Iffy for 14+
Chick flick's mature themes aren't for tweens.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Austen-loving teen girls might be drawn to this movie by the promise of lots of Austen talk (not to mention the presence of Hugh Dancy). But many of the movie's themes -- infidelity, betrayal, a teen hooking up with his teacher -- are on the mature side. There's some minor language (including one use of "f--k") and social drinking, and a supporting character is a heavy marijuana user. Still, for the most part, the film is fairly heartwarming, and the discussions about the books are surprisingly robust (for a movie, anyway). There's little nudity or drinking or drug use to be concerned about.
- Families can talk about the connections drawn between Jane Austen's work and the movie characters: What are the differences and similarities between them? Has romance changed so much since Austen's time, or is it just Hollywood that makes love seem more complicated than it truly is? If so, why are filmmakers drawn to the subject? Do the complex relationships in the movie seem believable?
The good stuff
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Messages: A married man abandons his wife, who later runs into him and his mistress; the same man later belittles his wife's friend's attachment to her pet. A woman betrays her lover by writing dismissively about her. Also, stereotyping of male and female roles.
What to watch for
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Violence: No violence, but some heated arguments between couples.
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Sex: Two women cavort in bed -- the camera zooms to their midriffs -- and flirt while one's in the bathtub; a teenager propositions his married teacher, whom he kisses passionately in the car; later, they make a date to meet outside a hotel, and the teacher is shown changing into sexier clothing beforehand. The women make sexual comments about the men in their lives.
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Language: Infrequent, but some moments are punctuated by strong language, including "f--king bitch."
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Consumerism: Big plug for Jane Austen's books, as well as Ursula le Guin's; some close-ups of computer and bike brands and coffee shops (Starbucks).
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some social drinking. Prunie's mom is a heavy marijuana user who smokes in front of her daughter, who's visibly upset by the behavior.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
A Romantic Drama by Daydream
This movie is definately in the right genre. This is no doubt a romantic drama. It takes you through the lives of five women and one man who are all struggling with their relationships and create a Jane Austen book club to let go and to try and find answers from each of the books. I havent read any of Jane Austen's books, but after seeing the movie I wanted to read at least one if not all. They review and talk about one book each month with each other and tie their life stories into their reviews of the book. After the movie I was telling myself... "you want, expect and know what is going to happen" Even though this film is predictable it is well acted and you can no doubt relate to one of the characters. Take your girlfriend or wife. I have a feeling they would love it.
5
A wonderful Movie about Real People by korourke
I loved this movie and contrary to my nature would love to see it again! I am a chaplain at Stanford Hospital and have met and heard enough stories about people's lives to feel that the portrayals of the people is this movie were quite realistic. I loved the way the movie started with a tension created by intolerance for one another and hidden agendas. By the end of the movie the characters were transformed into truly affectionate comrades. A great message for what we all have to offer one another when love and empathy is allowed to prevail. By the way, the movie was also very, very funny!!
5
Real men dig Jane by Mr.V60
I guess ," Me Tarzan, you Jane" really applies here. I'm a guy and really liked this flick. Even decided to read "Persuasion" (Austen's last novel). Nice story, well developed, feel good, pleasant ending, and unlike most film drivel these days, I was required, , and gladly obliged, to actually listen to and interpret int elligent dialogue. This movie is not for nitwits, or lovers of action flicks( or whatever you're calling yourselves these days). Go see it!
4
Fan review by cinemagirl1
Simply suberb. Not especially a chick flick but something for everyone. The characters lives really did echo Jane's books. The actors are all superb and very believable.
3
Good turned sappy, predictable with "Happy" ending by cinema_lvr
The movie begins with high energy though a bit shaky as though the writer didn't know how to introduce the characters to us. Then the movie shines with interesting characters in typical lives making judgments, deciding, trying, hurting, all that life has to offer. It works, at least until the end where the last 10 minutes was written for the Lifetime Network. The ending is so implausible, that the few ending story lines that seem plausible are diluted by the improbable ones leaving the viewer feeling like they were transported from a good piece of film to a lesser, forgettable and cheap feel good film. If you have to have a 100% happy ending, then this movie is for you. If you're looking for something that's complete, grounded in some reality both good and bad, look elsewhere.
2
Way too predictable! by laursamp
This might have been a really great movie, but there were no plot surprises and the characters left me wondering, "who are these people, and why are they dressed that way?" I knew what was coming every step of the way because the plot was so predictable. There didn't seem to be much chemistry between any of the characters. Even the women's friendships seemed flat and underdeveloped. Some of the scenes came out of nowhere, and after the bathtub scene between the young lesbians, I remember whispering to my friend, "what was that all about?" Her reply was, "I have no idea." I couldn't figure out what these characters did for a living. It seemed they were always having lunch or just wandering around thinking about Jane Austen and trying to fix up their newly divorced friend with what seemed like a teenager! The storyline was ridiculous, starting with the funeral for a dog. Was there one character in the whole movie who was sane and well adjusted? Very disappointing!