But “Becoming Jane,” while it lives up to the needs of die-hard literature lovers and chick flick fans alike, varies from Austen’s own tried and tested form in one crucial way- there is no happy ending.

I don’t feel I’m giving anything away here. Anyone who’s read Jane Austen in a ninth grade English class knows that while she wrote of great romance and class divisions, in her own life she never married and died at the young at of 41. The movie, being a biopic very loosely based in fact, can’t change the prolific author’s history, and thus “Becoming Jane” sets itself apart from the “Pride and Prejudices,” or even the “Bridget Jones’s” of the world because, well, it is based in real life. And real life (and love) doesn’t always end happily.

The plot of the movie follows the loosely documented early years of Austen’s life, right before she sat down to pen her first novel, “First Impressions” (later to become “Pride and Prejudice”). She is living in a country estate with her family, including a deeply in debt reverend father (James Cromwell), a marriage-minded mother (Julie Walters), an engaged sister and deaf brother. Jane, like many of her future literary characters, feels the pressure to marry for money and help her family out of their impending destitution. But, also like her characters, Jane refuses to marry without affection.

Enter the hero Tom LeFroy, one Irish “whore-mongering layabout” (played by James McAvoy, who seriously gives Colin Firth a run for his money) who is sent to the sticks as punishment from his lawyer uncle. The cocky Mr. LeFroy and the witty (but naïve) Jane almost immediately share a mutual dislike of each other, which of course develops into a romance.

But in 19th century England, having undisputable good looks and amazing chemistry doesn’t necessarily provide for an easy engagement. Money matters, and unfortunately our two main characters have none. Obstacles arise, and unlike in Austen’s fiction or in the by-the-numbers romantic comedies of today, they are not so easily overcome.

Which gives rise to even more interesting insights into the life of one of the greatest literary legends of all time. That Jane Austen may have written love stories known the world over, without ever knowing such a thing for herself, offers great insight not only into her own psyche but into the heart of what writing is.

Is it necessary for Austen, or for anyone, to experience something before putting it on paper for the world to experience as well? And if real life does not work out the way we would like, is it okay to live through fictional characters? The movie subtly raises these questions and one more: If Austen’s own love story had ended differently, she may not have authored her classic works that have affected the lives of millions. But was that worth her own happiness?

The question leads me to my greatest complaint- and also my greatest sense of admiration for Becoming Jane. While it may romanticize the early portion of Austen’s life- and possibly take great liberties with what actually happened- it doesn’t cop out on the ending. Which makes this particular romantic comedy one of the most bitterly endearing (read: depressing) love stories to grace the big screen since Ewan McGregor serenaded to a dying Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge.

So I recommend that you get out the Kleenex for this one ladies, because while Elizabeth Bennet may wind up happily ever after with her Mr. Darcy, history tells us that Jane Austen does not. Her real life is based in reality and truths, where there may be great love, but no guaranteed happy ending.

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