Becoming Jane

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Becoming Jane

PG,

2007,

2h 0m,

Biography/

Romance

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Watchlist

58%

140 Reviews

Tomatometer

74%

100,000+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

58%

Tomatometer

140 Reviews

74%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Though Jane Austen's financially strapped parents expect her to marry the nephew of wealthy Lady Gresham, the young woman knows that such a union will destroy her creativity and sense of self-worth. Instead, she becomes involved with Tom Lefroy, a charming but penniless apprentice lawyer who gives her the knowledge of the heart she needs for her future career as a novelist.

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Critics Consensus

Although Becoming Jane is a well-crafted period piece, it lacks fresh insight into the life and works of Jane Austen. The film focuses too much on wardrobe and not enough on Austen's achievements.

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Debbie Day

Premiere Magazine

Nov 3, 2016

3/4

"The reality of love's disappointments enriches the film's heroine, who never married in real life, and brings a 200-year-old figure into living focus."

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Richard Roeper

Ebert & Roeper

Aug 14, 2007

Not only is that a huge stretch of the facts, it makes for a dull and overly familiar melodrama.

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Richard Schickel

TIME Magazine

Aug 10, 2007

Hathaway never makes us think the woman could write anything more complex than a diet book.

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James Croot

The Post NZ

Jan 31, 2022

Director Julian Jarrold ticks all the right boxes - stunning costumes, gorgeous scenery and dishy lead.

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Richard Crouse

Richard Crouse

Jan 31, 2021

3/5

An affecting portrait, in a Masterpiece Theatre kind of way, of the early years of one of the world's most beloved authors.

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Robert Gottlieb

The New York Review of Books

Aug 23, 2018

Its surface is plausible enough, and Hathaway's performance is persuasive enough, for us to indulge in the delusion that we're actually encountering the famously elusive Jane Austen.

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Poe L

Apr 20, 2019

This raw film is beautifully constructed in every way. The casting choices were absolutely unmatched, especially Tom Lefroy! I loved this movie, including the moments that made me cry. Stories like this remind me that it is okay to not have a perfect ending. I will forever cherish this movie.

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Abraham G

Apr 17, 2019

The absolute BEST romantic movie! Watch it several times to catch all the lines.

Mar 23, 2019

You're my story.

Hermione R

Dec 19, 2018

Mcavoy really makes this movie something special. He is so good.

Albus W

Aug 26, 2018

As an audience, it is not very exciting to see two lovers not ending up together at the end. Yet there is no moment int he film has bored me, like it would in other periodic films. Passionate kiss, different suitors, and wild rebellious boy, are just the what horny young ladies needed to see :P

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Luke S

Sep 26, 2017

Reviewed 9.26.17. It's a period piece for people that don't like period pieces. Light, not stodgy. And a Jane Austen movie for people that aren't interested in Jane Austen. For it doesn't really teach you a thing about her. It has more the feel of a teenage love story that just happens to take place during the Victorian era. Quite a simple, and classic retelling of unrequited love. Nothing too deep here, but it's nice to look at. And it offers viewers the opportunity to witness two big Hollywood stars (Hathaway, McAvoy) in their nascent stages. But will likely disappoint fans of heavier substance, historical accuracy or large scale period recreations.

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Julian Jarrold

Director

Anne Hathaway

Jane Austen

James McAvoy

Tom Lefroy

James Cromwell

Mr. Austen

Maggie Smith

Lady Gresham

Julie Walters

Mrs. Austen

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Synopsis

Though Jane Austen's financially strapped parents expect her to marry the nephew of wealthy Lady Gresham, the young woman knows that such a union will destroy her creativity and sense of self-worth. Instead, she becomes involved with Tom Lefroy, a charming but penniless apprentice lawyer who gives her the knowledge of the heart she needs for her future career as a novelist.

Director: Julian Jarrold
Producer: Robert Bernstein, Graham Broadbent, Douglas Rae
Screenwriter: Kevin Hood, Sarah Williams
Distributor: Miramax Films
Production Co: UK Film Council, Scion Films, Blueprint Pictures, HanWay Films, Bord Scannán na hÉireann / The Irish Film Board
Rating: PG (Mild Language|Brief Nudity)
Genre: Biography, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 3, 2007, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 26, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $18.7M
Runtime: 2h 0m
Sound Mix: Dolby SRD
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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