Already a star at the time of release , Knightley 's appearance in the film was emphasised by featuring her in all promotional materials ( similar to Colin Firth 's prominent appearance in the 1995 adaptation ) . Several commentators likened the main poster of '' Pride & Prejudice '' to that of 1995 's '' Sense and Sensibility '' , which was seen as an attempt to attract the same demographic . Advertising noted that the film came " from the producers of '' Bridget Jones 's Diary '' " , a 2001 romantic comedy film , before mentioning Austen . Leading up to the release , fans were allowed to download pictures and screensavers online , which emphasised the differences between '' Pride & Prejudice '' and previous adaptations . Lydia Martin wrote that in contrast to past '' Pride and Prejudice '' productions , marketing materials downplayed the " suggested antagonism between the heroes " in favour of highlighting a " romantic relationship " , as can be seen with the positioning of the characters as well as with the tagline , " Sometimes the last person on earth you want to be with is the one you ca n't be without . " On 11 September 2005 , '' Pride & Prejudice '' premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival as a special Gala Presentation . The film was released in cinemas on 16 September in the United Kingdom and Ireland . It achieved the number one spot in its first week , earning £ 2.5 million ( $ 4.6 million ) while playing on 397 screens . The film stayed at the top for two more weeks , earning by then a total of over £ 9 million at the UK box office . It was featured on 412 screens at its widest domestic release
Toronto International Film Festival
2005 Toronto International Film Festival
Pride & Prejudice (2005 film)