223 reviews
I had expectations of seeing a nominal quality love story going in. I was pleasantly surprised that this film was a noticeable cut above the average. I enjoyed it a great deal; and judging from the audience, so did everyone else.
A long time ago I realized that the way the best love stories work is to make the audience wish they could be the character on the screen. This movie does this in spades.
The major weight of carrying the film rested squarely on the shoulders of Amanda Seyfried. Other than being very lovely shoulders, she did an excellent job of portraying her character. She has a great range of endearing expressions. I've seen her in a couple of other films that I enjoyed her in, but none better than this; even considering the broader production values of "Mama Mia". She was radiantly beautiful and added just the right note of intelligence, warmth and charm. In one scene where her character described her excellent education, it didn't seem ludicrous coming from her as it has in the past from other actors. I'm looking forward to seeing more of her - and not just because of her radiant beauty either.
The rest of the cast did an admirable job as well. Gael García Bernal did well in his role of Seyfried's distracted workaholic fiancé. Later in the film, the arrival of Christopher Egan as counterpoint to Bernal was handled with better than average skill by Egan. His grandmother, played with subtlety by Vanessa Redgrave, was the focus of the story and has never seemed more sensitive and caring. But hey, fellas, whoever was wrangling the script (Rivera/Sullivan), she wasn't believable saying she was 65 when she's 73. But that was the only off note to me. Finally, Oliver Platt added an enjoyable aside as Seyfried's boss.
Finally, the rest of the productions elements, sets, costumes, locations, etc are all right on the money for the theme and feel of the film; nothing out of place of awkward looking. Excellent entertainment all around.
A long time ago I realized that the way the best love stories work is to make the audience wish they could be the character on the screen. This movie does this in spades.
The major weight of carrying the film rested squarely on the shoulders of Amanda Seyfried. Other than being very lovely shoulders, she did an excellent job of portraying her character. She has a great range of endearing expressions. I've seen her in a couple of other films that I enjoyed her in, but none better than this; even considering the broader production values of "Mama Mia". She was radiantly beautiful and added just the right note of intelligence, warmth and charm. In one scene where her character described her excellent education, it didn't seem ludicrous coming from her as it has in the past from other actors. I'm looking forward to seeing more of her - and not just because of her radiant beauty either.
The rest of the cast did an admirable job as well. Gael García Bernal did well in his role of Seyfried's distracted workaholic fiancé. Later in the film, the arrival of Christopher Egan as counterpoint to Bernal was handled with better than average skill by Egan. His grandmother, played with subtlety by Vanessa Redgrave, was the focus of the story and has never seemed more sensitive and caring. But hey, fellas, whoever was wrangling the script (Rivera/Sullivan), she wasn't believable saying she was 65 when she's 73. But that was the only off note to me. Finally, Oliver Platt added an enjoyable aside as Seyfried's boss.
Finally, the rest of the productions elements, sets, costumes, locations, etc are all right on the money for the theme and feel of the film; nothing out of place of awkward looking. Excellent entertainment all around.
- claudio_carvalho
- Nov 17, 2010
- Permalink
What a surprise this beautiful and easy going film was. Letters to Juliet is a nice afternoon at the cinema, while doubling as a postcard from Italy. Amanda Seyfried is on a roll, her lovely awareness of roles will propel her into super stardom. As young Sophie, who is engaged to a over zealous chef, her life is changed dramatically when she finds an ancient letter buried in a sacred site in Verona. The home of star-crossed lover Juliet provides serious love aspirations for all who visit. Sophie, a fact checker but would be journalist pursues the writer of the letter, Vanessa Redgrave, then takes off on a road-trip with her grandson in tow to find the lost recipient. The film is lush, sensual on the eyes but light enough to just relax & enjoy. Vanessa Redgrave sparkles and reminded me of Miss Daisy at times. Amanda Seyfried delivers pure delight, her saucer wide eyes had me transfixed. Wonderful.
- bassrourke
- May 7, 2010
- Permalink
This film is about an American woman who goes to a trip with her fiancé to Verona, where she discovers a 50-year-old letter to Juliet.
