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Ben Whishaw, Abbie Cornish, Kerry Fox, Paul Schneider, Edie Martin ... see more see more... , Thomas Sangster , Claudie Blakley , Gerard Monaco , Antonia Campbell-Hughes , Samuel Roukin , Amanda Hale , Lucinda Raikes , Samuel Barnett , Jonathan Aris , Olly Alexander , Francois Testory , Theresa Watson , Vincent Franklin , Eileen Davies , Roger Ashton-Griffiths , Sally Reeve , Sebastian Armesto , Adrian Schiller , Alfred Harmsworth , Lucas Motion , Topper

Jane Campion's literary biopic tells the true story of Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish), a 23-year-old Londoner in 1818 whose independent streak manifests itself through an intense interest and love for f... read more read more...ashion and dressmaking. Her neighbor, the struggling but gifted young poet John Keats (Ben Whishaw), underestimates her intelligence because he believes she's frivolous, and she, having no interest in literature, seems thoroughly disinterested in him. However, Fanny attempts to help the Keats family when John's brother becomes gravely ill, and in order to express his gratitude John agrees to teach her poetry -- leading Fanny and John to quickly fall deeply and profoundly in love with each other. Although they wish to wed, his lack of finances and his writing partner (Paul Schneider) -- who believes she is nothing more than an unwelcome distraction -- keep the two from marrying. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi

Flixster Users

68% liked it

9,869 ratings

Critics

82% liked it

153 critics

PG, 1 hr. 59 min.

Directed by: Jane Campion

Release Date: May 15, 2009

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DVD Release Date: January 26, 2010

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Stats: 1,532 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (1,532)

  • SarahG1988
    September 13, 2010
    SarahG1988
    One of the most underrated films of 2009, brilliantly directed, gorgeously photographed and wonderfully acted. Left me a little speechless at the end. Look out for Ben Wishaw's reading at the end of the credits-just a brilliant delivery and a wonderful voice! Wonderful performanc... read morees by Abbie Cornish and Ben Wishaw.Look out for Ben Wishaw's reading at the end of the credits-just a brilliant delivery and a wonderful voice!

    Highly recommended
  • djdemersseman
    August 12, 2010
    djdemersseman
    Ever wish the fictitious on-screen couple in a movie would fall apart so you could get some action with the leading lady? Yeah, neither have I. Save that for people who get emotionally involved in movies. That's not to say her character didn't make me hot in all those tailored 18... read more00s outfits. Mmmm, girl.

    I'd watch it again. Even though the second half was, at times, almost unbearably sad. Something tells me I'll be on the lookout for more films featuring either Ben Whishaw or Abbie Cornish. After I watched "I'm Not There," I was patiently waiting another film with Ben Whishaw in it. Lo and behold, here's one.

    Better yet, my mom rented this movie and lent it to me. My mom NEVER rents excellent movies. Without my guidance. Total mindfuck.
  • jjnxn
    July 20, 2010
    jjnxn
    Dull
  • blacksheepboy
    June 13, 2010
    blacksheepboy
    A mostly genteel and restrained love story between poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne, with very solid performances by Abbie Cornish, Paul Schneider and Ben Whishaw. Also, there is one cathartic scene by the end of the film that really made me shed a couple of tears.
  • LorenzoVonMatterhorn
    May 15, 2010
    LorenzoVonMatterhorn
    "First Love Burns Brightest"

    The drama based on the three-year romance between 19th century poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne, which was cut short by Keats' untimely death at age 25.

    REVIEW

    The ... read moretwo leads, Aussie actress Abbie Cornish and British chap Ben Whishaw, are brilliant. No two ways about it; unequivocally brilliant. Their chemistry is undeniable and serves this picture with a spark so often missing, due to the focus on lavish costumes and sets, from period pieces. Whether they're gazing into each other's eyes or discussing his poetry over a walk through the forest, the starring duo are a clear match on screen. Cornish proves she is capable of breaking into the big time with an award-worthy turn as Fanny; on the outside she may seem straightforward and tough but internally she is fragile and love struck. As the 19th century poet, Whishaw allows Keats to adopt the subtler and less-showier part of the couple, yet manages to elicit enormous emotion with his soulful eyes and whimsical body language.

    Jane Campion is obviously in love with her subject matter. Her direction shows a distinct admiration for the young poet and this subsequently seeps through the screen onto the audience, ensuring we too feel the way she does. Alas Campion's adorations drags along some faults as well. Most notably her screenplay is too cyclic; a few times we get the same scene twice or thrice over, just presented in a different way. Thankfully the powerhouse acting and perfect cinematography ? Greig Fraser's sun bathed palate early on and rain drenched landscape in the later scenes matches the film's emotion flawlessly - steer your thoughts away from the repetitive and slightly weak story of Keats.

