OK for kids 12+
Romantic, moving film unlikely to interest tweens.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this moving period romance is tame on the surface -- there's virtually no violence, sex, strong language or other iffy content -- but it has an undercurrent of sexual longing fueled by social barriers that complicate the characters' ability to be with the people they love. And though the story is told with a great deal of grace, it does have a bit of grit (but virtually no violence, sex, strong language, or other iffy content). First, there's the consumption that finally claims poet John Keats -- its progression is delicately but truthfully depicted. Also, Keats' best friend is dismissive of those with no interest in poetry (i.e., Fanny, who's passionate about sewing instead), and there's some discussion about Fanny's virginity, but the conversations are oblique (and nothing more than kissing and hand-holding is shown on screen).
- Families can talk about John and Fanny's relationship. Why do so many characters seem to think that they don't belong together? What were the stakes for young lovers at that time, especially for women? How did those stakes vary by social class?
- Why do you think Keats doesn't press Fanny for a physical relationship? Was society's view of sex different in their time?
- Does it seem like poetry was more appreciated during Keats' than it is now? If yes, why? Who are the famous poets' modern-day counterparts?
The good stuff
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Messages: The film celebrates young love and devotion, as well as passion -- for something or someone (in this case, Keats' for poetry, Fanny's for fashion, and both characters for each other). Keats' friends are very supportive of him, as is Fanny's family of her. There's some class tension -- the film doesn't shy away from the double standard that prevents Fanny from marrying Keats but allows an upper-class man to dally with a maid with no consequences.
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Role models: Keats is the epitome of a gentleman. His love for Fanny is genuine, as is hers for him. Fanny is also quite devoted to her family, and their acceptance of Fanny's love for Keats is very empathetic. On the downside, Keats' friend Brown is derisive of Fanny, and dismisses her as a fashionista rather than an intellectual -- as if the two were mutually exclusive -- and is cavalier in the way he treats people of other classes.
What to watch for
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Violence: Two men have an argument, with one goading the other to fight out of anger. Some shoving. A main character eventually dies, though from illness, rather than violence.
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Sex: A fair amount of flirting, hand-holding, and gentle kissing -- plus one sonnet-reading scene that has a very passionate, sensuous feel. One character pursues a maid and gets her pregnant (though they aren't seen together in bed).
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Language: "Idiot" is firmly in the lexicon. "Damn" is also used.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters drink and smoke socially on a few occasions. The smoking is accurate for the movie's time period.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Gorgeous and romantic and Romantic by LadyHawke47
This is gorgeous. Jane Campion has made a movie like a Keats poem: engaging all the senses; perfectly capturing a series of exquisite moments; a place where poetry is spoken as naturally as "leaves to a tree."
Every performance is both understated and electric, Abbie Cornish and Ben Whishaw inhabit their roles effortlessly.
Adults, teens in love with poetry, college folk both student and professor, lovers of luscious cinematography.
5
A Beauty of a Film, but not for everyone by chrysanthemum11
I realize my tastes are specialized when it comes to films. If you like a. literature and especially poetry; b. period flicks; c. moody British/Australian actors; d. thoughtful scriptwriting and subtle direction...you will not be disappointed in this film. It is a treat for the eye, the ear, the heart and the mind.
5
Bright Star. Bright Indeed! by Optimism
"A THING OF BEAUTY IS A JOY FOREVER." And that is the exact description of this perfect film, the true tale of one of history's most passionate and heartbreaking love stories. If you adore Jane Austin's works, you'll be ENTHRALLED with this vibrant (!) and exquisite masterwork.
FABULOUS acting. Gorgeously photographed. Wrenching emotion. A pulsating and unforgettable little jewel, with a new kind of heroine!
5
Bright Star illuminates love and loss of the 19th century by Esthergreenwood
One thing I will say is that if you enjoy period pieces this film will be a delight. If not, then maybe not so much.
The cinematography on this film was absolutely breathtaking. I have nothing negative to say about the acting; all were genuine and endearing performances. A wonderful screenplay overall, and an incredibly moving story that managed to stay fairly true to the life of John Keats. The fact that several of Keats' most beautiful poems were included didn't hurt either.
Overall, I have to say, this one has made my top ten of all time.
4
Bright Star by bcurd
A little long, but not really slow-moving. Exceptional music and the cinematography; solid performances by the leads and supporting cast. I "chick-flick" fare, but my husband, the sci fi and adventure movie fan, was drawn in and enjoyed himself.
4
BRIGHTSTAR by Glencorse
If you love Keats this is a must see movie. If you are moved by a doomed love go to this movie.
It is very slow, as fits the era, it is beautifully styled and the art direction is superb. The cinematography is breathtaking and truly evokes the time and place. Very lyrical and definitely NOT for the impatient.
5
Bright Star Shines by pennyprints
Made the way films should be made with a distinctive voice and rhythm. A work of art.
5
Bright Star by UWS_Helen
I really loved this movie abt the Romantic poet John Keats. Director Jane Campion has focused not on the writing of poetry but on the life of the doomed young poet & most especially his one love affair, w/ the charming, decisive Fanny Brawne - a teenager throughout their courtship & engagement.. Given the wildly romantic nature of the material, the movie cd. have been overwrought, but it's not. It's downright quiet, w/ Campion taking time to allow the characters to tell their own story. The result is that when strong emotions *are* expressed, they're all the more powerful. The acting's superb, w/ especial praise due to Abbie Cornish (Brawne), Ben Whishaw (Keats), Paul Schneider (Keats's friend Thomas Brown), Kerry Fox (Mrs. Brawne), plus tiny newcomer Edie Martin, who pretty much steals every scene she's in. Cinematography + design are gorgeous. ... Some may feel this is "for women" but my husband & other men in audience liked it v. much. Obvs. not an action movie. Audience - grownups.
3
Masterpiece Theater on the big screen by PECurls
I enjoy period films and Masterpiece Theater so I (mostly) liked Bright Star. Abbie Cornish and Ben Whishaw were quite good as the young ingenue who falls for the starving poet but I didn't find that enough to love the movie. Tthe whole "Brown" and "Brawne" name thing drove me a bit nutty as the accents were fairly strong. The fashions may have been accurately depicted but truly ugly, IMO and I didn't always care for the direction by Jane Campion. Having said all of this, if you are a fan of period films and Masterpiece Theater-type movies go ahead and indulge. I look forward to seeing these 2 in other films, especially Whishaw.
4
Love's Mystery by gpress
Visually exquisite, Campion well captures the mystery - for modern and conventional thinking - of Keats having loved the plain and unlettered Fanny Brawne with her long close-ups, slow pacing, quietness, and, above all, the casting and direction of Fanny.