Becoming Jane

Yes folks, as you can tell I am a weee bit behind on seeing movies. I finally sat down and watched "Becoming Jane" the other night (and then watched it again last night), one that I've wanted to see ever since it was released in theaters back in August 2007. Well...better late than never I suppose!

I have to say the movie was fantastic, albeit somewhat sad! Like Jane Austen's novels, this movie was undeniably a love story. Romance and passion abounded, but the love went deeper than that. Like her heroines, the Jane that was portrayed in this film did experience a whirlwind affair, but what made her special was that Jane, just like her heroines, refused to settle and listen to the dictates of society about marriage. She loved a man, yes. But she also loved herself. She knew her potential, she knew her worth, she had her feet firmly planted in reality and she refused to let anyone make her choices for her.

Anne Hathaway played Jane, the young and spunky aspiring writer who refused to marry solely for money and convenience, and instead fell deeply in love with a poor (but very handsome) Irishman. True research on Jane's life has revealed that her relationship with Tom Lefroy was more of a flirtation than a full-blown love affair, but the romanticized version of their affection portrayed in the movie was much more in line with the experiences she gave the characters in her books. There was anticipation, passion, heartbreak, and tragedy; a roller-coaster of emotions that gave the viewer some insight into the mind of this great author, and where she drew the inspiration for some of her most famous characters. It has been suggested that Lefroy himself was the real-life spark that caught fire in Jane's mind, giving birth to the infamous Mr. Darcy.

As for the acting, James McAvory (oh, that accent...just makes my heart melt!) embodies Tom Lefroy wonderfully and his chemistry with Anne Hathaway (Jane) was amazing and smoldering. It was a very beautiful film with stunning visuals and greatly executed costumes and props, not to mention an outstanding soundtrack!! This definitely is a movie well-worth seeing especially if you're a Jane Austen fan (like myself). It did her justice and made me realize more than ever why Jane Austen and her books are timeless....she understood people and what made them tick. And I believe 100 years from now, she and her books will still continue to be relevant. Hmm....I may just need to watch it again!