The casting of James McAvoy as Tom LeFroy was also an inspired choice as he has recently established himself as one of the leading actors to hail from the UK. His portrayal of Tom immediately shows the stark contrast between himself and Jane. Where Jane has come from a more restrained and proper upbringing, Tom hails from the wilder side where carousing, cavorting, and even the occasional boxing match are more his speed. He also shows the degree of devotion that LeFroy held for Austen and makes the romance totally believable.
The romance takes place as Austen is struggling to complete her first novel. It was originally called "First Impressions" but would later be known by its more familiar title, Pride and Prejudice. For those acquainted with that novel it's clear to see the sources of inspiration for the story in her romance with LeFroy. In fact, when Jane first meets Tom she is reading something she wrote in honor of her sister Cassandra's engagement. Tom mocks her efforts and she destroys the manuscript. But at the end of the film, Tom has developed much greater respect for Jane and her skills as he attends an event with his daughter (who is a huge fan of her books) and encourages Jane to perform a reading for the assembled party-goers.
There are a few elements of this film that do make it inappropriate to watch with the entire family. There is a swimming scene where Tom and Henry are seen naked as they jump into the lake (they are shot from behind) and the ladies look on adoringly. While such a scene may have been factually correct it seems unnecessary. There is also no secret of Tom's debauchery both before and after meeting Jane. So while the subject matter may seem on its face appropriate, family viewers should be cautioned that there is some more mature material included in the film.
Despite these few flaws, Becoming Jane is still a fine film and especially a must for devotees of Ms. Austen's work. Through this film we understand more of the pain that Ms. Austen felt through having loved and lost. On one hand we feel sorry for Ms. Austen and yet at the same time are thankful that she managed to use the emotional pain to craft some of the most beloved novels of all time.
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