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Last updated on the 1 April 2024 by Evandrus
Films about British Poets
If you are looking for a film that is intellectually stimulating, emotionally resonant and offers a unique perspective on the human experience, a film about British poets might just be the perfect choice.
The Barretts of Wimpole Street (1982)
“The Barretts of Wimpole Street” tells the story of a passionate romance between a frail poet (Elizabeth Barrett), confined by a controlling father, and a rebellious young suitor (Robert Browning). Their connection blossoms through letters, defying societal expectations of a cloistered life. However, their pursuit of happiness is threatened by Elizabeth’s illness and the disapproval of her father, forcing them to fight for love and defy convention.
Top cast: Jane Lapotaire, Joss Ackland, Jeremy Brett, Nigel Stock, Lea Brodie, Carmen Du Sautoy.
Iris (2002)
The film depicts the life of celebrated novelist and poet Iris Murdoch grappling with dementia in her later years. We see flashbacks to her vibrant past filled with intellectual pursuits, love and personal turmoil. As her memory fades, the boundaries between past and present blur, forcing her to confront her regrets and the legacy she leaves behind.
Top cast: Judi Dench, Jim Broadbent, Kate Winslet, Hugh Bonneville, Penelope Wilton, Juliet Aubrey, Samuel West, Timothy West.
To Walk Invisible: The Brontë Sisters (2016)
The film follows the lives of sisters Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë, who despite the constraints of their secluded life and caring for their family, find success as fiery novelists under male pseudonyms. Their journey is filled with challenges, from rejection to personal struggles, but their creative spirits persevere. Ultimately, their groundbreaking works leave a lasting impact on literature.
Top cast: Charlie Murphy, Chloe Pirrie, Adam Nagaitis, Jonathan Pryce, Rosie Boore, Lara McDonnell, James Norton.
The Edge of Love (2008)
“The Edge of Love” unfolds during World War II, where charismatic Welsh poet Dylan Thomas rekindles feelings with his childhood sweetheart. Despite him being married with a fiery wife, a complex love triangle ignites. As the fallout from wartime strains their relationships, the women form an unlikely friendship. The film explores themes of love, loyalty and the difficult choices people make amidst the chaos of war.
Top cast: Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller, Matthew Rhys, Cillian Murphy, Lisa Stansfield, Richard Dillane, Anne Lambton, Alastair Mackenzie, Camilla Rutherford.
Red Rose (2004)
“Red Rose” chronicles the life of Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns, a man of humble beginnings who rises to literary fame. Love enters his life through Jean, but their relationship faces disapproval. Despite marrying her, his success brings temptations he can’t resist, straining their bond. Financial struggles and political leanings further complicate his life. As he grapples with divided loyalties and the weight of his choices, his artistic legacy is cemented.
Top cast: Michael E. Rodgers, Lucy Russell, Rebecca Palmer, James Watson, Paul Cunningham, Sean Arnold.
Benediction (2021)
“Benediction” explores the life of a war veteran and acclaimed poet Siegfried Sassoon, haunted by the trauma of World War I. Flashbacks depict a passionate love affair disrupted by the war, leaving him grappling with loss and a sense of emptiness. In the present, he navigates complex relationships and contemplates the choices that shaped him, ultimately confronting the lingering effects of his wartime experiences.
Top cast: Jack Lowden, Thom Ashley, Orlando Jopling, Christopher Naylor, Geraldine James, Simon Russell Beale, Peter Capaldi.
Cider with Rosie (2015)
“Cider with Rosie” recounts a idyllic childhood in the English countryside. The narrator cherishes memories of exploration, connection with nature and the warmth of a large family. Despite facing the challenges of a single-parent household overshadowed by the First World War, the protagonist (Laurie Lee) finds joy in simple pleasures and the eccentricities of village life. As he matures, innocence fades but the cherished memories and lessons learned continue to shape his identity.
Top cast: Timothy Spall, Samantha Morton, Emma Curtis, Bebe Cave, Shola Adewusi, Matthew Steer, Annette Crosbie, June Whitfield.
Bright Star (2009)
“Bright Star” portrays the passionate but forbidden romance between young, idealistic poet John Keats and vivacious Fanny Brawne. Their social circles and her existing marriage create obstacles, yet their connection deepens. The poet finds inspiration in their love, fueling his creativity and resulting in some of his most famous works. However, his fragile health casts a shadow over their happiness, forcing them to confront the impermanence of love and grapple with the sacrifices it demands.
Top cast: Ben Whishaw, Abbie Cornish, Paul Schneider, Kerry Fox, Edie Martin, Claudie Blakley, Gerard Monaco, Antonia Campbell-Hughes, Jonathan Aris, Samuel Barnett.
George Eliot: A Scandalous Life (2002)
“George Eliot: A Scandalous Life” delves into the complexities of a Victorian author who defied convention. Born Mary Ann Evans, she achieved literary acclaim under a male pen name, challenging gender norms. The film explores her unconventional relationship with a married man, the societal disapproval it caused and her fight for recognition as a groundbreaking writer. It sheds light on how her personal life influenced her novels, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to resonate.
Top cast: Harriet Walter, Maureen Lipman, John Sessions, James Wilby, David Walliams, Barbara Leigh-Hunt, David Bamber, Janine Duvitski.
