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Bright Star is a 2009 British drama directed by Jane Campion. The film portrays the unconventional love story between the renowned English poet John Keats and his muse Fanny Brawne, based on their authentic letters and diaries. The movie highlights the challenges and complexities of a relationship that was both inspiring and heartbreaking.

Set in the early 19th century, Bright Star takes us back to an era where romance was at its finest. The movie mainly revolves around the love story between John Keats (Ben Whishaw) and Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish). Keats is a struggling poet who doesn't have enough money to support himself while trying to make a name in the literary world. Fanny, on the other hand, is a fashionable, independent-minded young woman who loves fashion and sewing.

As soon as Keats meets Fanny, he is struck by her beauty and intelligence. Initially, Fanny is dismissive of Keats, finding him pretentious and arrogant. However, as they start talking, they discover their mutual love for literature and slowly begin to fall in love with each other. Despite their different backgrounds and social class, they both realize the depth of their love for each other.

However, their love comes with many challenges. Keats is broke, sick, and not yet established as a poet, which makes it difficult for him to convince Fanny's mother (Kerry Fox) that he can provide for her daughter. To add to that, Fanny's interest in fashion puts her at odds with Keats, as he believes that fashion is a distraction that will only take her away from his world of literature.

Their love is eventually tested when Keats' health starts to deteriorate rapidly. He is diagnosed with tuberculosis and is forced to go to Italy to be treated, leaving Fanny behind. The film portrays the separation with all its agony and sadness. Fanny is anxious about Keats, and their correspondence becomes more emotional and heartfelt, as they both realize that their love may not have a happy ending.

Bright Star is a movie that explores the themes of love, poetry, and art. Jane Campion's direction is excellent, and the cinematography by Greig Fraser is captivating. The film captures the essence of the Regency Era and takes the audience on a journey of the passion, struggles, and beauty of a changing society. It also highlights the importance of self-expression and being true to oneself, even in the face of adversity.

The performances in the movie are also fantastic, especially from the lead actors Abbie Cornish and Ben Whishaw. The chemistry between them is palpable, and they both portray their respective characters with depth and finesse. Paul Schneider's portrayal of Keats' friend, Charles Armitage Brown, also adds another dimension to the movie.

Overall, Bright Star is a beautiful film that explores the power of love, poetry, and art. It is an honest portrayal of the relationship between John Keats and Fanny Brawne, as well as a sensitive representation of the importance of creativity and individuality. The film's visuals and performances are stunning and make it an excellent choice for anyone interested in cinema, romance, and poetry.

Bright Star is a 2009 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 59 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 81.