Watch The Jane Austen Book Club

The Jane Austen Book Club is a dramedy movie directed by Robin Swicord and released in 2007. The movie, set in Sacramento, California, is based on Karen Joy Fowler's bestselling novel with the same name. The central premise of the movie is a book club created by five women and one man, who meet on a regular basis to discuss six of Jane Austen's classic novels. The group includes Jocelyn (Maria Bello), a dog breeder who is still mourning her late dog, and Bernadette (Kathy Baker), a middle-aged woman navigating her way through a mid-life crisis. There's also Sylvia (Amy Brenneman), who is struggling with divorce, and Sylvia's 20-year-old daughter, Allegra (Maggie Grace), who is discovering her sexuality. Completing the group is Prudie (Emily Blunt), a high school teacher who is unhappy in her marriage, and Grigg (Hugh Dancy), a tech guy who is new to the group and has not read any of Austen's novels.

The movie unfolds as the characters discuss Austen's novels and relate their own lives to the characters in the books. The discussions lead to revelations and changes in each of their lives. Jocelyn helps Grigg navigate the group's dynamics while developing a romantic interest in him. Bernadette deals with an unexpected pregnancy while grappling with feelings of inadequacy as compared to her more successful ex-husband. Sylvia tries to come to terms with her emotions and the changes in her life post-divorce. Prudie attempts to find fulfillment in her unsatisfying marriage and unexpectedly finds a connection with a student. Allegra deals with her attraction to a woman and her mother's disapproval.

The Jane Austen Book Club is a clever exploration of human relationships and the ways they are portrayed in Austen's novels. The characters are nuanced, complicated, and relatable. The movie is incredibly well-acted, with each character being given their own distinct personality and struggles. The performances by Bello, Brenneman, Baker, and Blunt are exceptional. Dancy's portrayal of the outsider trying to find his footing within the group is also noteworthy.

The film's cinematography is simple and unobtrusive, allowing the characters and story to take center stage. The soundtrack features appropriate music, including tracks from the 2000s that reference Austen's novels and era.

Overall, The Jane Austen Book Club is a delightful movie that combines Austen's timeless stories with modern-day narratives. While it may not appeal to those who are not Austen fans, it is a must-watch for anyone who loves the author and is interested in a thoughtful exploration of human relationships.

The Jane Austen Book Club is a 2007 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 61.