In the 2005 film adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice,” the central love story between Elizabeth and Darcy is set in motion during a ball. It’s a rowdy, exuberant scene full of carefree dancing and whispered observations about the other attendees.

That’s also director Joe Wright’s favorite scene. Not too long ago, Wright rewatched his debut feature, which Focus Features is bringing back to theaters this weekend in recognition of the film’s 20th anniversary. “The first ball, the community dance, I’m very proud of that scene. It has a kind of energy and a vitality and a messiness and joy,” Wright tells Variety.

In the scene, Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) first spots Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen) — “the person with the quizzical brow” —and then overhears him insulting her appearance. It’s also where viewers are introduced to Elizabeth as a young woman with sharp wit, who has a...