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Bright Star
Rating: 7/10
Cast: Ben Whishaw, Abbie Cornish, Kerry Fox, Thomas Sangster
Director: Jane Campion
Jane Campion returns to the big screen with Bright Star, the story of poet John Keats (Ben Whishaw) and his love affair with Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish).
In 1818 London, Keats is a would be poet, Brawne, his fashion obsessed next door neighbour - initially the pair aren't attracted to each other, dismissive of each other's chosen profession and lifestyle.
Yet, against the odds and in the face of disapproval from society, the two are drawn together and begin a relationship.
But with Keats' health failing, it looks as if the duo's affair won't be a long one..
Once again, Jane Campion's crafted another piece of beautiful cinema; a tale of love, yearning and sensuality with some truly gorgeous costumes (which have in fact been nominated for this year's Oscars).
Whishaw's very good as Keats - he conveys the despair Keats felt as an "unsuccessful" poet during his lifetime - and Cornish is equally as good as Fanny who is suddenly struck by the wonders of love. There's a playfulness to their courtship to start off with - but that's swiftly replaced by the harsh reality of English society as Fanny's mother disapproves and forbids the two of them from being together - and from there, while you can tell what's going to happen, it doesn't diminish any of the heart and feeling of the film. The reality of their relationship's breathed a little fresh life into the somewhat dusty works of Keats - and you may find yourself swept away with it all.
Bright Star looks sumptuous and may strike a chord with many romantics everywhere.