"Letters to Juliet" is not an ordinary romantic comedy. It has the elements of a successful romantic comedy, but it is so much more than that. Despite the predictable ending, the plot is still engaging and is deeply touching. It shows two women, one longing to find a lost true love, and another that longs to find the true love. Their desire for true love is well portrayed, one can see that they do not just want love, but they want the kind of love that transcends and sublimes. And to wait for 50 years for that adds further emotional depth, making it a tearjerker. I think "Letters to Juliet" should earn its place as a modern day classic romantic comedy, on par with "The Notebook".
"Letters to Juliet" is not an ordinary romantic comedy. It has the elements of a successful romantic comedy, but it is so much more than that. Despite the predictable ending, the plot is still engaging and is deeply touching. It shows two women, one longing to find a lost true love, and another that longs to find the true love. Their desire for true love is well portrayed, one can see that they do not just want love, but they want the kind of love that transcends and sublimes. And to wait for 50 years for that adds further emotional depth, making it a tearjerker. I think "Letters to Juliet" should earn its place as a modern day classic romantic comedy, on par with "The Notebook".
I really enjoyed this movie, although you can predict easily what will happen next it is still enjoyable to watch. This is definitely the best chick flick I've seen, while other chick flicks lack in originality this movie truly shows what true love is like and has it's own type of element. Amanda Seyfried is not one of my favorite actresses but I honestly thought she did great in this movie unlike her other ones. She made the whole movie better through her acting and I truly enjoyed it. I thought the ending was a little unoriginal but they way the created the scene made it a whole lot better. I believe the directors/writers did a great job planning out this movie other than the fact of predictability. I give this movie an 8 out of 10 because it was good but it was very predictable.
- alliegrooms36
- Feb 14, 2013
- Permalink
Even though you know what's coming, bring a hankie or two. The women are gorgeous (and some of the men) and wise. The men need a little schooling in the art of love, except for Lorenzo - another of those Italian caricatures who seems transformed into flesh and blood from Carrara marble. The real surprise here is how little of the movie was actually filmed in or around Verona, Italy. Where was it filmed? Mostly at a glorious inn a bit north of Siena, and around the hill town of Montalcino, which is farther south - all in Tuscany. The film is really something of an infomercial for the large Caparzo winery and their various tourist properties. On that level, the movie succeeds brilliantly. The men who are dragged to see it will be fascinated to see where Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino are grown. The women, however, will want to be taken back to Verona (literally and figuratively) to find out if Juliet's house, balcony, wall and statue really exist (they do, although she didn't). And what about the secretaries? They exist, and they really do answer letters. Each year, in fact, they choose the preceding year's best and bestow a prize. Wonder if that's how this movie was really inspired?
LETTERS TO JULIET – CATCH IT ( B+ ) Letters to Juliet is a very simple and pure love story. This is a story about Amanda Seyfried who while vacationing in Italy finds an unanswered letter to Juliet and she story begins when she answers the letter. After few days a guy and his grandmother shows up to see who wrote the letter. After that the journey for the lost love (Lorenzo) through beautiful locations of Italy starts. The movie starts off normal but the moment Vanessa Redgrave enters the screen along with her grandson Christopher Egan, the movie picks up. The movie is full of simple and innocent moments with breathtaking locations of Italy, watching the stunning locations will leave you in Awe and desire to visit Italy immediately. Amanda Seyfried looks gorgeous as always and her chemistry is very enchanting with Christopher Egan. Though, her chemistry with Goal Garcia Bernal is very flat may be it also required for the script. Christopher Egan is one hell of sexy and adorable Aussi Lad though in the movie he plays British. His charming personality and chemistry with Amanda Seyfried is worth watching. Goal Garcia Bernal was OK. Vanessa Redgrave is truly elegant and graceful in this age. Franco Nero suited really well as the ultimate Lorenzo of Vanessa Redgrave. By the way Vanessa Redgrave and Franco Nero are couple in real life as well, isn't that amazing. Taylor Swift's song "Love Story" was a perfect fit for the movie. Oh I love the ending in the famous Romeo & Juliet balcony style, it looks simply adorable. Overall Letters to Juliet purity, simple story and breathtaking locations makes it really memorable and enjoyable.
Fairy tale romance. I liked this more than I expected to. Getting sucked into the beautiful locations and then the story which you reach a point with where you just have to see through, will she find Lorenzo?
