I watched this movie free on Prime Video. Miss Austen Regrets is not a new film (2007), but like many BBC productions I think its quality stands the test of time.
The Plot
The movie is based off of the surviving letters that Jane Austen wrote. It explored the question of whether Jane Austen had ever actually been in love, and how much of what we read in her books might have been inspired by her own life experience. I think the film did a good job of keeping us guessing…and left the ending with an ambiguity that reflects the holes in what we know about Austen’s life.
What I Liked
I loved the actors they chose for this movie, the artful shots, the music, and the letter narrations. Hugh Bonneville (from Downton Abbey) played the man whose proposal Austen had turned down in her younger years, and possibly regretted.
Olivia Williams did a great job portraying Jane, and I thought it was funny when Tom Hiddleston showed up as one of Jane’s niece’s suitors. Every time Hiddleston was talking from offscreen I was picturing Loki (from Avengers).
The History
After watching this movie, I wanted to find out which plot points were historically accurate. To my surprise, it looks like they got a lot of it right, or as much as we can tell.
I don’t want to give away too many details in case you want to watch it, but here’s a place you can read more about Jane’s life: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jane-Austen
Here’s a fun blog I’ve been following about the day to day life and historical aspects that Jane includes in her novels:
https://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com/
Anyone else seen this movie? What did you think?
Classic Reads 
Nice review, Melissa. I’ll recommend it to my wife. She became so tired of most tv, with all the angst, etc., she has resorted to watching mostly Hallmark. And hiding the clicker!! LOL
On another note, I read to two kids and am thinking of starting the Chronicles of Narnia series. I’ve never read it (yes, I’m the one!). What’s your take on this classic? The kids are 12 and 14 and this is our way of continuing a tradition started several years ago and which now keeps us connected despite many miles. Thanks,
Bill
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Bill, Thanks! I would say an enthusiastic yes to the Narnia books in general, but don’t know if they would hold the attention of the 14 year old (by that age most kids like YA literature, not children’s books), but you don’t know until you try. I have written blogs about The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and the Voyage of the Dawn Treader. I’ll see if I can attach those links below here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
https://classicreads.art.blog/2019/12/28/the-lion-the-witch-and-the-wardrobe-a-wintry-fantasy-classic/
https://classicreads.art.blog/2020/01/25/the-voyage-of-the-dawn-treader-blog-1/
https://classicreads.art.blog/2020/01/26/the-voyage-of-the-dawn-treader-blog-2/
LikeLiked by 1 person