After a six-year absence from feature-length filmmaking, Oscar-winning writer and director Jane Campion ("The Piano"), returns with an impressive and beautifully crafted love letter about one of the world's most famous poets, John Keats, known for his love letters. The 19th century British poet died of tuberculosis at the young age of 25, leaving behind over thirty love letters, poems and notes to Fanny Brawne, his 18-year old neighbor with whom he had a brief but all-consuming romance.

Based on research from the biography "Keats" by Andrew Morton, Campion's screenplay tells the love story mainly from the female perspective. Fanny (Abbie Cornish, in a career-defining performance) lives with her fatherless family in Hampstead Village, North London, in an era when women are courted, quiet and exist in shadows; however, we see early on that Fanny is not of this period. When she encounters her boorish neighbor Mr. Brown (Paul Schneider), sparks fly between the two as they each try to put the other in his/her place. Brown lives with John Keats (Ben Whishaw), a seemingly delicate man whose brother is struck ill with tuberculosis (the disease which also took their mother); Keats has little money and is often criticized for his writings. With an indescribable attraction to Keats, Fanny volunteers to take lessons in poetry appreciation from him - a very disagreeable connection for the protective Brown who helps Keats at his craft. The romance between Fanny and Keats blossoms slowly and is expressed physically through gentle caressing and kissing (consummation of their love does not seem probable). Campion allows the lovers to express their emotions mainly through letters and verse. As their romance intensifies against the wishes of Brown and Fanny's mother (Kerry Fox), and society's norms, so does Keats' tuberculosis. He moves the warmer climate in Italy where he succumbs (in 1821). Back at home, the news devastates Fanny and nearly shatters her in one of the film's most powerful scenes.

Campion does not follow the usual biopic formula and possibly because of that, her treatment of Keats' character creates a slight imbalance; this is Fanny's story and her character is fully fleshed out. Campion's Keats, on the other hand, seems to be less connected to all that is historically known about the great poet. Nonetheless, the actors have great appeal, especially Cornish whose performance rests in her eyes. Technical credits are solid including the exquisite cinematography by Greig Fraser, production and costume design by Janet Patterson and music by Mark Bradshaw. Stay for the end credits as Whishaw recites Keats' poem "Bright Star."

The film is MPAA-rated PG; some material may not be suitable for children.