Becoming Jane Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Young Jane Austen meets a hot Irish lawyer, they argue a lot, almost run away together, but then Jane realizes she’d rather write about love than actually have it, so she stays home and becomes a literary legend.

🍿 Becoming Jane: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Jane Austen and Her World

The film opens in 1795, introducing Jane Austen as a spirited young woman with aspirations beyond the conventional expectations of marriage and social standing. Her family, while loving, is concerned with securing a financially stable future for her, leading them to encourage a match with the wealthy Mr. Wisley. Jane, however, dreams of marrying for love, a radical notion for the time.

The Arrival of Tom Lefroy

Tom Lefroy, a roguish and intelligent young Irishman, enters Jane’s life, challenging her perspectives and sparking an immediate, albeit turbulent, connection. Their initial animosity gradually transforms into a deep attraction, fueled by intellectual sparring and mutual understanding. Tom’s unconventional nature and disdain for societal norms resonate with Jane’s own rebellious spirit.

Conflicting Desires and Societal Pressures

As Jane and Tom’s feelings deepen, they face increasing opposition from their families and society. Jane’s parents disapprove of Tom’s lack of wealth and social standing, while Tom’s dependence on his stern uncle, Judge Langlois, complicates matters further. The couple is torn between their love for each other and the practical realities of their circumstances, forcing them to confront difficult choices.

An Attempted Elopement and Heartbreaking Decision

Driven by their love, Jane and Tom make the drastic decision to elope, defying societal expectations and risking financial ruin. However, their plans are derailed when Jane discovers the extent of Tom’s family’s financial dependence on him. Realizing that their union would jeopardize his family’s well-being, Jane makes the agonizing choice to abandon their elopement, sacrificing her own happiness for the sake of others.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jane Austen (Anne Hathaway): A spirited and intelligent young woman determined to marry for love and pursue her writing, defying societal expectations.
• Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy): A charming and roguish Irishman lawyer whose initial clash with Jane evolves into a passionate but ultimately impossible love.
• Mrs. Austen (Julie Walters): Jane’s mother is a practical woman who pressures Jane to marry for financial security rather than love, due to her own experiences.
• Lady Gresham (Maggie Smith): A wealthy and formidable aristocrat who represents the rigid social hierarchy and pressures Jane to marry her nephew.
• Mr. Wisley (Laurence Fox): The wealthy but dull nephew of Lady Gresham, who seeks to marry Jane, but is ultimately rejected due to her lack of affection for him.
• Cassandra Austen (Anna Maxwell Martin): Jane’s older sister and confidante, who provides support and understanding during Jane’s romantic struggles.
• Reverend Austen (James Cromwell): Jane’s father, a clergyman who is somewhat more understanding of Jane’s desire to marry for love.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jane Austen: “I cannot give my heart where there is no inclination.” – Jane declares her resolve to marry for love, not convenience, defying societal expectations.
• Tom Lefroy: “What value will there ever be in life, if we are not together?” – Tom expresses his deep love for Jane and his belief that life is meaningless without her.
• Lady Gresham: “Affection is desirable. Money is absolutely indispensable.” – Lady Gresham bluntly states the pragmatic view of marriage in that era.
• Jane Austen: “My characters shall have, after a little trouble, all that they desire.” – Jane expresses her intention to give her fictional characters the happy endings she might not have herself.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $16.5M
• Domestic Gross: $18.6M
• Worldwide Gross: $37.3M

💥 Becoming Jane Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adored ‘Becoming Jane’! I went in expecting a stuffy period piece, but it was anything but. The chemistry between Anne Hathaway and James McAvoy was electric, and I found myself completely swept away by their forbidden romance. That scene where they almost elope broke my heart! While it’s not historically accurate, it made me appreciate Jane Austen’s novels on a whole new level, I laughed, I cried and I definitely recommend.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Jane Austen’s novels”
  • “Lovers of period dramas”
  • “Those interested in biographical stories, even if fictionalized”
  • “Viewers who enjoy romantic films with bittersweet endings”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief mention of prostitution”
  • “Some thematic elements related to class and social expectations”
  • “Emotional scenes involving heartbreak and disappointment”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Anne Hathaway is surprisingly effective as Jane Austen. The film does an admirable job of depicting the social constraints of the time while still allowing for the playful wit and intelligence that characterize Austen’s novels.
• A.O. Scott: “Becoming Jane is a well-crafted but ultimately predictable romantic drama that relies too heavily on speculation. The performances are strong, but the film never quite transcends its formulaic narrative.
• Lisa Schwarzbaum: “Hathaway brings a contemporary sensibility to Austen, but she struggles to fully embody the author’s sharp wit and social commentary. James McAvoy is charming as Lefroy but the chemistry between them doesn’t always ignite.

Audience Reactions

Anne Hathaway’s spirited performance captured Jane Austen’s passion and intelligence.: Viewers were drawn in by the emotional intensity and heartbreaking choices.

The film beautifully portrayed the social constraints of the era.: Many appreciated the gorgeous cinematography and costume design.

Overall Consensus: A well-acted but historically loose romantic drama that offers an enjoyable, if somewhat fictionalized, glimpse into the life of a young Jane Austen.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Historian Jon Spence worked as a consultant on the film and wrote a book of the same name, exploring the inspiration Lefroy gave to Jane.”
• “County Wicklow in Ireland served as a substitute for Hampshire, England, where Jane Austen lived.”
• “Ian Richardson’s role as Judge Langlois was his last film role.”
• “The film takes liberties with historical accuracy, presenting a fictionalized account of Jane Austen’s early life and relationship with Tom Lefroy.”

🖥️ How to Watch Becoming Jane?

Becoming Jane is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable or satellite providers. You might also find it at your local library.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Becoming Jane, you might like these similar films:

• Pride & Prejudice (2005): A classic adaptation of Austen’s most famous novel, exploring similar themes of love, class, and societal expectations in 19th-century England.
• Shakespeare in Love (1998): A fictionalized account of Shakespeare’s life, intertwining romance and the creation of his famous plays, similar to how ‘Becoming Jane’ portrays Austen’s early experiences shaping her writing.
• Sense and Sensibility (1995): Another well-regarded Austen adaptation that focuses on the lives and loves of the Dashwood sisters, highlighting the constraints placed on women in that era.
• Little Women (2019): Modern adaptation of another story about women and finding their place, balancing familial duty with their own personal aspirations in a time period not in the same era as Becoming Jane.

🛒 Becoming Jane Related Products

• The Complete Novels of Jane Austen: A beautiful hardback collection of all six of Jane Austen’s beloved novels, a must-have for any Austen fan.
• Pride and Prejudice (2005) [Blu-ray]: The critically acclaimed adaptation of Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightley, features stunning cinematography and a memorable score.
• Jane Austen Pop! Vinyl Figure: A stylized collectible vinyl figure of Jane Austen, perfect for displaying your love of literature.
• Austen Trivia Game: Test your knowledge of Jane Austen’s life and novels with this fun and challenging trivia game.

🎧 Soundtrack

Becoming Jane features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “First Impressions” – performed by Adrian Johnston
• “Hole in the Wall” – performed by Henry Purcell

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

BECOMING MANNERED JAMES MCAVOY

Ever wonder how actors prepare for period pieces? This video shows James McAvoy diving deep into 18th-century courtship, and it’s honestly fascinating to see how much effort goes into these roles!

Every Jane Austen Adaptation Ranked from Worst to Best

Want to know where ‘Becoming Jane’ stacks up against other Austen adaptations? This video ranks them all from worst to best, and whether you agree or disagree, it’s definitely a fun watch!

✨ Rate