Review of Becoming Jane (2007) by Eli L — 09 Feb 2009

I chanced upon Becoming Jane while watching HBO and was intrigued by the storyline of Jane Austen's real-life romance (though exaggerated in some points). Anne Hathaway's milky complexion and nice features make for an appealing Jane, while James McAvoy plays Tom the rakish Irish lawmaker wannabe with natural charm. Their love story is similar to the Pride and Prejudice plot...but real life does not end with happily ever after. Jane and Tom part ways after much ado - and Jane remains single forevermore. But she becomes most productive in her single-blessedness, creating several novels that have been acknowledged as several of the best literary works in the English language.

This movie is recommended for true fans of Jane Austen. If you're looking for more romantic and joyous fares though, try Pride and Prejudice or Sense and Sensibility.

"A woman especially if she has the misfortune of knowing anything, should conceal it as well as she can." -Jane Austen.