Becoming Jane (2007)

Posted : 10 months, 2 weeks ago at Aug 19 12:16

I watched this hot on the heels of watching the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice. I have to say, it rather paled in comparison to that, and to Shakespeare in Love, from which it stole the story's basic premise. It is a premise I wouldn't mind seeing more, so long as it was done well. And this one is fairly well done. Just not quite as good as Shakespeare. My major issue with the movie was that it didn't dare enough. It was too obviously based on Pride and Sense. I would have preferred to see them making a larger leap than they did. The one bit I was especially appreciative of was the young man who is courting her as she falls in love with Tom. He seems obviously to be the one based on (or who was the inspiration for? I'm not sure if he's based on a real character.) Col...Read more

Rating : 8/10

Posted : 1 year, 10 months ago at Aug 27 14:01

Based on the possible romance between Jane Austen and Thomas Lefroy, it is the story of two young people who have preconceived ideas of each other and their difficult positions in society. It was an interesting movie, and I appreciated the fact that it was a very intelligent movie. Some of the language and phrasing was unfamiliar to me...unlike the recent versions of her books made into movies where everything was brought up to todays language. And that there were many occasions where the usual movie would have gone one way (for dramatic effect or for a laugh) and this movie didn't go that way. I also thought the costuming and sets were nicely done and probably more accurate than most current period pieces. They frequently looked a little scruffy, and a little less washed than is toda...Read more

Rating : 6/10

Posted : 1 year, 10 months ago at Aug 23 20:24

Oh, I just loved this! It was just so pleasant and in keeping with the traditional adaptations of Austen's own novels. I'd say this is a very worthy addition to the series of movies.

If I had to nitpick about anything, I would probably say Hathaway. I really like her but I think someone who didn't have to concentrate so hard on the accent would have made the role just a tad smoother. But frankly, her chemistry with McAvoy really makes you forget that. There are several parts, especially the second dance they have together, where you can almost feel the tension and sparks between them and the way they just looked at each other. Wonderful!

Rating : 8/10