Spettro Reviews

Becoming Jane (2007)

A look at the life of Jane Austen. Perhaps it would be better to focus on her works.

[5/10 · 5 September 2018]

The film deals with the youth of Jane Austen. In particular, we see Jane as she faces the first literary experiments and falls in love. Among the issues addressed, focused on that historical period, we find the difficulty of combining literary work and family for a woman, the economic and social importance of marriage for the rich class people, the intellectually restricted role of women. Despite various interesting aspects, although the film is fluent, it is not very engaging.

The Secret of the Old Woods (1993)

Fairy tale suitable for children

[5/10 · 4 September 2018]

Film taken from a fairytale, and therefore suitable for a very young audience. There are captivating elements, such as an evolution of the protagonist and a strong environmental theme. However, the film, at least for me, fails to arouse a general appeal, remaining limited to its role as a fairy tale.

Goodbye, Children (1987)

The war, seen by the boys

[6/10 · 4 September 2018]

The film shows us the second world war seen through the eyes of a French boy. Sacrifice and betrayal enter into a carefree reality. Even if well done, the film is not very engaging.

Austenland (2013)

Plot weak and unconvincing.

[4/10 · 27 November 2013]

The plot is weak and unconvincing. The main character, though she is a lovely woman, behaves in a superficial way. Why would anyone fall for her? It is difficult to empathize with her problems. Most of the secondary characters is even less credible. Despite they are caricatures, they are not particularly funny. The film is neither very exciting nor very funny. The director is in general not very effective. A single scene is truly exceptional: in the garden, shortly after the theft of clothing. Even the references to Jane Austen's novels are quite superficial. The credits are fun. The film is only recommended for those who think they look it distractedly, or to those who love movies that deal with girls, maybe not young, who complain about not finding the man of their lives and behave in a superficial way.