Becoming Jane (A movie review that is spoiler-free)

When given a chance to see a movie that does not involve talking animals or animated anything, I jump at it.  I was thrilled to be able to go see Becoming Jane all by myself.  As in alone. 

Now, one thing that is stressed over and over about the movie is that it is a fictional account based on Jane Austen's life.  Honestly, I just don't know enough about Jane Austen's life to know fact from fiction, so that detail did not bother me one bit or take away any part of the enjoyment factor.  If you are a die-hard Austen fan with extensive knowledge of her life, just know going in this is a fictional account.

I was eager to see the star, Anne Hathaway,  in this type of role. (Seeing as I was used to her in movies like Princess Diaries and Ella Enchanted.) Let me first say, I thought her accent was impeccable. Not that I am awesome at picking out what is spot on, but I can get quite irritated with a bad accent. (Enough so that I will leave a movie over it.  It was completely  not an issue with Anne.  I became absolutely immersed in her character to remember she was an American.)  Anne played this character as if she were born to bring the beloved Jane Austen to life for us--fictionalized or not.  She nailed this role unlike any I have seen in a while.  She had spunk and sass and made her bring her character to life in such a way that you really wanted to know her as a personal friend. Her classic beauty and ability to act was such that you become completely immersed in her character.  For me, that is what made the movie more like the experience of climbing into a book with one of Jane Austen's own fictional characters and living life with them. 

The official movie teaser states:

“Becoming Jane,” is the story of the great, untold romance that inspired a young Jane Austen, played by Anne Hathaway.  Willful and spirited, Jane is not ready to be tied down to anything but her writing. That is until she meets Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy), a charming rogue from London who spends more time drinking and socializing than on his law studies.

What is not to love with a description like that?  This movie was ultimately a love story.  But even more than the romance it teases and promises you, there was a real love in this movie. A love story for the ages from ages ago.  (Though, I now know that the actual relationship with Tom Lefroy (played in the movie by James McAvoy was less a love affair than a flirtation in real life.)  In the movie, it just worked so beautifully as a full blown love affair of the heart.  This story  and the relationship between the characters has been suggested as the the inspiration behind the classical banter between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice.

I have to admit one of my favorite scenes in the movie was the dialog regarding Jane and her writing.  (Thank you IMDB for pulling it out as a memorable quote as well.)

Mrs. Austen:  JANE!
 Lady Gresham:  What is she doing?
 Mr. Wisley:  Writing.
 Lady Gresham:  Can anything be done about it?

A romance with humor.  Best combination ever.  Combine that with the amazing period costumes and settings, and I was sucked in and became the total romance sap that I am!  Confession time:  I love period pieces and always forgot how much until I see one done as well as Become Jane was done.  A wonderful piece of work for the eyes, the ears and the heart.  I highly recommend seeing this movie.  Grab a box of Kleenex and a good girlfriend and go see it.  And remember regardless of whether or not this is a fictional account or not, it is a beautiful love story that is a must see.   

I plan on seeing it again.  Want to join me?

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For more MotherTalk reviews on Becoming Jane, visit www.mother-talk.com.

 

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