Since I’ve spent so much time reading the novels and watching the various movie adaptations of Jane Austen, seeing this film coming to theaters really got me excited. Unfortunately, I just haven't been able to squeeze in the time to catch it yet, so I'll probably just wait until it hits streaming services. Honestly, though, just based on the trailers and everything, I'm already hooked. As a huge fan of her books... I’ve been dying for something like this.
I’m curious to hear what people who have actually seen it think. Did you enjoy it? I’m especially interested in hearing from those who love her novels and admire her as an author—someone who basically stood up against the social norms of her era.
Here is a little background on the movie:
The story of Jane Austen
Can a love that defies social norms actually survive? And how much are the protagonists willing to sacrifice to make it work?
The year is 1795, and a young Jane Austen (Anne Hathaway) is a determined twenty-year-old writer on the rise. Even back then, she had this vision of a world without rigid class structures—a world that could move past Pride and Prejudice and allow for something truly unthinkable: marrying for love. Her parents, however, didn't see things that way. They were far too preoccupied with finding the "right" match for Jane to ensure she secured high social standing, along with all the perks that come with it—money, influence, and power. Mr. Wisely (Laurence Fox), the nephew of the wealthy Lady Gresham (Maggie Smith), seemed like the perfect candidate to them.
But then Jane meets the charming and magnetic Thomas Lefroy (James McAvoy), a man who is a total rebel against the aristocracy. It isn't long before sparks fly between them, fueled by witty banter and a deep mutual understanding. His intellect and that certain kind of likable arrogance catch Jane's attention, and she ends up falling head over heels. Before long, their blatant flirting starts causing a stir in their social circles, landing the young couple in serious trouble. In their attempt to marry, they are prepared to risk everything—family, friends, and fortune.
This semi-autobiographical tale about the life and work of the famous American author is directed by Julian Jarrold. He has mostly worked on TV movies (like 'Great Expectations') and episodes of series such as 'The Canterbury Tales' and 'Silent Witness,' though his feature film work hasn't always been a massive hit with critics.
That said, 'The story of Jane Austen' holds a decent 58% on Rotten Tomatoes, with the general consensus being that it’s well-made, even if it lacks some freshness or new insights into the author's life. Writing for Deseret News, Jeff Vice called it "an engaging drama with strong performances that serves as a welcome break from the bloated summer blockbusters." He wasn't alone in his praise, but Elizabeth Weitzman disagreed; writing for the New York City Daily News, she expressed her disappointment, noting, "I can't shake the feeling that we've seen all of this before, only done better."
On the flip side, most audiences seem to love 'The story of Jane Austen' and recommend it to anyone looking for pure romance. It goes without saying that fans of Jane Austen’s literature will likely enjoy it too. Interestingly, roles like this were once considered for stars like Kate Winslet, Natalie Portman, and Keira Knightley, but the part ultimately went to Anne Hathaway, who rose to fame in 'The Devil Wears Prada.' To prepare for the role, she actually had to learn to play the piano and master a period-appropriate accent.
It looks like director Jarrold has developed a real affinity for these historical dramas, as he’s already working on an adaptation of 'Brideshead Revisited'—the famous story about the decline of the American upper class—which has been in the works for several years now.