In the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, the main couple doesn’t kiss. Why? Even Mr and Mrs Bennet kiss! (Do not get me started on their relationship in this movie.)
The English-Bollywood modern adaptation, Bride and Prejudice, didn’t include a kiss for cultural reasons. It’s pretty standard in an Austen adaptation to get at least one kiss, usually right near the end. Some movies have gone further with minor characters (see 1999’s Mansfield Park).
The proposal scene includes a gorgeous almost kiss, something that came about naturally when Kiera and Matthew read for the roles. But unless you see the American ending there is no payoff. Tension builds in this scene and the second “proposal” where Lizzy kisses Darcy’s hand, the sun rises behind them, foreheads touch. No lips meet.
It’s a weird choice. But so is the “American ending.” It’s overly affectionate and informal, it feels out of place in an Austen adaptation – it might slot quite nicely into Bridgerton (which came later). There are other odd parts to the movie; Lizzy walking alone through Derbyshire back to the inn, the Bennet’s poverty, Lizzy’s gown billowing while she stands upon a Stanage Edge, not to mention the Bennet’s marriage and the Lucas’s who barely appear.
Perhaps the only scripted kiss was that in the alternate ending, which was a push too far for Janeites considering the many other changes.
Bride and Prejudice has a similar “almost kiss” scene with the actors drawing together framed by the sun behind them.
If you’d like to discuss Austen with me privately you can book a “Read With Me” session.