After so many weeks of not seeing any film at all, I finally gave in and satisfied myself with no less than one of my favorite film genre, period movies.
BECOMING JANE is a peek into the life of one of the most famous English authors of our time, Jane Austen. It depicts her early struggles as a writer and as a woman, who in those times should either marry or end up a spinster forever. (Oh well, those were the days!)
After several meetings with Mr. Wisley, Jane's mother and Lady Gresham (Mr. Wisley's aunt) were convinced that the two were perfect for each other. However, Jane wasn't the type who would marry for money, so he refused his proposal, much to her father's delight. For Reverend Austen, Jane's happiness is what matters the most.
Then came Tom Lefroy, a promising yet arrogant lawyer. Their meetings were at first a disaster, mostly due to Tom's mischievous behavior. But they were able to get to know each other and eventually fell in love.
When Tom was about to present Jane to his benefactor, his uncle Judge Langlois, he disapproved of the match, citing Jane's family condition. He threatened to disown his nephew if he insisted on marrying Jane. The young lovers' hopes were crushed, since Tom's family mainly depended on his uncle for financial support.
Jane decided to accept Mr. Wisley's proposal upon knowing of Tom's upcoming marriage to a new acquaintance. But before the two tie the knot with their respective partners, they again met. This time, Tom proposed that they run away to another place, and start their life anew. Jane was hesitant at first, but her love for Tom was all she could think of so she accepted.
While halfway near their destination, Jane stumbled upon a letter from Tom's mom, thanking him for the money he sent for them. Jane was dumbfounded. She couldn't afford to see Tom's family in dire need, just to satisfy her and Tom's love for each other. Despite Tom's assurance that he'll work harder to provide for them both and his family, Jane still decided that their love should not go any further. She left a devastated Tom and went back to her family in Hampshire.
She finished the book Pride and Prejudice (initially titled First Impressions) using her own love experience. Tom was to be Mr. Darcy and she, Elizabeth Bennet.
Years later, we'll see Jane (who never married) with her brother Henry and his wife at an opera performance. She is now an accomplished author, with many titles to her name. She saw a familiar face in the crowd, but he slowly walked away when he sensed that she saw him. Henry ran after him and finally Jane and Tom met again. Tom then introduced her daughter to them, a lovely lass he named after Jane.
My verdict: Great story line and a very convincing Anne Hathaway despite being an American portraying an English role. James McAvoy was also terrific and he and Anne both have good chemistry on screen. I also loved the cinematography despite the fact that the film was shot in Dublin, Ireland rather than in Hampshire, UK where Jane Austen grew up.
*****
Quotable Quotes:
"Sometimes affection is like a flower that takes time to blossom."
- Mr. Wisley
"Affection is desirable; money is absolutely indispensable."
- Mrs. Austen
"Nothing destroys spirit like poverty."
- Reverend Austen
"One way or another, passion makes a fool of us all."
- Tom Lefroy
"Aren't there any other woman in Hampshire?" (winner!)
- Jane Austen (to her cousin John when she found out he's been secretly in love with her)
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