    There is no denying there are a number of classic scenes throughout. You will feel your heart racing during an argument between Keats and Brown ? played superbly by Paul Schneider, who may be overshadowed by the youthful leading stars, but gives his supporting character a demanding charisma - which sees the two friends argue over Fanny's intentions and morals, all the while she is standing right there. And the lovers' first kiss is especially moving, not the least because it is followed immediately by a playful segment where the new couple indulge Fanny's younger sister in a game of "freeze". With countless other moments just as entertaining and gripping, Bright Star allows you to forgive and forget any errors it may make and unashamedly delivers a desperately romantic movie that will stick with you well after the end credits roll.
  • gor41
    March 21, 2010
    gor41
    Cornish is electric and beautiful set pieces compliment the dreamy atmosphere punctuated by the harsh realities of the time. The leads' obsessive love is totally believable and Schneider forms a spiky counterpoint. Visually arresting throughout, it is composed like a poem.
  • aliceinpunderland
    March 3, 2010
    aliceinpunderland
    Dullsville. It's a movie that tries to illuminate poetry in a pretentious and not entirely accurate way. What's with Thomas Sangster's role? He's just scenery. I have to give props to Abbie Cornish though for being brave enough to cry extremely unattractively. Ben Whi... read moreshaw is pretty dreamy.
  • romy861
    February 27, 2010
    romy861
    Very slow moving, and at 2 hours long, did outstay it's welcome with me. It's a shame because the acting is all very good and the costumes are beautiful. I can not figure out why I did not feel moved by this film. I am not, generally, really into period films, but I have enjoy... read moreed some where the story has been good. The story is not bad in this, it just doesn't quite work.
  • neverteaseaweasel
    February 25, 2010
    neverteaseaweasel
    Simply breathtaking. Bright Star is one of those films that is completely enrapturing and enthralling, makes you feel so much, apparently without even trying. Visually it is an incredibly artistic and beautiful film. Generally, I am not all that fond of these historical romances... read more and dramas only because it all seems so posed. No matter how good the acting is, you do not feel like the characters actually speak in that way, and a lot of times the actors just seem awkward in their costumes. It just does not feel real at all. Bright Star manages to pull this off brilliantly. The dialog, costumes, locations, etc, all seem natural. For that alone the film deserves praise. Top that with fine acting, great story, and bucketloads of emotion, and you really have a masterpiece on your hands.
  • smith44
    December 29, 2009
    smith44
    A beautiful film, Abbie Cornish is remarkable.

View All Bright Star Reviews

Critic Reviews

Jonathan F. Richards
November 22, 2009
Jonathan F. Richards, Film.com

Campion, who won fans with The Piano (1993) and lost them with the dismal In the Cut (2003) here returns to the top of her form. Full Review

Peter Rainer
October 2, 2009
Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor

For a movie so sensuously mounted, it's remarkably grounded. Full Review

Dana Stevens
September 25, 2009
Dana Stevens, Slate

The rare film about the life of an artist that is itself a work of art. Full Review

Michael Phillips
September 25, 2009
Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune

In its way Campion's film is a thing of beauty, but its characters' inner lives must be taken on faith. Full Review

Amy Biancolli
September 25, 2009
Amy Biancolli, Houston Chronicle

Greig Fraser's cool cinematography offsets the heat in Campion's ecstatically literate screenplay, which quotes Keats' handiwork all the way through the end credits. It sounds like music. Full Review

J. R. Jones
September 25, 2009
J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader

The best costumers, set designers, and property masters can't conjure up the mental and emotional spaces of a simpler era; that requires a filmmaker who knows the virtue of quiet, patience, and attent... Full Review

Tom Long
September 25, 2009
Tom Long, Detroit News

For a film about love, Bright Star is curiously cold, more pretty than emotional. True stars have heat. Full Review

Lisa Kennedy
September 25, 2009
Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post

Silence and stillness, as well as the restrained desire of its lovers, are given their due. After the clatter and rush of the summer flicks, patience is demanded but also rewarded. Full Review

Randy Myers
September 25, 2009
Randy Myers, San Jose Mercury News

Bright Star is a rich, sumptuous and, yes, challenging experience. Full Review

Peter Howell
September 25, 2009
Peter Howell, Toronto Star

It's refreshing to see romantic drama where credulity hasn't been stretched by the magic of Hollywood or the fantasies of the mind. Full Review

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Facts

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    • Fanny Brawne: [the night before he leaves] You know I would do anything.
    • John Keats: I have a conscience.
    • John Keats: There is a holiness to the heart's affections you know nothing about!
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  • Tagline: Bright Lights. Hit Songs. Country's biggest star. He'd trade it all to find the kind of love he'd only sung about.   Answer »
  • "I'm a star. A big bright shining star."  Answer »
  • Paul Walker-Cameron Bright star in this 2006 thriller....   Answer »
  • "So I'm gonna be nice... So I'm gonna be nice... So I'm gonna be nice, and I'm gonna ask you one more time. Where the fuck is Ringo? I am a star. I'm a star, I'm a star, I'm a star. I am a big, bright, shining star. That's right."   Answer »
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