This is a fine movie. It has exquisite beauty, love, aspiration and dreams--- and meticulous historical vibes. It is very true to the real story of Beatrix Potter. It is also a solidly interesting and entertaining movie as well. Far from being only a mere confection and therefore meaningless, 'Miss Potter' is meaty and solid.

In addition to being a great dramatic movie and true to life, it also possesses charm and grace. The very selective animation of the watercolour characters she drew--- and animated only for Miss Potter's eyes, mind!--- are sweet, and totally in line with the original paintings she made 100 years ago. It is truly as if the characters come alive for her, and we get to share her passion, intimacy, and love for them, rather than the audience merely seeing a 'cartoon' of some kind. A welcome and pure delight!

The movie, in being faithful to the real Miss Potter's life, reflected her actual world. Note that she had a chaperon at all times, even when in her own garden, or shopping. Social mores and what was proper or not occupied her mother, who herself was only a generation away from being one of those odious and lowly creatures she so despised--- 'a tradesman'. Heavens!

Anyway--- given the life and times of Beatrix Potter, a movie about her will have certain degree of that as well--- a certain gentility. Note also that her children's books were also the very soul of discretion and refinement. She painted watercolor bunnies, for goodness' sake. I found the life she did lead, and which was amply depicted in this movie, to be as dramatic as any. Consider what she endured, and what she went through. As well as what she didn't go through. She was healthy, and rich, so we won't see a lot of struggling with survival. She was kind and refined, so we won't see a lot of violence and judgement and hatred, etc.---- those things were simply not in her.

She was, nonetheless, truly inspirational. She was bold, and a free thinker who displayed a lot of courage. She wasn't a prostitute or a criminal or a resistance fighter or a herion addict or any 'dramatic' thing like that. Maybe she didn't have to agonize over each piece of literature she produced, but the process of creativity and perseverance she did go through was inspiring to me.

Renee Zellweger did a remarkable job. And just think--- she comes from Texas! The fact that a Texan pulled off a spot-on portrayal of a great English artist seems to have bent the noses of a tiny few English folks--- maybe they are jealous, and stuck in some old and fetid dream of a long gone Empire? Dunno. But I loved Zellweger in this, and I think you will too. She masterfully and expertly did Beatrix Potter, and the English society of the turn of the last century, proud.

Beatrix Potter was one of my favourite authors when I was 6, and I think this sweet and imaginative film justifies her life beautifully. The best element of the film is the gorgeous camera-work, especially in the countryside. The characters are also well-realised, and I disagree with anyone that suggest the parents were false representations of men and women in the Victorian era. Asides from the beautifully-developed romance, the main focus was the issue of class, (that was in the Victorian Era)which was what was well-depicted here.

The performances were lovely. Renee Zellwegger is wholly convincing as Beatrix, a woman who felt isolated by her parents, and found comfort with her drawings, which are lovely. Sometimes she overdoes it with the facial expressions, but she was trying to create a chirpy side to the author. As Norman Warne, Ewen McGregor isn't quite as convincing as his co-star, but like her, he is absolutely charming. There was solid support also from Emily Watson as Warne's sister, Barbara Flynn as the disapproving mother and Bill Patterson as the beleaguered father.

The script was touching and clever, without becoming too sentimental. The clever references to her stories were put to excellent use, and I noticed them all. I highly recommend Miss Potter, because it's one of the most lovely films of the present day. Only the abrupt ending lets it down. Just because it's a costume drama, doesn't mean it's going to be bad, because there are some excellent ones out there. 9/10 Bethany Cox

It's 1902 London. Beatrix Potter (Renée Zellweger) is a spinster living with her parents. Harold Warne and Fruing Warne agree to publish her children's book. They expect nothing other than a project for their brother Norman Warne (Ewan McGregor). His sister Millie (Emily Watson) befriends her. The three of them become best of friends as Beatrix become a great success. Norman proposes to Beatrix but her mother rejects his lower class. Beatrix agrees with her father to holiday in the country and marry Norman afterwards if she still wishes.

Renée Zellweger and Ewan McGregor are a sweet duo and that's the sense of this movie for the most part. These two actors work well together and Emily Watson is a solid third wheel. The tension and drama is actually pretty low until the death. Beatrix needs more hurdles to overcome and more drama. I would definitely end this movie much quicker after the death. It's so sudden that it doesn't really register. Overall, it's a mostly light story that has well-matched actors.