wentworth, the man she rejected years earlier after she was convinced to do so by a family friend due to his lack of prospects and financial security at the time.

The story saw Anne's deep regret at turning down the proposal as she tried to prove to Captain Wentworth that she'd changed, despite his deep pain at her rejection.

As the two became reacquainted, long-buried feelings were reawakened as Anne's family was now on the brink of ruin and he was a successful naval officer.

The book was the last of Austen's novels and is often cited as the most mature novel and rooted in reality, offering a sweet tale of second chances in love.

Persuasion (1995) was nominated for five BAFTA Awards and walked away with four accolades. The film also won three Royal Television Society Awards.

This year is Jane Austen's 250th birthday, and to celebrate, the BBC has released a wealth of content on iPlayer for audiences to devour, including Persuasion (1995).

Those looking for their period drama fix can also watch Pride and Prejudice (1995), Sense and Sensibility (2008), and Emma (2009).

There's also the BBC and PBS' sublime adaptation of Gill Hornby's masterful novel Miss Austen, which gives a fictional take on why her sister Cassandra Austen burned her famous sibling's letters.

Miss Austen stars Keeley Hawes, Rose Leslie, Phyllis Logan, Patsy Ferran, Jessica Hynes, Alfred Enoch, and Max Irons.

Miss Austen has proved so popular that the BBC has recommissioned it for a second series based on Hornby's follow-up novel The Elopement.

Those looking to learn more about Austen's life can catch docudramas The Real Jane Austen and Jane Austen: Rise of Genius.

Persuasion (1995) is streaming on the BBC iPlayer now