Pride And Prejudice:
The story of love and misunderstanding in a very class conscious late 18th century England centres on the Bennet family, comprising five daughters whose mother (Brenda Blethyn) is determined to have them happily married off and their futures secured. Mostly, it is the story of the strong-willed Lizzie Bennet (Keira Knightley) whose independent spirit is encouraged by the girls father (Donald Sutherland).

When a wealthy bachelor, Mr Bingley (Simon Woods) and his sophisticated circle of friends take up residence at a nearby mansion, the Bennet household (or most of it) is abuzz with excitement and anticipation. Mrs Bennet sees their arrival as a golden opportunity for her daughters marriage hopes and, as it happens, the beautiful and serene Jane Bennet (Rosamund Pike) appears to capture Bingleys heart almost immediately.

Bingleys best friend is Mr Darcy (Matthew MacFadyen) who, in Lizzies eyes is a pompous and prejudiced individual and, with each encounter between them, a classic battle of the sexes ensues. But Darcy becomes increasingly attracted to the forthright Lizzie whose pride prevents her from seeing his true nature, which she will not become aware of until the Bennet family is thrown into a spin by a domestic crisis involving the impetuous Lydia Bennet (Jena Malone).

Lizzie must also contend with the fawning attentions of a distant cousin, Mr Collins (Tom Hollander) and the displeasure of the formidable Lady Catherine De Bourgh (Judi Dench), two of the other memorable characters who inhabit Jane Auste

Elizabeth:
England ,1554. Under the rule of Queen Mary I, a zealous Catholic, England has been reduced to a country racked by financial and religious instability. Now close to death, Mary (Kathy Bourke) steps up her policy of protestant repression. Even Princess Elizabeth (Cate Blanchett), her younger sister and heir apparent is in grave danger, but Mary's last ditch attempt to execute her for treason fails. Within days Mary is dead and Elizabeth is crowned Queen of England, but with enemies and rebellion continuing in her own council she is advised to hit back. She retaliates in a counter coup of immense ferocity, wiping out all opposition to her leadership. Her throne is finally secure. When Elizabeth next appears in public she has transformed herself into a legendary Virgin Queen, formidable, untouchable and unbeatable.