Bright Star

Written and directed by Academy Award winner Jane Campion (The Piano), Bright Star is a riveting drama based on the three-year romance between 19th century poet John Keats (Ben Whishaw) and Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish), which was cut short by Keats' untimely death. London, 1818—a secret love affair begins between 23-year-old English poet John Keats and the girl next door, Fanny Brawne, an outspoken student of fashion. This unlikely pair started at odds; he thinking her a stylish minx, she unimpressed by literature in general. But when Keats's younger brother falls ill John and Fanny are drawn together. Keats, touched by Fanny's efforts to help care for his brother, agrees to teach her poetry. By the time Fanny's alarmed mother (Kerry Fox) and Keats's best friend Charles Armitage Brown (Paul Schneider) realize their attachment, the relationship had an unstoppable momentum.

Director:

Jane Campion

Cast:

Abbie Cornish, Ben Whishaw, Kerry Fox, Paul Schneider, Thomas Sangster, Samuel Barnett

Reviews:

Washington Post, Ann Hornaday

Houston Chronicle, Amy Biancolli

Seattle Times, Moira Macdonald

Chicago Sun-Times, Roger Ebert

Journal Sentinel, Joanne Weintraub