Bright Star

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Bright Star

PG

2009

1h 59m

Drama

Romance

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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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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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Valerie Lapinski

Vox

May 20, 2022

Manages to bottle the fleeting feeling of spring bliss.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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[.]

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Robert P

@Superbad Sep 20, 2026

Bright Star = a 3.5 star Movie!

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Juris O

@Juris100 Aug 3, 2026

The film is not bad, but it is very sluggish and moves slowly.

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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.

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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.

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Thomas M

@TMProofreader Nov 26, 2022

The best movie costumes ever designed!

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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.

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Jane Campion

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Abbie Cornish

Fanny Brawne

Ben Whishaw

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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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