FILM SYNOPSIS: The romantic drama gives an account of Jane Austen's early years.

REVIEW: Though it was pointed out to me that this is not a true depiction of the author's life, still Becoming Jane is filled with witty dialogue and a thoroughly engaging performance by its star, leaving us with a rich tribute to the romantic nature of Jane Austen. Not as sharply written or as passionate as Austen's own Sense and Sensibility or last year's testimonial to Beatrix Potter (Miss Potter), nonetheless, it is a pleasant respite from the den of this summer's busy but nonsensical group of bust-up blockbusters. Here filmmakers dazzle with those other special effects: story, dialogue and performance. With attention paid to detail, director Julian Jarrold orchestrates his production with deliberate pacing and allows us a look into a time when propriety masked an outhouse world. It was a time when social graces were the rage, but alas, often used to disguise bad behavior.

Insightful, it reminds us that there was an age when decorum was demanded, yet marriage was entered into more as a financial security than as a romantic solution. And pity the young couple who dared enter into such a venture without a loving trustee willing to dole out a handsome monthly endowment. Our heroine is admonished several times concerning poverty. "Affection is desirable. Money is indispensable." Authors such as Jane Austen helped her countrymen and later the world see the importance of love fulfilled. (Thus speaks the romantic. )

Last year Renee Zellweger portrayed Beatrix Potter (Miss Potter). Now we have the life (fictionalized) of Jane Austen. Can a biopic of the Brontes be far off?

Also worth a viewing: Sense and Sensibility with Emma Thompson, Miss Potter starring Renee Zellweger, or last year's Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightley.

Becoming Jane is rated PG-13.