The story follows wannabe writer Amanda Seyfried, vacationing in Verona Italy with her busy fiancé. She goes to a wall where the heartbroken leave notes to Shakespeare's tragic heroine, Juliet. Finding a letter from 1957 she decides to write back to the now elderly author who then comes to Verona with her grandson. The trio set out to find Vanessa Redgraves long lost Lorenzo. A simple and enjoyable movie with breathtaking views, made me want to return to Italy.
The story follows wannabe writer Amanda Seyfried, vacationing in Verona Italy with her busy fiancé. She goes to a wall where the heartbroken leave notes to Shakespeare's tragic heroine, Juliet. Finding a letter from 1957 she decides to write back to the now elderly author who then comes to Verona with her grandson. The trio set out to find Vanessa Redgraves long lost Lorenzo. A simple and enjoyable movie with breathtaking views, made me want to return to Italy.
- juneebuggy
- Nov 1, 2019
- Permalink
I saw this film at an early screening and couldn't have been more delighted. The film is charming, adorable, and sweet with many laughs to be had as well. The message of romantic love being timeless and one that can cross many generations was very well appreciated and felt. The scenery of Italy in the film is gorgeous. There are breathtaking shots that make you want to hop on a plane after the film is over and go there yourself.
It was also truly refreshing to watch a film that I don't believe contained a single cuss word or sexual innuendo. (We need more of these movies). You could see this movie with your teens or your grandmother without the slightest bit of concern about being embarrassed of what might show up on the big screen. You walked out of the theatre feeling happy and remembering your own love story -- or hoping for your own love story to come.
Don't miss this one if you get a chance to see it. You will not be disappointed.
It was also truly refreshing to watch a film that I don't believe contained a single cuss word or sexual innuendo. (We need more of these movies). You could see this movie with your teens or your grandmother without the slightest bit of concern about being embarrassed of what might show up on the big screen. You walked out of the theatre feeling happy and remembering your own love story -- or hoping for your own love story to come.
Don't miss this one if you get a chance to see it. You will not be disappointed.
Every minute of the film, you know what will happen next. But pathetically and desperately, you will wait. And you want to see it. I wonder, how a romantic heart can understand, wait and cry for that one kiss and one hold of the hand...Tears came and I couldn't stop them. Watched movie with a dancing heart and heavy emotions... It's just another good movie. If you think I said less judge it yourself. You will see it again to feel that wonderful feeling of being alive... If you have such a great heart... I say you must watch. I ended up loving the story. And watched all the women write to Juliet in belief. Call it Santa or Juliet. They know a true feeling finds it way. They ask for it, they wait all their lives just to hear its OK to love. And I want to write letters to those who believe in Juliet.
- mailmrsraj
- May 8, 2010
- Permalink
- fredman5555
- Jun 4, 2010
- Permalink
- riva-910-797068
- Jan 2, 2011
- Permalink
"Letters to Juliet" tells the story of Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), an American girl who is visiting Italy with her fiancé. While in Italy, Sophie and her fiancé go separate ways to explore the various aspects of Italy. Sophie stumbles across the famous "Juliet wall" where she finds a letter written fifty years ago that has never been answered. Sophie joins the secretaries of Juliet and writes a letter back to Claire (Vanessa Redgrave). After waiting fifty years, Claire is amazed to get a response and immediately travels with her grandson Charlie (Chris Egan) to see just who Juliet is. What happens next is where the adventure begins as Sophie, Claire, and Charlie go on a quest to find Lorenzo Bartolini, a man Claire had fell in love with 50 years ago.
Being a huge fan of Amanda Seyfried, I was super excited to read about the premiere of "Letters to Juliet" at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York and I knew I had to go. After seeing "Letters to Juliet" I am happy to report that the film is better than the trailers lead you to believe. Not saying that the trailers are particularly bad but just make the film seem rather average. The movie itself is a love story but you know that going into it and the films script has enough going for it that you can really appreciate the film and leave with a smile on your face.
