I now have a fear that this piece will be ignored by the masses. While I love the works of Jane Austen, I do not claim to know much about her life. I've heard of the historical ambiguity of the idea and I will not make any judgments on accuracy.
But, gosh dern it, this made a darling little story.
Here we see a young, pre-Pride and Prejudice Jane struggling with her poor family. It's nothing truly terrible--they get by, big sister Cassandra is engaged, and brother Henry is a soldier. But of course they are always looking for money to get by; once Jane's parents die, she will have no money whatsoever.
But she won't fear. She's an independent woman with the confidence to believe that she could survive on her writing. This isn't a popular notion, and everyone around her would prefer to settle down with the local nobility's nice young nephew. Alas, Miss Jane wants romance! Which impromptuly comes in the form of a penniless law student. Sparks fly and the next thing we know Jane and Tom are head-over-heels in love. It's a cute, fun romance reminiscent of the romance of her own novels--it actually inspires her to write them! Do not forget, however, that Jane is poor and lives in a world where money is necessary.
I honestly did not expect much when I entered the theatre. To be honest, it's not the best. The filming aims for a more artsy side which doesn't always make it through and Ms. Hathaway's English accent isn't quite perfect. There were scenes that many viewers might consider boring. But the characters are determined to make a good movie and they march through to earn some well-deserved applause.
What I think made it work was not only some more-than-decent performances, but a discussion of ideals and reality. Jane gives a marvelous definition of irony that weaves its way through the movie as a motif. The role of the woman is discussed. And then there is the age-old debate of love vs. security. In many ways this is not a happy movie (I cried), but it is honest story-telling, even if not historically accurate.
If you're looking for a good drama and a glance at the possible personality of one the most famous female authors ever, this will be a great choice.
But, gosh dern it, this made a darling little story.
Here we see a young, pre-Pride and Prejudice Jane struggling with her poor family. It's nothing truly terrible--they get by, big sister Cassandra is engaged, and brother Henry is a soldier. But of course they are always looking for money to get by; once Jane's parents die, she will have no money whatsoever.
But she won't fear. She's an independent woman with the confidence to believe that she could survive on her writing. This isn't a popular notion, and everyone around her would prefer to settle down with the local nobility's nice young nephew. Alas, Miss Jane wants romance! Which impromptuly comes in the form of a penniless law student. Sparks fly and the next thing we know Jane and Tom are head-over-heels in love. It's a cute, fun romance reminiscent of the romance of her own novels--it actually inspires her to write them! Do not forget, however, that Jane is poor and lives in a world where money is necessary.
I honestly did not expect much when I entered the theatre. To be honest, it's not the best. The filming aims for a more artsy side which doesn't always make it through and Ms. Hathaway's English accent isn't quite perfect. There were scenes that many viewers might consider boring. But the characters are determined to make a good movie and they march through to earn some well-deserved applause.
What I think made it work was not only some more-than-decent performances, but a discussion of ideals and reality. Jane gives a marvelous definition of irony that weaves its way through the movie as a motif. The role of the woman is discussed. And then there is the age-old debate of love vs. security. In many ways this is not a happy movie (I cried), but it is honest story-telling, even if not historically accurate.
If you're looking for a good drama and a glance at the possible personality of one the most famous female authors ever, this will be a great choice.