Thursday Tea: Final Look at Austen to Film

Today is my last look at Jane Austen in film. I know there are other movies and television mini-series that I didn't highlight -- be sure to check out the BBC and Masterpiece Classic versions of Persuasion, Mansfield Park, and Northanger Abbey. PBS also did a lovely biography of Austen. In any case, it's interesting to see how popular Austen has remained over the centuries.

First up is Bridget Jones's Diary, which is based on the novel by Helen Fielding. Fielding, in turn, based her novel on Pride & Prejudice. Renée Zellweger is great in this. Although Bridget isn't exactly an Elizabeth Bennett, she is a wonderful character all on her own. I love that Colin Firth plays the character named Mark Darcy. Hugh Grant plays the man based on Whickam. If you haven't seen the film or read the book, I recommend them. For those familiar with the film, you'll notice that the trailer doesn't quite match the final theatrical cut.

Next is another novel to movie: The Jane Austen Book Club. In this film, five women and one man get together to read Austen's six major novels. During the course of their reading and growing friendships, they find that people's lives haven't changed all that much over the last 200 years. Although it got rave reviews, it was only meh for me. I haven't read the novel, so I can't address it.

Finally, we have 2007's Becoming Jane, which is the story of how Austen became an author. While I didn't love this movie, I did enjoy it. I am not knowledgeable enough to vouch for its accuracy, but I was interested to see Austen's development as a writer and a person and to learn about the influences on her work.

The Tea. I'm drinking Celestial Seasonings's Indian spice chai tea. I love chai tea, and this is a nice one that I just recently discovered. The company says the "authentic blend infuses rich and hearty Assam black tea with lively spices like ginger, cloves and cardamom and a touch of smooth vanilla." I love the smell and the flavor, and it is perfect for the holidays.

The Assessment. I don't see Bridget Jones or Jane Austen drinking this tea. But at least someone from the Jane Austen book club surely drinks spiced tea. Regardless, I like it!

Which films or television versions of Jane Austen's work have you really loved or can highly recommend? I know there must be some that I haven't seen yet, although my husband is sure (is hoping?) that there cannot possibly be others.

Thursday Tea is hosted by Anastasia at Birdbrain(ed) Book Blog. Here's how it works: Tell us what tea you are drinking (and if you like it). And then tell us what book are you reading (and if you like it). Finally, tell us if they go together.

Source: Rented or seen in the theater (see review policy).
FTC: I buy all teas myself, I am not a tea reviewer.
Challenges: Everything Austen