Becoming Jane

Becoming Jane is a film adaptation of a book about the early life and times of Jane Austen, or what indeed the author Jon Spence speculated about actual events. I wasn't especially excited about this film, but TA consistanly pointed out all of the cast who had been in any Harry Potter films whenever the trailer came on - so naturally - she was very excited!

Jane Austen (Anne Hathaway) is the daughter of Rev. Austen (James Cromwell), a minister in a small rural community in Southern England with his wife (Julie Walters). Her older sister Cassandra (Anna Maxwell Martin) is engaged to be married, but Jane resists all efforts to partner her up with Mr. Wisley (Laurence Fox), a rich but boring nephew of Lady Gresham (Maggie Smith). Jane has aspirations to become a writer, although her family aren't so sure.

Jane then meets Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy), and she's intrigued; although he's critical of her writing style, he knows that she talent and he encourages her to experience more of the world, from more risqué literature to Tom's turn at boxing. Tom begins to court Jane, and she can't help but be ever more attracted to Tom, a poor but intelligent man. Jane realizes her own ideas about love and marriage is sometimes in conflict with the conventions of the society in which she lives.

A good performance and Hathaway did well for an American playing a Brit. Not one for DVD though - 3 Stars.