Written by Pollo Misterioso 

Becoming Jane wants to play out like a Jane Austen novel (Pride and Prejudice, Emma), with fierce wit, integrity, and romance; however, this isn’t a film about one of her characters, but about the authoress and her life, which doesn’t always translate to screen the way her novels do.

Directed by Julian Jarrold, Becoming Jane is a historical film based on Jane Austen’s life before she achieves her literary fame. Like one of her stories, Jane (Anne Hathaway) comes from a lower class family, where marriage is important in the security of a young woman’s future. Her father, played by James Cromwell, is the local reverend but never preaches at her to change her outspoken tongue and manner.

Jane is a fierce writer, always seen with a pen or book in hand, but she still searches for the inspiration to write from the heart, about the heart. Through family relations, the Austens are made to welcome Mr. Tom Lefroy, played by James McAvoy, after he has been made to spend his summer away from London and in the countryside as punishment for his lifestyle in the city.

Tom and Jane’s relationship begins in competition over the written word but grows into an ardent love for one another. But money, social status, and family will not allow them to be together. Like her novels, she is pursued by unworthy suitors, men that can promise her a comfortable life, but without passion. Even for Jane, a life without passion is not a life at all.

She wrote such complex and interesting novels that commented on society and gave women a voice, always having strong female characters. For Austen fans Becoming Jane turns into a guessing game, spotting her inspirations for her novels. Her close relationship with her sister in real life could be the basis for the strong bonds of sisterhood in her stories. Her playing cricket is explored in her writings as well.