The story in "Letters of Juliet" is basically the tale of true love never dies. Sure we have been down this road before and we can all predict whats going to happen at the end of the film. What the writers do however, is create an interesting back story and decent character development. This is really what separates a good script from a bad one even if the story you are telling is a bit clichéd. The sub plot of this film, which I won't give a way, almost follows the same story as "Leap Year" which bombed earlier this year. The problem with "Leap Year" was the unlikable one dimensional characters. In this film that sub plot works because of the character development and background. Not to mention, Amanda Seyfried and Chris Egan actually have chemistry with one another.
Amanda Seyfried has an actress just continues to impress me. I have seen her in a lot of different roles now from "Jennifer's Body" to "Chloe" and she definitely does a great job with everything she does. This was probably one of her least challenging roles to date, if you want my honest opinion, because of how simple the story itself was. The thing with Amanda is that she is just a joy to watch on screen. She has a great on screen presence, which is important for an actress. Vanessa Redgrave does a great job playing her role. Her role is similar to Gena Rowland's role in the Notebook but with a more upbeat tone to it. Chris Egan does a good job with the material at hand and as I mentioned above has some good chemistry with Amanda. The casting for this flick was pretty solid and everyone did well with their roles.
Director, Gary Winick, really captured Italy's beauty on the big screen. I think what most people talked about after leaving the movie yesterday was just how beautiful the film itself was. It is also good to point out that the film was actually shot in Italy. I think that's a plus especially since nowadays most people don't shoot on location. The directing was solid but for this type of flick it didn't take much. I guess capturing the characters emotions without going overly sappy was definitely a plus and I applaud Winick for doing that. Oh and one side note, the use of Taylor Swift's "Love Story" song was used perfectly in this film. It just fit the scene perfectly.
In the end, "Letters to Juliet" is a good mix of "Leap Year" and "The Notebook." What makes the film work is it's actors who really shine as well as the interesting take on a love story. Lots of the film tends to be rather clichéd and you can see where the film is going within the first 10 minutes but that is to be expected. What you do get is a feel good movie that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy. Women will eat this one up and I am sure a lot of guys may kick and moan when they have to sit through it. I personally thought it was good for what it was and managed to be touching without being overly sappy, something I hated about "The Notebook." "Letters for Juliet" is a innocent and heartfelt movie about love and if you don't expect too much from it, you will probably find yourself enjoying it.
MovieManMenzel's final rating for "Letters to Juliet" is a 7 out of 10.
Being a huge fan of Amanda Seyfried, I was super excited to read about the premiere of "Letters to Juliet" at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York and I knew I had to go. After seeing "Letters to Juliet" I am happy to report that the film is better than the trailers lead you to believe. Not saying that the trailers are particularly bad but just make the film seem rather average. The movie itself is a love story but you know that going into it and the films script has enough going for it that you can really appreciate the film and leave with a smile on your face.
The story in "Letters of Juliet" is basically the tale of true love never dies. Sure we have been down this road before and we can all predict whats going to happen at the end of the film. What the writers do however, is create an interesting back story and decent character development. This is really what separates a good script from a bad one even if the story you are telling is a bit clichéd. The sub plot of this film, which I won't give a way, almost follows the same story as "Leap Year" which bombed earlier this year. The problem with "Leap Year" was the unlikable one dimensional characters. In this film that sub plot works because of the character development and background. Not to mention, Amanda Seyfried and Chris Egan actually have chemistry with one another.
Amanda Seyfried has an actress just continues to impress me. I have seen her in a lot of different roles now from "Jennifer's Body" to "Chloe" and she definitely does a great job with everything she does. This was probably one of her least challenging roles to date, if you want my honest opinion, because of how simple the story itself was. The thing with Amanda is that she is just a joy to watch on screen. She has a great on screen presence, which is important for an actress. Vanessa Redgrave does a great job playing her role. Her role is similar to Gena Rowland's role in the Notebook but with a more upbeat tone to it. Chris Egan does a good job with the material at hand and as I mentioned above has some good chemistry with Amanda. The casting for this flick was pretty solid and everyone did well with their roles.
Director, Gary Winick, really captured Italy's beauty on the big screen. I think what most people talked about after leaving the movie yesterday was just how beautiful the film itself was. It is also good to point out that the film was actually shot in Italy. I think that's a plus especially since nowadays most people don't shoot on location. The directing was solid but for this type of flick it didn't take much. I guess capturing the characters emotions without going overly sappy was definitely a plus and I applaud Winick for doing that. Oh and one side note, the use of Taylor Swift's "Love Story" song was used perfectly in this film. It just fit the scene perfectly.
