The Jane Austen Book Club – Clare

I have never heard of this movie until I saw a preview of it on one of the DVDs I had purchased. Just on that preview alone, I knew I wanted to watch the movie. For some reason, I had to watch it.

The following week, I had the chance to go to a video store and asked for this movie. Unfortunately, they didn’t have any. I literally had to go from store to store before I found this one VCD copy in the midst of all those movies on sale at ridiculously low prices (which begs the question: why do people still buy bootlegged videos when the originals come so cheap these days?). I actually got it on a buy one take two deal, which was a really good one since the other video I got was Stardust(more on that in another post).

I have never read a Jane Austen book in my life before watching this movie — the closest thing I got was watching the movie versions because I was never interested in reading her work. The movie drew me in though because I immediately got myself a copy of all the Jane Austen books I could find after watching this film! So far I have Emma, Persuasion, Pride & Prejudice and Sense & Sensibility. I can’t seem to find Mansfield Parkand Northanger Abbey yet though (which is too bad since I wanted to read the books in the same order as the film).

This movie was very easy to relate to, mostly because the relationships presented here are mostly from a female standpoint. I also like that it was never too melodramatic and in spite of the sad moments, it was a very light movie to watch, perfect for my weekend afternoon viewing.

Emily Blunt had the best role in the film, in my opinion — and I’m beginning to like her more and more with the movies that I’ve seen her in. Ditto with Maria Bello, whose character I could most relate to. In fact, one of my most memorable quotes in the movie describing her character is something that my friends could pretty much use to describe me:

…if loving is letting go, then whoever wants Jocelyn is going to have to pry her fingers loose, one by one.

I love this movie. It doesn’t hurt that Marc Blucas, an old favorite from his Buffy the Vampire Slayer days, is in this one along with another personal favorite, Hugh Dancy. I’d love to have that guy with me in a book club any time!

I recommend this movie to anyone, even those who haven’t read any of Jane Austen’s books. Mostly though I think it’s the girls who’d like this. It’s just that kind of movie.

Now excuse me while I go and continue reading Emma. I have a lot to cover if I’m ever going to finish reading all the Jane Austen books.

Photo Source: Movie Mix