Becoming Jane (2007)

Director:

Julian Jarrold

Writers:

Jane Austen (letters)
Kevin Hood (writer)

Release Date:

10 August 2007 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama | Romance

Tagline:

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

Plot:

A biographical portrait of a pre-fame Jane Austen and her romance with a young Irishman.

Plot Keywords:

Class Differences | Cricket | Sister Sister Relationship | Britain | Star Crossed Lovers

Awards:

2 wins & 5 nominations

Cast

Anne Hathaway	...	Jane Austen
James McAvoy	...	Tom Lefroy
Julie Walters	...	Mrs. Austen
James Cromwell	...	Rev Austen
Maggie Smith	...	Lady Gresham
Anna Maxwell Martin	...	Cassandra 'Cassie' Austen
Lucy Cohu	...	Eliza De Feuillide
Laurence Fox	...	Mr. Wisley
Ian Richardson	...	Judge Langlois
Joe Anderson	...	Henry Austen
Leo Bill	...	John Warren
Jessica Ashworth	...	Lucy Lefroy
Eleanor Methven	...	Mrs. Lefroy
Michael James Ford	...	Mr. Lefroy
Tom Vaughan-Lawlor	...	Robert Fowle

MPAA:

Rated PG for brief nudity and mild language. (edited for re-rating; was PG-13)

Runtime:

120 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | DTS

Certification:

Portugal:M/12 | Germany:o.Al. | Hong Kong:IIA | Finland:K-7 | South Korea:12 | Switzerland:7 (canton of Vaud) | UK:PG | Sweden:Btl | Taiwan:GP | Australia:PG | USA:PG | Netherlands:6 | Singapore:PG | Switzerland:7 (canton of Geneva) | Ireland:PG

Filming Locations:

Ardmore Studios - Herbert Road, Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland

Company:

2 Entertain

Trivia:

The white muslin frock with red patterned overdress worn by Eleanor Methven as Mrs. Lefroy is the same one Brenda Blethyn as Mrs. Bennet wears in Pride & Prejudice (2005) in the Meryton scene when the Bennets learn that Mr. Bingley has returned to Netherfield Hall.

Goofs:

Continuity: Early on, Tom Lefroy encounters Jane Austen in the woods. In the ensuing conversation the shots from behind Jane looking at Tom are in sunshine (sharp shadows of trees on the ground, etc), while during those from behind Tom looking at Jane it is grey and cloudy and there is even rain spotting Tom's fashionable hat and coat.

Quotes:

Mrs. Radcliffe: Of what do you wish to write?
Jane Austen: Of the heart.
Mrs. Radcliffe: Do you know it?
Jane Austen: Not all of it.

Movie Connections:

Version of Miss Austen Regrets (2008) (TV)

Soundtrack:

The Recruiting Officer

Lovely Movie!!

Seldom does one go to a movie with high expectations and ends up having them fulfilled, but Becoming Jane is an exception in this case. I was charmed by Anne Hathaway's turn in Brokeback Mountain and The Devil Wears Prada and couldn't really understand the outcry resulting in her being cast as Jane Austen and after having watched the movie I know for sure Anne Hathaway was the right person for the role.

Hot on the heels of 2005's Pride and Prejudice this movie offers a look into the early years of a spirited Jane Austen and her encounter with a man who could have formed the basis of one of her most famous literary characters Mr Darcy.

I have to say this movie is without a doubt one of the BEST period films I have ever seen. Not only is it visually stunning but the performances from everyone are superb.

Maggie Smith a delightful as the shrewd old Aunt.

Julie Walters excellent as the mother who would give anything to knock some sense into her daughter ( Jane Austen that is ).

Anna Maxwell Martin is also very good as the sister and confidante of Jane Austen.

The director Julian Jarrold has done a wonderful job of making an amazing movie that will appeal to all generations.

And finally the two very charming leads who are the very heart of the movie : Anne Hathaway and James McAvoy. In one word both are AWESOME. James although has little screen time then Anne makes you understand the sheer cockiness and arrogance of Tom Lefroy, from his live free attitude in life to his transformation as a man who begins to care for Jane Austen.His chemistry with Anne Hathaway is sizzling and a very important factor in maintaining the movie's momentum.

And at last to the leading lady Anne Hathaway. The lady is a marvel as Jane Austen, her determination and spark is vividly captured by Anne in what can be called a very career defining performance. Not only does one feel the pain for Jane but one does marvel at what holds her together and her writing makes her pull through in life.It is Anne Hathaway's spirited portrayal of the literary icon that forms the essence of the movie.

From her determination to write and her heart break to her feisty attitude to succeed as a writer is uniquely captures by the young actress. One can't really find the exact words to describe the actress's performance as Jane Austen , which is if simply put great.

This movie has the makings to become the period drama of the year. A fine job by the actors and entire crew of the movie for giving us an insight to what could have been very important years in the young authors life.

A delight to watch in every sense 8/10