Review of Becoming Jane (2007) by Karena D — 19 Feb 2012

I'll begin by saying that I enjoyed Becoming Jane. Now I'll say, it wasn't perfect. My biggest beef was the casting of an American as a quintessential British character. I'm actually a big fan of Anne Hathaway's, but I was heavily distracted by the mere knowledge of her nationality, even though her accent was not awful.

And, I was disappointed in the total absence of all the other ways Austen's life was fulfilling even if she gave up her love. She was not a flat woman whose only excitement came through a man she couldn't have.

That was one aspect of how she became who she was. For me, it was as much of a let down as James Cameron focusing on a made up love story instead of the incredible true stories of the people who sunk with the Titanic.

Sure, it was a fun story, but to ignore all other aspects of Jane Austen is a disservice to her. In the end, however, I did enjoy the movie. It was a step up from your typical romantic comedy. It entertained me - even if imperfectly.