Becoming Jane

Is the reimagined story of the secret love that inspired Jane Austen's writing. In Becoming Jane, we see the people and events which inspired Pride and Prejudice and many other of Ms. Austen's novels. Anne Hathaway is radiant as a young and spirited Jane. Trying to sidestep unfortunate marriage proposals, but still keep her options for matrimony open, she is pulled unexpectedly into a romance with Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy). He is a reprobrate sent from London to cool his heels in the Country by his wealthy uncle.

The chemistry between the two stars is electric. The touch of a hand while dancing, a look across a crowded room, and the way he says goodnight with an almost kiss will send chills down your spine. I swear I could have fainted from the sensual tension in this film. It manages to capture that certain something that still draws crowds of breathless women to Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.

We all know that things won't end well. Jane Austen never married and died at age 41 having produced only 6 books. Here though, instead of ending on a sad note, the film manages a sense of hope and the possibility of happiness. I don't know how the director managed it, but I can't stop thinking about it. The message is be true to your heart. Even if that means giving up it's greatest desire.

I seriously think I'm going to go see it again. I feel there's so much here that I missed. I haven't been this moved by a film in a very long time. I highly recommend it.