"Bright Star"

Rated PG
2 hours

Starring: Abbie Cornish, Ben Whishaw, Kerry Fox, Paul Schneider

I'm happy to say that in this day and age, you can still find an exquisite love story like "Bright Star". It's the work of that remarkably gifted Australian Director Jane Campion. She delicately re-creates the tragic romance between the early 19th century Poet, John Keats and the love of his life, Fannie Brawne, who faced enormous obstacles.

Abbie Cornish gives a rich, dazzling performance becoming one of the screen's great romantic heroines. Ben Whishaw gives the more delicate performance as the gentle poet. She's the free thinking woman ahead of her time. The PG rating can't conceal the enormous sexual tension between them.

Jane Campion's elegant Directing takes care of the style. Her highly intelligent screenplay reflecting the tone of the times working against the lover's happiness, takes care of the substance. It was a time in British history when jealous men scorned bright women for their own purposes.

A lesser director could have taken the easy way out by just having them jump into bed together. Jane Campion's directing is on a much higher level. As a result she's created a love story for the ages. And helped Abbie Cornish display her considerable acting skill.

I hope I've convinced you that "Bright Star" is one of the great romantic dramas in recent years. It shouldn't surprise you that "Bright Star" glitters with 4 stars.

John Keats could have been describing this movie when he wrote, "A thing of beauty is a joy forever".