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Bright Young Things

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United Kingdom · 2003
Rated R · 1h 46m
Director Stephen Fry
Starring Stephen Campbell Moore, Emily Mortimer, Harriet Walter, Michael Sheen
Genre Comedy

In London during the 1930s, a group of young socialites dominates the national gossip with extravagant antics. Adam, a writer and a member of the group, tries to raise enough money to get married. However, after customs officials confiscate his manuscript, he must figure out new ways to earn money for a wedding.

Stream Bright Young Things

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What are critics saying?

40

Chicago Reader by

Under his (Fry’s) direction this 2003 British feature becomes a flat, depressing affair.

80

The New York Times by Dana Stevens

Waugh's dialogue, effortlessly catching the lockjaw intonations and facetious mannerisms of the British aristocracy between the world wars, is a gift to screenwriters and performers alike. The actors Mr. Fry has assembled receive the gift with gusto and grace.

80

Slate by David Edelstein

I could quibble with the conventionally romantic ending and a couple of small but not-so-cosmetic alterations, but on the whole, this is just how I'd always imagined one of my favorite comic novels should look and sound.

50

Variety by Derek Elley

An easy-to-digest slice of literate entertainment for upscale and older audiences that lacks a significant emotional undertow to make it a truly involving -- rather than simply voyeuristic -- experience.

40

Village Voice by Ed Park

Aside from cameos by Jim Broadbent (as the drunken major) and Peter O'Toole (as Nina's reclusive, eccentric father), much of the acting strains for a sophistication that quickly becomes annoying.

60

New York Magazine (Vulture) by Peter Rainer

Fry's saving grace is his love of actors. The younger and less familiar performers are more than adequate, but it's the older guard that shines. Broadbent is marvelously rummy.

50

Rolling Stone by Peter Travers

By the time Fry lets darkness encroach on these bright young things, the fizz is gone, and so is any reason to make us give a damn.

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