“A poem needs understanding through the senses. The point of diving into a lake is not immediately to swim to the shore but to be in the lake, to luxuriate in the sensation of water. You do not work the lake out, it is a experience beyond thought. Poetry soothes and emboldens the soul to accept the mystery.”
-John Keats

Bright Star promotional poster

Caption: First Love Burns Brightest.

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

Summary: The drama based on the three-year romance between 19th century poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne, which was cut short by Keats’ untimely death at age 25.

What I Liked: Abbie Cornish was absolutely amazing in her portrayal of Fanny Brawne – her talent was especially striking in the more emotionally heavy scenes of the movie. I was amazed at the chemistry that existed between both Ben and Abbie – I felt absolutely sucked into their romance. I found myself willing a happy ending for the two of them, even though you know full well that there will be none. I also enjoyed the random bursts of Keats’ poetry, especially since Ben Whishaw did such a wonderful job of reciting them. The film was also stunning on a visual level.

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Miss Stubbs: You seem to be old and wise.
Jenny: I feel old. But not very wise.

Special thanks to Krissy for the recommendation!

Starring: Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, Emma Thompson, Dominic Cooper, Olivia Williams, Alfred Molina, Rosamund Pike

An Education Promotional Poster

Summary: In the early 1960′s, sixteen year old Jenny Mellor lives with her parents in the London suburb of Twickenham. On her father’s wishes, everything that Jenny does is in the sole pursuit of being accepted into Oxford, as he wants her to have a better life than he. Jenny’s life changes after she meets David Goldman, a man over twice her age. David goes out of his way to show Jenny and her family that his interest in her is not improper and that he wants solely to expose her to cultural activities which she enjoys. Jenny quickly gets accustomed to the life to which David and his constant companions, Danny and Helen, have shown her, and Jenny and David’s relationship does move into becoming a romantic one. However, Jenny slowly learns more about David, and by association Danny and Helen, and specifically how they make their money. Jenny has to decide if what she learns about them and leading such a life is worth forgoing her plans of higher eduction at Oxford.

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