The Book of Stars poster & wallpaper

Jena Malone, Mary Stuart Masterson

Themes of hope, survival, love, and loss spread like a quiet storm through The Book of Stars, a tale of two sisters (played by Mary Stuart Masterson and Jena Malone). Penny (Masterson) cares fo...( read more  read more... )r her younger sister Mary (Malone), who suffers from cystic fibrosis. "Cares for" is a questionable term, as the hardened, edgy Penny secretly makes her living in the world's oldest profession while popping pills to help numb her from the grim reality of her job and the impending loss of her sister. Mary, a romantic daydreamer who faces her disease with a graceful, knowing spirit, remembers the days when her big sister was a "brilliant" published poet, and she pours her every thought, memory, and dream into a lovingly crafted scrapbook she calls "the book of stars." These old souls with young faces cope with many difficulties, but they discover small joys with the help of a disabled neighbor (Delroy Lindo), a refugee from war-torn Eastern Europe (Karl Geary), and a convict in the state pen (D.B. Sweeney).

The film shines through Masterson, whose Penny burns with an underlying intensity that makes the character's conflicted position of duty and resentment feel mighty and palpable. The rest of the cast give gentle performances that match the film's warmly lit cinematography, making The Book of Stars a poignant and delicate watch as well as a showcase for Masterson's talents. -- Shannon Gee

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76% liked it

112 ratings

Unrated, 98 min.

Directed by: Michael Miner

Release Date: December 31, 2000

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DVD Release Date: September 5, 2000

Stats: 40 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (40)

  • rebvodka042099
    July 1, 2009
    rebvodka042099
    This movie is, in a way, mine and my sister's movie. We watched it when we were younger and both fell in love with it and I'm glad to have seen it as an adult as well.

    The sweetness and tragedy of it are in great amounts, but in many ways you feel rewarded by the end. The perfor...( read more)mances are great and entirely believable and the chemistry between Jena Malone and Mary Stuart Masterson is unbelievably honest. A movie about kindness, our purpose and journey through life.

    And yes, it might be tiring and repetitive, it might be over-bearing, but for once I'm personally setting those drawbacks aside, and just rejoicing in its humanity.
  • ileo
    January 10, 2008
    ileo
    A beautiful movie and so very touching! I don't mind watching every now and then. Mary Stuart Masterson and Jena Malone are phenomenal! Karl Geary (one of my favorites) gives a stellar performance.
    For those with sisters, this is the movie that I'm sure you would truly love. Int...( read more)ricate design of sisterhood, family, and love that will definitely leave you feeling all sorts of emotions.
  • rachelpinkrox
    August 17, 2009
    rachelpinkrox
    sounds good and interesting. :)
  • THEHUMANCONDITION
    May 12, 2008
    THEHUMANCONDITION
    Jena Malone if beautiful and powerful, like she tends to be. Unfortunately when she is not on screen the movie is pretty bad. Yet another mediocre film far improved simply from her presence.
  • depredaraptor
    October 17, 2007
    depredaraptor
    Muy buena, algo triste, pero con mucho mensaje de esperanza
  • mwohlfeil
    May 28, 2007
    mwohlfeil
    Sad, but beautiful low-key drama about two sisters that avoids all cliches and dramatic pitfulls. Strong acting performance by Jena Malone and Mary Stuart Masterson!
  • retasu91
    February 1, 2007
    retasu91
    Another "boohoo" movie. =3 I'm starting to like them. ^^ It's so beautiful. I wish me and my sister were like that.

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The Book of Stars Trivia

  • What 2004 movie stars Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling that based off of a Nicholas Sparks book?  Answer »
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  • After her father goes missing, a twist of fate brings a young girl living on an island together with the author of her favorite adventure book, who lives a reclusive life in the big city. Stars: Gerard Butler, Jodie Foster.  Answer »
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