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The avid Jane Austen enthusiast may approach 'Becoming Jane' with a degree of sceptical caution, not only because the subject is the somewhat tragic life of their beloved authoress, but also because — horror of horrors — she is played by an American.

As it turns out, you are more likely to enjoy this film if you are a fan. For while it makes for a pleasant and beautiful period piece for the uninitiated, for the true enthusiast it is a journey into the cherished world of Miss Austen, peppered with hints of familiar lines and glimpses of her most famous characters.

The semi-biographical film, by co-writers Sarah Williams and Kevin Hood, is based loosely on the early life of Jane Austen, pieced together from the little that is known of her and inspired by her works.

Jane, expertly portrayed by Anne Hathaway, is an aspiring young authoress, who defies convention by indulging her passion for writing and her parents' (Julie Walters and James Cromwell) wishes by refusing to marry the wealthy, but dull, nephew of Lady Gresham (Maggie Smith).

Born into a relatively poor family, with a handful of brothers, it is imperative that Jane (like so many of her characters) marries for money. Fiery and independent, Jane believes that she can "live by her pen" and shuns marriage without affection.

Enter the dashing, charismatic and somewhat scandalous Mr Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy). Their relationship, which begins as an Elizabeth/Darcy romance is doomed to fail. For Mr Lefroy comes from a penniless family and is completely dependent on his wealthy uncle the judge for support.

It is during this romance — and with the experience that comes from it — that Jane finds her voice as a novelist and begins to pen the famous 'Pride and Prejudice'.

As anyone who has even a cursory knowledge of the life of Jane Austen would know, this story, unlike Jane's novels, is fated to end tragically — the good do not get their just deserves and the happily-ever-after is tempered by reality.

Undoubtedly Hathaway's most impressive work to date, the actress portrays a passionate, intelligent and graceful Jane Austen. McAvoy is convincing initially as the carefree, roguish young man and later as the more sombre Lefroy. The stellar supporting cast contributes to the high standard of this period drama.

Directed by Julian Jarrold, this film, with its delicate and breathtaking cinematography, is a poignant and witty tribute to one of greatest writers in English literature.