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Poster for Bright Star

Bright Star

Seen it?

2009 | 119 min | Drama, Romance

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

It earned strong reviews (82% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention, despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics. If you loved Great Expectations, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 59 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

In 1818, high-spirited young Fanny Brawne finds herself increasingly intrigued by the handsome but aloof poet John Keats, 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.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    82% on Rotten Tomatoes, 81 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.6 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Nominated for 1 Oscar, 1 BAFTA and 1 Critics' Choice Award.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $14 million worldwide on a $10 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 85K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Jane Campion

  • Abbie CornishFanny Brawne
  • Ben WhishawJohn Keats
  • Paul SchneiderMr. Brown
  • Kerry FoxMrs. Brawne
  • Edie MartinToots
  • Thomas Brodie-SangsterSamuel
  • Claudie BlakleyMaria Dilke
  • Gerard MonacoCharles Dilke
  • Antonia Campbell-HughesAbigail
  • Samuel RoukinReynolds