Becoming Jane Review

This delightful little film is made all the better by the soulful doe-eyes of Ann Hathaway, last seen (by me) being tormented by her boss in The Devil Wears Prada.   She is terrific as the witty wordsmith Jane Austen, who leads a troubled life as a clever but poor young woman with few prospects for a happy future according to the typical plan of the day.

In the film's time and place (and in real life, of course), young women without means could only marry for money (if they could swing catching the eye of someone in the upper class), or marry for love, which often lead to a life of drudgery.   Jane toys with both ideas, and even comes up with a third option, to the surprise of many.  

The characters in Becoming Jane are easy to either like or hate;   you'll find yourself cheering on the gal who's fallen for a younger man;  loving the sweet old minister dad;   empathisizing with Jane's sister;  and disliking a couple of foul characters who may or may not change by movie's end.   Special kudos to Maggie Smith, who always wins over an audience, no matter who she portrays. 

My husband went with me and enjoyed this movie.  Granted, I drag him to every art film that comes out and he loves most of them.   He's not your typical male:  no sports, no grilling.   So I can't say that most guys would like this film.    But I can say, whole-heartedly, to grab your gal pals and head for the theater.   You'll be awful glad you're a Modern Woman living in the US of A when you're leaving the theater.   And you may even be tempted to pick up a Jane Austen novel.........a great idea!  

The Bottom Line:  Libby Loves It!