“Bright Star tells the story of the love affair between John Keats and Fanny Brawne with a classical poise, exquisite craftsmanship and a piercing tenderness.” — Screendaily
“This heartfelt film has a nobility of its own; it draws you irresistibly into its world.” — Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
Screened as part of NZIFF 2009
Bright Star 2009
We are thrilled that New Zealand International Film Festival goers can be amongst the first in the world to see Jane Campion's wonderful new film so soon after its Cannes premiere.
“Sixteen years after The Piano, Jane Campion has found renewed artistic inspiration in a tragic romance to match the haunting intensity of that Palme D'Or winning feature. Bright Star tells the story of the love affair between John Keats and Fanny Brawne with a classical poise, exquisite craftsmanship and a piercing tenderness... Taking her lead from the sensuality of Keats' verses, Campion has created a film that revels in the beauty of the English countryside... The central love affair is expressed through modest caresses, clasped hands and lingering glances rather than anything more explicit. It is a dreamy film to make the viewer swoon...
Australian Abbie Cornish (Somersault)... captures all the youthful impetuosity of the English Fanny and portrays her as a young woman trying to maintain control of a life torn apart by all the fresh emotions and new sensations that she is experiencing... Ben Whishaw (Perfume) is equally impressive as John Keats making the poet an entirely human figure; unassuming, vulnerable and constantly engaged by the mysteries of life, love and the burdens of being human...
Characters appear comfortable in their clothes and settings, the dialogue flows easily from their lips and there is a quiet, everyday intimacy to the way events unfold... Beautifully crafted in every department from the composure of the camerawork to the precision of the costume and production design, Bright Star is a film to savour.” — Allan Hunter, Screendaily