In the end, "Letters to Juliet" is a good mix of "Leap Year" and "The Notebook." What makes the film work is it's actors who really shine as well as the interesting take on a love story. Lots of the film tends to be rather clichéd and you can see where the film is going within the first 10 minutes but that is to be expected. What you do get is a feel good movie that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy. Women will eat this one up and I am sure a lot of guys may kick and moan when they have to sit through it. I personally thought it was good for what it was and managed to be touching without being overly sappy, something I hated about "The Notebook." "Letters for Juliet" is a innocent and heartfelt movie about love and if you don't expect too much from it, you will probably find yourself enjoying it.
MovieManMenzel's final rating for "Letters to Juliet" is a 7 out of 10.
- ScottDMenzel
- Apr 26, 2010
- Permalink
I have to admit, I was very impressed and surprised with how great Letters to Juliet ended up being and how much I enjoyed it. I was very entertained throughout the entire film with it's interesting story plot and likable characters. Amanda Seyfried plays as a sweet, young, engaged woman named Sophie who finds a note written over 50 years ago by Claire, portrayed by the amazing Vanessa Redgrave, who talks of her one true love Lorenzo, and Sophie replies.
The film starts off strong and doesn't let up. It's brilliantly played out by the actors and actresses and it becomes more entertaining with each second. I loved the whole concept and found myself smiling at so many scenes for how endearing it was. The characters, while not the most excellent characters ever conceived, are very believable and likable to an extent. The actors and actresses make them seem sincere and the directing is good too, as well as the writing.
Really what makes me enjoy this film so much is how entertaining and compelling it ends up being at every turn. I always enjoy Amanda Seyfried's performances and the movie itself is a really adorable and amusing adventure. I laughed, I felt compassion, and I walked out of the theater feeling refreshed and rejuvenated because of how sweet it was and how much it moved me. Really the only downside is that there was a Taylor Swift song used around the end.
While it's certainly not a masterpiece, I praise it for being able to go way past the average "rom com" or "tearjerker" and just be a simply pleasing experience with very fun scenes and a great sense of romance and happiness that I was touched by. It was a job well done, and a breath of fresh air from a lot of trash heaps that are passed off as Romance films nowadays. I suggest anyone who can enjoy this light-hearted, fun and delightful adventure see it right away!
The film starts off strong and doesn't let up. It's brilliantly played out by the actors and actresses and it becomes more entertaining with each second. I loved the whole concept and found myself smiling at so many scenes for how endearing it was. The characters, while not the most excellent characters ever conceived, are very believable and likable to an extent. The actors and actresses make them seem sincere and the directing is good too, as well as the writing.
Really what makes me enjoy this film so much is how entertaining and compelling it ends up being at every turn. I always enjoy Amanda Seyfried's performances and the movie itself is a really adorable and amusing adventure. I laughed, I felt compassion, and I walked out of the theater feeling refreshed and rejuvenated because of how sweet it was and how much it moved me. Really the only downside is that there was a Taylor Swift song used around the end.
While it's certainly not a masterpiece, I praise it for being able to go way past the average "rom com" or "tearjerker" and just be a simply pleasing experience with very fun scenes and a great sense of romance and happiness that I was touched by. It was a job well done, and a breath of fresh air from a lot of trash heaps that are passed off as Romance films nowadays. I suggest anyone who can enjoy this light-hearted, fun and delightful adventure see it right away!
- Dragoneyed363
- May 21, 2010
- Permalink
There is a place in Verona, Italy called Casa di Giulietta (or Juliet's House) where the lovelorn go to leave notes on the wall next to Juliet's balcony asking for love advice. These letters are collected at the end of each day and answered by a group of real-life employees who regard themselves as Juliet's secretaries. Think of them as Aunt Agonys- just with a little more class and anonymity.
Such is the idea of director Gary Winick's postcard-pretty romantic comedy, Letters to Juliet. Its premise alone is enough to tell you that this is a chick flick through and through, but here's the surprise- despite its predictability, it actually is pretty likable. And indeed what's there not to like? It has stunning views of the Tuscan countryside; it stars the radiant Amanda Seyfried (you'll probably remember her from Mamma Mia!); and it's about second chances in love, which anyone who has ever been in love can certainly relate to.
