The most disappointing film I've seen in a very long time, because I thought it might just be great, goddamit. I, too, really enjoyed The Piano... and, as a New Zealand, I'm actually kindly predisposed towards anything directed by Jane Campion. And I often love films that others describe as a bit slow moving or overly talky (e.g. Lost in Translation, The Station Agent, The Daytrippers). But while Bright Star, as shown in the trailers, looks wonderful and has some attractive actors parading about in gorgeous period clothing... it all ends up going nowhere. Literally, nothing-ever-happens (unless it does so in the last half hour, wouldn't know as had abandoned all hope by then and watched a truly mediocre action movie on late night TV, that still beat this turkey hands down for entertainment value). The film's major (and ultimately damning) flaw is that it's lumbered with an oh-so dull and tedious script that grudgingly spreads itself over the hour plus that we sat watching (at first innocently hoping that it might come to life... but then realising that No, this really was it folks). What little narrative there is slowly ekes out its sparse and miserable existence, and finally leaves you completely unsatisfied and wondering why anyone bothered. And yes, I do get that it's about a poet and therefore might involve people reciting random lines from poems occasionally... but, really, that's all we're going to get? If an argument can be made that the film simply aimed to stay true to Keats' life story, then all I can say is the poor, poor bloke. I really do hope he experienced more joy in the last stages of his life than what's reflected in this passionless pic. Matthew, this is the only review of yours that I've ever read and completely disagreed with... did we view the same film? No, I think I've figured it out: you must have fallen asleep early on, and dreamt that you were watching something far more engaging and worthwhile (as opposed to just worthy).

Tender, heart-rending and so, so beautiful... Leavened with delightful human touches from Fanny's mother and little sister. A worthy homage to our greatest romantic poet.
(This film is clearly not for everybody; if you find after twenty minutes that you are getting impatient for some high-octane action, you might as well leave, because you simply don't 'get' what it's about. It's not about swimming from one shore of the lake to the other; it's about being in the water and feeling its wateriness...!)

This was truly dreadful.

After two hours I checked my watch and found I was only 30 minutes into the film. I knew Keats was going to die - and could not help hoping it would be quickly.

What sort of relationship was he having with the fat Scotsman? And why does absolutely no-one seem to do anything towards earning a living rather than moaning?

And what you have to remember is that Keats was a doctor, ergo a practical man of some intellect, not a dreamer lusting after an easily available pudding.

Can't agree with the other reviewers here - but, on the other hand, I'm a fan both of the broad canvas of Romanticism and of films that are not overtly mass market. There is no dramatic music in this film [indeed, there is none at all except for a little mozart at the start ... unless i'm mistaken] , or torrid hollywood sex scenes, or fisticuffs, car chases or shoot outs ... just a true story unfolding against a backdrop of superb shots inside and out, and the tuberculosis ['consumption' - it was to kill another poet considered to be of the Romantic genre, Emily Bronte] that is eating away at Keats [...and he knows it] even as he and Fanny fall for each other. We also get a good feel for Keats the poet. A superb, original, touching and masterly film. I can highly recommend it.

I completely agree with the previous reviewer - i'm just as baffled by the critics' love of this film. Found it tedious, dull and at several times i found myself drifting off. I loved The Piano and should have liked this too, having a fondness for period films, well-shot, etc., and yet this must rate as one of the most boring films i have seen, not just this year but for a very long time.

Very puzzled by the ecstasy of most of the reviews of this film. Absurd costumes apart it may be easy on the eye, but the central performance of Abbey Cornish never catches fire. Presumably the story is one of a flighty flirtatious girl falling in love and being transformed by the poet Keats. Cornish makes the journey from complacency to smugness and back again. Dull.