Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Jane Austen Wrecked My Life review says this literary, French/English romcom is the best in show for the ages.

I sure didn’t see this one coming! I now have a new favorite movie of the year so far, and and a strong addition to my list of Top 5 romcoms of all time—I haven’t quite decided where to place it yet.

The reason I’m so surprised by this is that I’m of the opinion that Jane Austen and her writings have been cinematically oversaturated. I am so over remakes of Pride and Prejudice, etc. I feel the same way about the ubiquitous Spiderman iterations. Did you know there’s actually Jane Austen swag for sale, including action figures, playing cards, T-shirts, coffee mugs, keychains, bath soap, makeup cases, lip balm and more?

I became aware that this was not going to be your average Austen flick within seconds. We see the unconventionally captivating Camille Rutherford as Agathe, dancing with abandon through the bookshelves of the legendary British bookshop, Shakespeare & Co. The lighting and cinematography are warm, intimate and sublime. I immediately fell in love with Agathe, and the entire film.

It’s soon revealed that Agathe is a a treasured employe of the shop, she’s also a blocked romance writer, and her primary pleasures in life come from her best friend Felix, and her small family consisting of her sister and nephew.

When she finds out she’s been accepted to a Jane Austen Writer’s Residency in England (to which she did not apply) she is a bundle of insecurities and is reluctant to go. But those who know her best coerce her into crossing the pond, and her own Austenian romance unfolds on the lovely estate of the descendants of the classic writer herself.

Messages? Sure there are messages, but they’re not pushed in your face. The fine art and value of storytelling is featured, along with having the courage to take risks in love, life and llamas. Also, being open to people and experiences that might not have made your own ideal list.

Be aware that the film is part in English, part in French, and 100% filled with delightful subtle humor. Writer/director Laura Piani hit just the right mark for an artfully crafted romance without the cheap quips and cliches of most modern American romcoms. No races to the airport or wedding bells at the end for this clever creation.

Jane Austen Wrecked My Life is smart, funny, extremely well made and just a little edgy without being over the top. Bravo, Laura Piani!

Rated R

1 Hour 34 Minutes

If this Jane Austen Wrecked My Life review inspires you to saunter over the the cineplex, get times and tickets on Fandango.com.

Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Jane Austen Wrecked My Life review says this literary, French/English romcom is the best in show for the ages.