Product Description: Anne Hathaway (THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA THE PRINCESS DIARIES) gives a radiant performance as a young love-struck Jane Austen in the witty and engaging romantic comedy BECOMING JANE from Miramax Films. It's the untold romance that inspired the novels of one of the world's most celebrated authors. When the dashing Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND) a reckless and penniless lawyer-to-be enters Jane's life he offends the emerging writer's sense and sensibility. Soon their clashing egos set off sparks that ignite a passionate romance and fuel Jane's dream of doing the unthinkable -- marrying for love. BECOMING JANE also starring the acclaimed Maggie Smith James Cromwell and Julie Walters is an enchanting and imaginative film you'll fall head over heels for.System Requirements:Running Time: 120 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA/LOVE & ROMANCE Rating: PG UPC: 786936731927 Manufacturer No: 05410400
Amazon.com: Like Molière, which was released in theaters around the same time, Becoming Jane isn't a conventional biopic. Instead, Julian Jarrold (White Teeth) expands on events from Jane Austen's life that may have shaped her fiction. To his credit, he doesn't stray too far from the facts. In 1795, 20-year-old Jane (Anne Hathaway with believable British accent) is an aspiring author. Her parents (Julie Walters and James Cromwell) married for love, and money is tight. They hope to see their youngest daughter make a more lucrative match, and there's a besotted local, Mr. Wisley (Laurence Fox, son of actor James Fox), who would be happy to oblige. Unfortunately, Jane isn't interested. Then, she meets brash law student Tom (The Last King of Scotland's James McAvoy), while he's staying with relatives in rural Hampshire. As in many Austen novels, it isn't love at first sight--but rather irritation. Just as affection begins to bloom, Tom has to return to London, and Wisley, whose financial prospects are superior, proposes. To complicate matters, Tom's uncle (Ian Richardson in his final performance) disapproves of the outspoken young lady just as much as Wisley's aunt (Maggie Smith, lending the proceedings some subtle humor). Had Austen penned the script, Tom and Wisley would be combined into one person, but life doesn't work that way--and nor does Becoming Jane. Though Jarrold's effort may not be as swoon-worthy as Joe Wright's Pride and Prejudice, it remains true to the spirit of the author's work. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
Pretty to look at, but the whole story feels very forced "Becoming Jane" is a so-so film that depicts events which may have shaped the life of author Jane Austen (played by Anne Hathaway). In the movie, Jane's parents (James Cromwell and Julie Walters) are anxious for their daughter to marry, but no one is able to meet Jane's high standards. When Tom (James McAvoy), a brash Irish law student, arrives in town, Jane is instantly irritated by his very presence, à la Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy. However, annoyance quickly blossoms into affection, but unfortunately for Jane and Tom, they don't seem destined for a happy ending.
I had high expectations for this film, and was disappointed. I'm not a big fan of Anne Hathaway, and she didn't win me over playing Jane Austen. I didn't sense any real chemistry between Jane and Tom, which pretty much ruined the whole movie. "Becoming Jane" has beautiful scenery, fun costumes, an exquisite musical score, and a great supporting cast, but all that isn't enough to carry this film. My advice is to skip this movie and watch "Pride and Prejudice" instead.
Is It Over Yet....... Really Is It? Four and 5 stars? !Huh! Knowing there isn't enough material available on this great author's life to truthfully put together an entire motion picture, I, nevertheless, expected to get an some insight on how she developed her story lines, and - just maybe - be entertained. Like another reviewer, what I like about Miss Austen's works is the almost metamorphosis her main characters go through as they finally discover the true character of people beneath often misleading facades. Usually the seemingly dull triumphs over the flashy and charming. How then do they have the author falling for Mr. Personality? How does this help her - er you know - become Jane! While admittedly, the cimetography and cast are impressive, a lush and picturesque nineteenth century scenery and ongoing game of "can you tell which of Miss Austen's characters this person influenced?" can't disguise an exceedingly tedious storyline. Why didn't it delve more into the close relationship between the author and her sister and the sister's relationship with her fiance. I think a window into the dichtomy of the two sisters' personalities and their love interests would have been more revealing and appropriate to the title. Brother!! I had to watch this movie in segments, I got so bored. Waaay too Hollywood for me!
Tom Lefroy became a Judge The movie may not be justice to the actress Anne Hathaway, as Jane Austin had blues eyes and seems to be rather plump in pictures of her. Her mind and her early poverty was what made her both a good writer and an old maid. The movie is well acted and set for her youth at Steventon. From her early works it was difficult to say that she would ever become a popular author. There is little doubt that she had a very understanding heart and could express it artistically by the time Emma came off her pen. Her heart was broken by the times and the lack of fortune, not by Tom Lefroy...
I can't believe this doesn't get 5 stars This isn't the true story of Jane Austin but a beautiful concoction based loosely on facts that does Jane Austin justice. You have the educated women not of her century you have the enticing misunderstood man and you have the exploration of socially acceptable customs of the era. Its like a version of a Jane novel and I loved it. If you are at all like me and enjoy time period pieces and beautiful love stories than give Becoming Jane a chance.
Too forced into a box The story moves along, in Jane Austin style, with a tendency to follow parts of other Jane Austin stories (most notably, parts of Sense & Sensibility, parts of Pride & Prejudice) which is a nice mirror to how she created the stories. However, as the second half moves along, the story is led down the predictable hollywood-style ending. While not offensive, and with a good cast, this enjoyable movie is not particularly memorable. An enjoyable, if forgettable, experience.
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