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Bright Star

Play trailer Poster for Bright Star PG 2009 1h 59m Drama Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
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83% Tomatometer 173 Reviews 68% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
In 1818, high-spirited young Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish) finds herself increasingly intrigued by the handsome but aloof poet John Keats (Ben Whishaw), who lives next door to her family friends the Dilkes. After reading a book of his poetry, she finds herself even more drawn to the taciturn Keats. Although he agrees to teach her about poetry, Keats cannot act on his reciprocated feelings for Fanny, since as a struggling poet he has no money to support a wife.
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Bright Star

Bright Star

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Jane Campion's direction is as refined as her screenplay, and she gets the most out of her cast -- especially Abbie Cornish -- in this understated period drama.

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Critics Reviews

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Valerie Lapinski Vox May 20, 2022
Manages to bottle the fleeting feeling of spring bliss. Go to Full Review Deborah Ross The Spectator Aug 30, 2018
Yes, it is a thing of beauty and, yes, things of beauty are joys for ever but we can also probably say this about them: they don't always add up to the most affecting movies. Go to Full Review Ed Koch The Atlantic Jan 17, 2018
Wonderful attention is paid to detail, including clothing, furniture and highly-stylized behavior. What is missing is emotion. Go to Full Review Marya E. Gates Cool People Have Feelings, Too. (Substack) Jan 30, 2026
Their initial flirtation is shockingly modern with its verve and sass, while the chemistry between Whishaw and Cornish buzzes with erotic electricity. Go to Full Review Philip Bagnall Loud and Clear Reviews Sep 19, 2024
4/5
Abbie Cornish and Ben Whishaw dazzle in Bright Star, Jane Campion’s sumptuous tale of a simple romance that inspired great art. Go to Full Review CJ Sheu Review Film Review Nov 9, 2021
Everything is simple and understated, allowing the big moments their space. ... [Whishaw's] line readings are disastrous. ... Cornish is a revelation[.] Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Juris O @Juris100 Aug 3, 2026 The film is not bad, but it is very sluggish and moves slowly. See more Tassie C @Tazzie Mar 16, 2026 Two+ hours of my life wasted, the film is very slow in progression. I would rather watch grass grow legs and run a marathon then watch this film. Absolutely a waste of time, far better movies to watch. See more Luciano B @RT67981578 Dec 10, 2022 Brilliant romance film; well-acted and provides a great inside look into the life of the great British poet John Keates. See more Thomas M @TMProofreader Nov 26, 2022 The best movie costumes ever designed! See more david f @dfulmer Aug 25, 2022 This pedestrian love story set in 19th century England has all the trappings of a great costume drama and was inspired by John Keats' love life but it didn't quite click with me. See more jelisije j @jjosifovic Mar 23, 2022 A very long movie about a poor dying poet spending his final 3 years with a women who made him want to live. See more Read all reviews
Bright Star

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Cast & Crew

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Jane Campion

Director

Abbie Cornish

Fanny Brawne

Ben Whishaw

John Keats

Paul Schneider

Mr. Brown

Kerry Fox

Mrs. Brawne

Edie Martin

Toots

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Bright Star

Bright Star (2009) Bright Star (2009) Bright Star (2009) (L-R) Ben Whishaw as John Keats and Abbie Cornish as Fanny Brawne in "Bright Star." View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis In 1818, high-spirited young Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish) finds herself increasingly intrigued by the handsome but aloof poet John Keats (Ben Whishaw), who lives next door to her family friends the Dilkes. After reading a book of his poetry, she finds herself even more drawn to the taciturn Keats. Although he agrees to teach her about poetry, Keats cannot act on his reciprocated feelings for Fanny, since as a struggling poet he has no money to support a wife.
Director
Jane Campion
Producer
Jan Chapman, Caroline Hewitt
Screenwriter
Jane Campion
Distributor
Apparition
Production Co
Pathé Renn Productions, UK Film Council, Hopscotch Productions, New South Wales Film & Television Office, Jan Chapman Pictures, Australian Film Finance Corporation, BBC Films, Screen Australia
Rating
PG (Incidental Smoking|Brief Language|Some Sensuality|Thematic Elements)
Genre
Drama, Romance
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 16, 2009, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 16, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA)
$4.4M
Runtime
1h 59m
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