Katherina_Minola Based on the novel of the same name by Karen Joy Fowler, this film is about six Californians – five women and one man – who start a book club to discuss Jane Austen's novels. The various members are facing challenges in their lives, and the club and the books themselves prove therapeutic in helping them to deal with their own problems.I loved this gem of a movie. It had some very funny moments, but mostly it was sweet, utterly charming and moving. The cast had terrific chemistry, and the lifelong friendship between dog-loving control freak Jocelyn (Maria Bello) and recently separated Sylvia (Amy Brenneman) was completely believable. The remaining members of the cast – Maggie Grace as Sylvia's daughter daredevil daughter Allegra, Kathy Baker as the matriarchal six- time divorcée Bernadette, Emily Blunt as the buttoned up and discontented French teacher Prudie, and Hugh Dancy as the absolutely adorable Grigg – all fitted perfectly into their roles, and the main cast is rounded out by Jimmy Smits, as Sylvia's philandering husband Daniel, Marc Blucas as Prudie's insensitive husband Dean (although I thought Dean was a more likable character than Prudie!), and Kevin Zegers as a student who Prudie falls for. Jimmy Smits was actually my main reason for wanting to see this film, as I think he is rather lovely, but I was charmed by the whole cast, and Hugh Dancy has a new fan!I would heartily recommend this film, whether or not you are a fan of Jane Austen (you do not need to have read the novels to watch this film) – it's a definite keeper for me, and one I shall be watching again.

stephenrtod Great story. Great writing. Great acting. What amazes me about this film is three-fold: (a) This is a movie that will persuade movie-goers to want to read Jane Austen's novels. It seduced and lured me back to "Pride and Prejudice." (b) You don't have to have read any Austen to see the wisdom in her observations, and (c) The screen writer has woven Austen's witticisms and perspicacious themes around the lives of every character in the movie. Amazing! I have introduced this movie to seven people in three states. It led all of us either to encounter Jane Austen's novels for the first time - or re-read and re-savor one or more of them again! There are numerous moments in the movie plot where I totally forget that this was a movie, that actors were merely acting. Every single one of the actors became the character that he or she was portraying. I was led to care. That, for me, is great art.I think I would recommend this movie for people who love to watch movies based on good books involving great writing. I'd also encourage anyone who has ever been in love - or who hopes to be in love again - to watch this movie.

fdarcy I don't know if this is one of the best films I have seen. But this is certainly one of the most intelligent. films based on books (and I'm referring to Austen books, I didn't read the novel it's based upon) tend to be irritating, often insulting the original books and the intelligence of their readers. when the film tries to stay "loyal", in many occasions it is nothing but a poor shadow of the original book.This film is nothing of this sort. Those who made it really loved and understood Jane Austen (and literature in general). Anyone of admires her books will find in this movie lots to think about. And still, it is also a movie, with beautiful and interesting characters, none of them is made ridiculous or flat.Small movie, but worth every second of watching.

bluechipmunk Despite the fact that all the protagonists are incredibly lovely, the movie begins grounded in reality. Nothing works, everything is broken. And then, like the best Jane Austen fare, it descends into a realm where men are sensitive and fairy tales do come true.This movie has fantasy men for all.First, the incredibly handsome and charming science-fiction nerd will stop at nothing to win the heart of a woman who has really not given him much to work with. But don't we all wish that there were wonderful men suitably devoted and persistent? In real life, it's usually a sort of weird guy who is hopelessly awkward and won't take a hint (if it's anyone at all).Then the husband who runs off with another woman... only to see his ex-wife at opportune moments (while she are lunching with an incredibly attractive man, for instance). A husband who comes back for her, even more in love with her than before. Every woman who's just been dumped for the secretary wants her husband to see the error of his way, to be sensitive enough to write her a letter about how flawed his choice was...In short, it is a Jane Austen book all of its own, with some piece of true love for everybody.