Lauren Ablondi, Interviews Editor
If you’re anything like me, you live and breathe Jane Austen. You can recite Pride and Prejudice line for line, and Emma is still the character you love to hate. Once I’m done re-reading all of her books for the millionth time, I turn to movies. Sure, the film adaptations of the books are glorious, but there are even more movies out there for the Jane Austen fan that aren’t just based on the books. Check out my five favorite below:
5. The Jane Austen Book Club
This cute, feel good flick is perfect for a rainy Friday night in when you just need something to watch. It focuses on six members of a Jane Austen book club, and how their intertwining relationships evolve in ways similar to those Austen herself wrote. Starring Emily Blunt, it’s a lovely little film that is sure to put a smile on the face of any Austen fan.
4. Austenland
This movie is similar to “Book Club” in the sense that it centers on an Austen fan. The aptly named Jane, a long-time Austen lover, blows all her life savings to go to an immersive Jane Austen experience, cleverly titled “Austenland.” There, she meets Henry Nobley, and their relationship mirrors Elizabeth and Darcy’s from Pride and Prejudice. Without any spoilers, it’s another lighthearted movie that will put anyone in a hopeful mood.
3. Becoming Jane
Almost every Jane Austen fan knows of this film. Starring Anne Hathaway as Jane Austen, this biopic tells the story of Austen’s life, most notably her career in writing and her romantic relationship with Thomas Lefroy. A wonderful romantic drama and a profile on Austen, this movie is perfect for someone who loves the author just as much as her works.
2. Sense and Sensibility
This classic adaptation, directed by Ang Lee and starring Emma Roberts, a young Kate Winslet Hugh Grant, and Alan Rickman, is one of the most beautiful and faithful Austen adaptations to date. Grant and Thompson have a great balance on screen, and their story unfolds dramatically and keeps you on the edge of your seat, and seeing Winslet’s undeniable talent in one of her first roles is amazing to watch. Plus, who doesn’t love Alan Rickman.
1. Pride and Prejudice
Finally, we have reached the holy grail of Austen movies. The 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Directed by Joe Wright and starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, this beautiful piece of film is widely regarded as one of the best book-to-film adaptations. Macfadyen and Knightley’s chemistry is palpable, and the additional ensemble cast, including but not limited to Donald Sutherland, RosamundPike, Jena Malone, Carey Mulligan, and Judi Dench, round out this funny, dramatic, romantic, and charming film. This is a sure-fire win for any Austen fan, and a great movie to watch for Austen newbies to get a sense of her work.
You must be logged in to post a comment.