Not many authors in English literature have earned the recognition of Jane Austen. Since the 1990’s, the author’s stories have been adapted into movies. Whether it’s prejudiced lovers, matchmakers or frustrated writers, the genre has created characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite Jane Austen movies that deserve to be celebrated.
1. Pride & Prejudice
Jane Austen is a legendary author that always earned my mother’s appreciation. I remember bonding with a mother acknowledging the author in English literature. A fan of Jane Austen, she loved discussing a legendary author earning her appreciation. She was always drawn towards sense and sensibility of an author impacting her identity. My mother would value books written from a feminist point-of-view. Few films I’ve ever seen have honoured an author publishing timeless stories without prejudice as powerfully as “Pride & Prejudice”. Ever since its release in 2005, Joe Wright’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest Jane Austen adaptation ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Wright did extraordinary jobs of adapting Jane Austen’s most beloved literary classic about the lives of sisters facing despair. Wright has often had an aptitude for adapting legendary literature on the big-screen, and “Pride & Prejudice” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Wright effectively used montages capturing the lives of women with pride in romantic relationships causing prejudice. For instance, the scene in which Elizabeth angrily confronts Mr. Darcy in the rain about ruining her sister’s chances of marriage causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Keira Knightley, who embodied the most iconic heroine in Jane Austen’s literature effectively. Ultimately, what makes “Pride & Prejudice” my favourite Jane Austen adaptation of all-time is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Jane Austen’s literature to appreciate it. It delivers a groundbreaking message about social class which would resonate with everyone. Centuries following the publication of a book about prejudiced women developing romance facing destruction, it’s a captivating reminder of a breathtaking genre manufacturing commemorated movies about an iconic author that deserve immense appreciation.
2. Sense & Sensibility
Sisters are powerful figures that shaped my aunt’s identity. I remember my aunt formed a strong bond with her close sisters that had she grown up to treasure. Fond of interacting with siblings, she would always share a strong bond with my mother being a person she loved dearly. Despite facing tense arguments, my mother always cherished the precious time she spent with sisters that she appreciated. Sisters have always played a pivotal role in Jane Austen’s great books, and they are most evident in “Sense & Sensibility”. Released in 1995, Ang Lee’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved book about sisters. Lee used captivating montages capturing hardships that a pair of sisters seeking marriage during the 18th Century are facing. For instance, the scene in which Elinor becomes aware that her sister has fallen in love causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a commemorated performance by Kate Winslet, who embodied a woman sharing relationships with her sister. Ultimately, what makes “Sense & Sensibility” a classic is its message. It delivers a commemorated message about social class which would resonate with everyone. Centuries following literature written by an author about women with sense and sensibility, it’s a bold reminder of a genre audiences treasure.
3. Emma
Matchmaking is an activity that my cousin always found engaging. I remember my cousin once had dreams of becoming a famous matchmaker. She always loved to prepare women for marriages that shaped her identity. Matchmaking was a passion that she always enjoyed pursuing. As someone treasuring fond memories of a cousin that sought to become a matchmaker with nostalgia, I adored “Emma”. Released in 2019, Autumn de Wilde’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of Jane Austen book about matchmaking. De Wilde used captivating voice-over narration capturing the life of a matchmaker that faces tension. For instance, the scene in which Emma becomes aware that she has fallen in love with Mr. Knightley causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Anya Taylor-Joy, who portrayed a heroine facing joy. Ultimately, what makes “Emma” a great movie is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the legendary book to appreciate it. The film delivers a meaningful message about matchmaking which would resonate with everyone. As strong as marriages arranged by Emma, it’s a riveting reminder of a larger-than-life genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies honouring the legacy of a commemorated author always attracting audiences towards Cinema.
4. Clueless
Clueless teen girls shaped my identity. I remember forming a friendship with girl in school that was concerned about her public appearance seeking to look cool. She would often pay more attention towards her public appearance rather than succeeding in education. A clueless girl, she would always fail to attend classes in ways which were careless. As someone treasuring fond memories of a girl that was clueless, I adored “Clueless”. Released in 1995, Amy Heckerling’s movie offered a modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved book. Heckerling used captivating montages capturing hardships that a clueless teen girl seeking to fit in with peers at high school is facing. For instance, the scene in which Cher becomes aware that she has fallen in love with Josh causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Alicia Silverstone, who embodied a clueless teen girl facing a dilemma. Ultimately, what makes “Clueless” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most teen movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about adolescence that would resonate with everyone. A captivating portrait of teen girls that are clueless, it’s a compelling reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies that are undeniably timeless.
