Review: Becoming Jane DVD
| Movie: Becoming Jane | On DVD: | Feb. 12, 2008 |
| MPAA Rating: PG-13 for brief nudity and mild language | In Theaters: | Aug. 10, 2007 |
| Buy it: Amazon | Gecko Rating: |
The year is 1795, and the place is England. Jane Austen (Anne Hathaway) is 20 years old and passionate about writing romantic novels, despite the fact that it’s not an acceptable profession for a woman of that era.
Her parents, played by Julie Walters and James Cromwell, are pressuring her to marry well and for money. Her father is a clergyman, and if Jane marries a rich man, it’s not only her ticket to financial freedom, but theirs, as well.
The most desirable candidate is Mr. Wisley (Laurence Fox), the upstanding nephew of Lady Gresham (Maggie Smith). But since matters of the heart rarely follow protocol, Jane instead finds herself drawn to the dashing and arrogant Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy), an Irish lawyer who initially scoffs at Jane’s country ways. Also, Tom subsists on an allowance from his uncle, who promises to cut him off if he marries a country girl.
More after the jump, including a trailer…
But sparks fly soon enough, and Jane finds herself in a battle-of-wits relationship with Tom – depicted as the source of inspiration for the dueling couple of Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy in Austen’s “Pride & Prejudice.”
This is a charming film, if a bit long — a good 20 minutes could have been trimmed. Hathaway is a lovely romantic heroine, bringing to life the complex Austen we know through her books. She has good chemistry with Lefroy, although he’s a much different character than the brooding Mr. Darcy played by Colin Firth in the 1995 A&E miniseries of “Pride & Prejudice.” This film also features beautiful costumes, neatly manicured gardens, and lush landscapes reminiscent of a Merchant/Ivory movie.
Parents Should Know: Tweens and teens might enjoy this romantic tale, although some parts are a little dicey, including one sexual interlude between Jane’s parents. Language is mild, except for one s-word.
DVD Extras: Discovering the Real Jane Austen; Deleted Scenes; “Becoming Jane” Pop-Up Facts & Footnotes; Audio Commentary with director Julian Jarrold, writer Kevin Hood, and producer Robert Bernstein.
Trailer:
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2 opinions for Review: Becoming Jane DVD
Liz
Feb 13, 2008 at 5:41 am
I grew up on Jane Austen, but I couldn’t even get halfway through the trailer without getting completely bored. I may check this out from Netflix someday, but somehow I’m just not feeling it…maybe because the actual details of Austen’s life aren’t that interesting.
Tamika M. Murray
Feb 14, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I just read your review and watched the trailer for Becoming Jane. I absolutely adore Ms. Austen’s work. I love both the BBC and Keira Knightley version of Pride and Prejudice. Becoming Jane looks like my next “guilty pleasure” movie. I can’t wait to see it.
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