Poster for Bright Star

Bright Star (2009) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

In 1818, high-spirited young Fanny Brawne finds herself increasingly intrigued by the handsome but aloof poet John Keats, who lives next door to her family friends the Dilkes. After reading a book of his poetry, she finds herself even more drawn to the taciturn Keats. Although he agrees to teach her about poetry, Keats cannot act on his reciprocated feelings for Fanny, since as a struggling poet he has no money to support a wife.

Rated PG • 2009 • 1h 59m

6.6
400+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
13+

Bright Star is a period romance about the love between poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne, and its PG rating is primarily for mature thematic elements. The film's central focus is on a love affair tragically cut short by terminal illness, and it contains significant depictions of sickness (tuberculosis), death, and intense, prolonged grief that may be upsetting for younger viewers. While there is no violence or graphic content, there are… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Abbie Cornish
Abbie Cornish
Ben Whishaw
Ben Whishaw
Paul Schneider
Paul Schneider
Kerry Fox
Kerry Fox
EM
Edie Martin
Thomas Brodie-Sangster
Thomas Brodie-Sangster
Claudie Blakley
Claudie Blakley
Gerard Monaco
Gerard Monaco
Antonia Campbell-Hughes
Antonia Campbell-Hughes
Samuel Roukin
Samuel Roukin
Amanda Hale
Amanda Hale
Lucinda Raikes
Lucinda Raikes
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Is Bright Star appropriate for kids?

Bright Star is a period romance about the love between poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne, and its PG rating is primarily for mature thematic elements. The film's central focus is on a love affair tragically cut short by terminal illness, and it contains significant depictions of… Read more — free account

Content severity in Bright Star

Sex Moderate 4/10
Violence Moderate 4/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in Bright Star, moment by moment

  1. 0:21 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
  2. 0:44 💬 Language 3/10
  3. 0:51 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
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Sex and nudity in Bright Star

Contains light sensuality. Fanny and Keats share several passionate kisses. In one scene, they lie in bed together fully clothed, and he kisses her neck and clothed breast; she expresses a desire to go further but they do not. In a conversation, a friend suggests Keats should have sex with Fanny to improve his spirits.

Violence and gore in Bright Star

Violence is very mild and not depicted in an aggressive context. There is a single scene where blood is shown: after Keats has a severe coughing fit from his tuberculosis, his bloodied clothes are seen soaking in a washbasin. This is a result of illness, not injury.

Language in Bright Star

Language is very mild. There is a single use of the word "damn."

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Bright Star

Minor and incidental. Characters are occasionally seen smoking pipes or drinking wine in social settings, which is period-appropriate and not a focus of the story.

Mature themes in Bright Star

The most significant content concern is the film's pervasive themes of illness, mortality, and grief. Keats's brother dies of tuberculosis early on, and Keats himself contracts the disease and is seen progressively weakening, coughing, and suffering. His eventual death, while off-screen, leads to powerful and sustained scenes of Fanny's overwhelming grief, which may be very distressing for sensitive viewers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bright Star appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Bright Star is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG. Bright Star is a period romance about the love between poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne, and its PG rating is primarily for mature thematic elements. The film's central focus is on a love affair tragically cut short by…

What age rating does Bright Star have?

Bright Star is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Bright Star about?

Bright Star is a period romance about the love between poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne, and its PG rating is primarily for mature thematic elements. The film's central focus is on a love affair tragically cut short by terminal illness, and it contains significant depictions of sickness (tuberculosis), death, and…

Is there sex or nudity in Bright Star?

Contains light sensuality. Fanny and Keats share several passionate kisses. In one scene, they lie in bed together fully clothed, and he kisses her neck and clothed breast; she expresses a desire to go further but they do not. In a conversation, a friend…

How violent is Bright Star?

Violence is very mild and not depicted in an aggressive context. There is a single scene where blood is shown: after Keats has a severe coughing fit from his tuberculosis, his bloodied clothes are seen soaking in a washbasin. This is a result of illness, not…

Is the language in Bright Star appropriate for kids?

Language is very mild. There is a single use of the word "damn."

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Bright Star?

Minor and incidental. Characters are occasionally seen smoking pipes or drinking wine in social settings, which is period-appropriate and not a focus of the story.

What mature themes appear in Bright Star?

The most significant content concern is the film's pervasive themes of illness, mortality, and grief. Keats's brother dies of tuberculosis early on, and Keats himself contracts the disease and is seen progressively weakening, coughing, and suffering. His…

How long is Bright Star?

Bright Star runs 119 minutes, directed by Jane Campion, released in 2009.

Where can I read the full Bright Star parent guide?

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