5. Bridget Jones’s Diary
Girls with diaries that seek love have shaped my identity. I remember forming a friendship with a bold girl in school that used a diary to keep track of her lovers. She would often enjoy discussing her feelings about various boys in her diary which she valued highly. Keeping her romantic relationships a secret, she would always love using the diary to record her thoughts. As someone treasuring joyous memories of a girl that recorded her thoughts on boys in a diary, I admired “Bridget Jones’s Diary”. Released in 2001, Sharon Maguire’s movie offered a beautiful modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic book. Maguire used captivating voice-over narration capturing the life of a woman seeking romance with affection. For instance, the scene in which Bridget Jones becomes aware that Darcy has read her diary causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Renee Zellweger, who portrayed a woman seeking love affairs causing disaster. Ultimately, what makes “Bridget Jones’s Diary” a commemorated classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most romantic comedies, it tackles commemorated themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about diaries which would resonate with everyone. As precious as diaries Bridget Jones seeks to publish, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre manufacturing memorable movies which audiences unquestionably always cherish.
6. Becoming Jane
It isn’t easy to make a biopic about an author that’s iconic. Hollywood has often avoided depicting the life of Jane Austen on the big-screen. Making a movie about Jane Austen often requires filmmakers to tackle sensitive subject matter. However, in 2007 Julian Jarrold managed to honour the author seeking to entertain in his movie “Becoming Jane”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Becoming Jane” stand out is its depiction of Jane Austen’s life. Jarrold uses captivating voice-over narration capturing the life of an author that achieved immense recognition. Assisted by Anne Hathaway who is exceptional in the lead role, Jarrold honoured an author that is beloved today. A beautiful biopic about an author that’s iconic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated genre manufactured unforgettable movies captivating the public.
7. Bright Star
Jane Austen’s stories have often inspired modern-day period dramas. Modern period pieces are often inspired by the literature of a legendary English author. In 2009, Jane Campion honoured the iconic author that’s a star in her movie “Bright Star”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Bright Star” stand out is its depiction of poets. Campion uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a commemorated poet seeking success in a competitive profession is facing. Assisted by Ben Whishaw who is extraordinary in the lead role, Campion created a compelling poetry period piece. As precious as stories that John Keats has published, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies honouring the larger-than-life legacy of a legendary author which audiences have always cherished.
8. Love & Friendship
Friendship has often been a common theme in Jane Austen’s literature. The author has often written compelling stories about friends whose relationships end in tragedy. The role that friendship plays in Jane Austen’s literature is beautifully depicted in the movie “Love & Friendship”. Released in 2016, Whit Stillman’s movie honoured Jane Austen’s book about friendship. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Love & Friendship” stand out is its depiction of friendship. Stillman uses captivating production-design to capture friendships between women that decline. Assisted by Kate Beckinsale who is amazing in the lead role, Stillman created a powerful period piece about commemorated friendships. A powerful portrait of doomed friendship, it’s a riveting reminder of an author that has written stories which audiences worship.
9. Mansfield Park
Strong female characters are often a trademark of Jane Austen’s stories. The author has build a legendary reputation for telling compelling stories about women. The role that heroines with a bright spark play in Jane Austen’s literature is beautifully depicted in the movie “Mansfield Park”. Released in 1999, Patricia Rozema’s movie honoured Jane Austen’s most feminist book. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Mansfield Park” stand out is its depiction of poverty. Rozema uses captivating production-design to capture the lives of impoverished women facing a decline. Assisted by Frances O’Connor who is amazing in the lead role, Rozema honoured Austen’s literature. As precious as Mansfield Park, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre manufacturing great movies honouring an author with a bright spark.
10. Persuasion
Jane Austen’s timeless stories haven’t always been adapted into great movies. While most of the author’s films are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Persuasion” falls into the latter category. Released in 2022, Carrie Cracknell’s movie was a disappointment. Cracknell used montages capturing a woman seeking love. Assisted by Dakota Johnson who is amazing in the lead role, Cracknell created a compelling adaptation. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of women treated poorly has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Anne’s desire to be romantic, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre producing iconic movies celebrating a legendary author which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to accomplish my dreams of becoming a film critic.
The Film Buff 