Do you have a go-to movie that you watch when you’re feeling blue and need a little pick-me-up? I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of you said Pride & Prejudice. I mean, the famous quotes, the music, the pond scene… 😉
Pride & Prejudice actually isn’t my go-to. Nope, when I’m feeling down in the dumps, I turn to Austenland.
There’s just something about this movie. It’s the one I automatically go to when I need a laugh, when I need to forget my troubles, when I need some swoons. Lately, life has gotten a little rocky for me. My emotions have been all over the place (anger! tears! fear!). I’ve found, in the midst of all this, comfort in settling down and watching this movie.
Sure, there are some silly and over-the-top moments. The theatrical scene is a bit much. But Jane’s obsession with everything Austen, mixed with what’s ‘er name’s hilarious one-liners (the British are coming!), plus the handsome JJ Feild as Mr. Nobly and I’m just in. I’m there to be mindlessly entertained. I’m there to forget.
So, what’s your go-to cheer up movie? What do you watch when you need a break from reality?
(PS: This past May, I attended the Storymakers Conference in Utah, and I got to meet none other than Austenland‘s author, Shannon Hale! While she didn’t talk Austen in her keynote or class, she did compliment me on my Austen men t-shirt when she signed a couple of her books for me! Definitely a highlight of the conference.)Â
Me and Shannon Hale
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I love that movie. I borrow it from the library when I need a fix.
Oops, my comment ended up down below. Anyway, put the movie on my phone so it’s at my fingertips! I may be a tad obsessed…
I reach for a film with J J Feild as well, but its Northanger Abbey for me. He is so charming, and Felicity Jones plays an adorably naive Catherine. Love it!
I’ve never watched Austenland. One day!
I love that version of Northanger! I recently got Ruby in the Smoke from my library and I heard JJ is in that too. Can’t wait to see how it is. You definitely need to give Austenland a try sometime, just prepare for some goofiness.
I have a copy of that movie also…love it and have watched it more than once. I also like to watch Stardust. I remember remarking to myself upon first watching it that it was just a “feel good” movie. JJ Feild is also a favorite in one movie version of Northanger Abbey. Thanks for sharing.
Stardust is a great movie! Have you read the book? I haven’t but heard it’s very different from the movie version.
I put it on my phone so I can watch anytime I need a pick me up!
When I need a quick pick-me-up and don’t have time for a movie, I watch Emma Thompson’s Academy Award acceptance speech for the screenplay of Sense and Sensibility. Makes me laugh every time!!!
I haven’t watched Austenland in forever, but I’ve read the book and its sequel several times.
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
I watched the movie ages ago… Love JJ Feild. My go-to will always be the BBC version of P&P. I can’t help it. Colin Firth will always be the epitome Darcy in my mind. Heavy Sigh!! Thanks for this post.
I love Austenland!, and JJ Feild is adorable in that movie *sigh*
What do I watch when in need of a lift?
Let me think!
Well,to be honest,I love to watch Persuasion (with CÃarán Hinds & Amanda Root),P&P (with Jennifer E and Colin F) or the DVD of North and South (with Danielle Denby-Ashe and John Armitage).
I’ve also recently stumbled upon the last live ‘Tonight Show’ with Johnny Carson!!! Yes,you read that correctly!! It’s so touching seeing Bette Midler serenade Johnny with ‘Make it one for my baby and one more for the road’!! Check it out on you tube and you’ll understand what I mean!! I just love it!!!
For a pick-me-up a fun one to watch is ‘Lost in Austen’…but the 1995 P&P is always one that just warms the heart and fills the soul.