Though young Jane Austen's financially strapped parents expect her to marry the nephew of wealthy Lady Gresham, Jane herself knows that such a union will destroy her creativity and sense of self-worth. Instead, she becomes involved with Tom Lefroy, a charming but penniless apprentice lawyer who gives her the knowledge of the heart she needs for her future career as a novelist.
Acting
Hathaway and McAvoy's electric verbal sparring.
Cinematography
Sun-drenched Irish countryside you'll want to escape to.
Writing
Meta-commentary on Austen's own future novels.
Director
Julian Jarrold
Anne Hathaway
Jane Austen
James McAvoy
Tom Lefroy
Julie Walters
Mrs. Austen
James Cromwell
Mr. Austen
Maggie Smith
Lady Gresham
Joe Anderson
Henry Austen
Lucy Cohu
Eliza de Feuillide
Laurence Fox
Mr. Wisley
Ian Richardson
Richter Langlois
Anna Maxwell Martin
Cassandra Austen
Leo Bill
John Warren
Jessica Ashworth
Lucy Lefroy
Michael James Ford
Mr. Lefroy
Tom Vaughan-Lawlor
Robert Fowle
Chris McHallem
Mr. Curtis
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
James McAvoy broke his contract rules by cutting his hair for the role—director Julian Jarrold smuggled him to a salon in a hoodie.
The real Tom Lefroy later named his eldest daughter Jane Austen Lefroy, suggesting he never forgot her despite marrying an heiress.
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