At the heart of its story is the American girl Sophie, a magazine fact-checker on a pre-honeymoon vacation to Italy with her restaurateur fiancé, Victor (Gael Garcia Bernal). Victor's primarily interested in exploring the area for its culinary ingredients to use in his restaurant- so on one of those trips, Sophie decides to go visit the Casa di Giulietta on her own. There, she finds a letter written 50 years ago by a young British girl who had fallen in love with a dashing Italian while on holiday.
Sophie feels compelled to respond and her reply brings the elderly Claire (a luminous Vanessa Redgrave) to Italy, accompanied by her grandson Charlie (Christopher Egan). Claire wants to find her old beau Lorenzo Bartolini and so they set off on a road trip to visit the 74 men of the same name in Verona to locate her special one. Will Claire find the love she lost? Will Sophie find new love? Will Charlie fall in love? You'd probably already know the answers to all three questions.
Still, just because a rom-com sticks to predictable conventions doesn't make it less enjoyable- and Letters to Juliet is a nice example of that. The screenplay by Jose Rivera (who also wrote another road movie "The Motorcycle Diaries" starring Bernal) and Tim Sullivan doesn't strain for laughs or melodrama- instead, combined with Winick's direction, delivers an easygoing and utterly winsome charm throughout.
Just as importantly, it has its heart in the right place where it matters- and for that makes Claire's search for true love a heartfelt and poignant message to its audience not to give up on love. As Claire, Redgrave imbues her character with equal amounts of grace, pathos and passion and is no less than the heart and soul of the whole movie. Just as she inspires Sophie to love in the movie, those among the audience who have ever lacked the courage to love will also surely be inspired to find the determination and strength to love again.
Just as with Meryl Streep in Mamma Mia, Seyfried is here overshadowed by the performance of a fine veteran actress. But the ingenue once again proves she can hold her own with enough raw youthful exuberance and vulnerability. In supporting roles, Bernal is nicely offbeat as the self-involved Victor and Franco Nero adds in a dash of Italian zest as the still dashingly handsome Lorenzo (yes, the right one).
There's no denying the fantasy-like quality to it all which cynics will easily dismiss as pure romantic fluff. Sure it does feel artificial at times, designed to showcase the most tourist-friendly scenes of Italy with a certain romanticism- but that is precisely the indulgence that "Letters to Juliet" wants to offer its audience, to believe that there are second chances in love if only we dare to make it happen. Like the letters to Juliet which people leave at the Casa di Giulietta, it will leave its audience with hope that true love still prevails- and for many, that may be comforting enough.
Such is the idea of director Gary Winick's postcard-pretty romantic comedy, Letters to Juliet. Its premise alone is enough to tell you that this is a chick flick through and through, but here's the surprise- despite its predictability, it actually is pretty likable. And indeed what's there not to like? It has stunning views of the Tuscan countryside; it stars the radiant Amanda Seyfried (you'll probably remember her from Mamma Mia!); and it's about second chances in love, which anyone who has ever been in love can certainly relate to.
At the heart of its story is the American girl Sophie, a magazine fact-checker on a pre-honeymoon vacation to Italy with her restaurateur fiancé, Victor (Gael Garcia Bernal). Victor's primarily interested in exploring the area for its culinary ingredients to use in his restaurant- so on one of those trips, Sophie decides to go visit the Casa di Giulietta on her own. There, she finds a letter written 50 years ago by a young British girl who had fallen in love with a dashing Italian while on holiday.
Sophie feels compelled to respond and her reply brings the elderly Claire (a luminous Vanessa Redgrave) to Italy, accompanied by her grandson Charlie (Christopher Egan). Claire wants to find her old beau Lorenzo Bartolini and so they set off on a road trip to visit the 74 men of the same name in Verona to locate her special one. Will Claire find the love she lost? Will Sophie find new love? Will Charlie fall in love? You'd probably already know the answers to all three questions.
Still, just because a rom-com sticks to predictable conventions doesn't make it less enjoyable- and Letters to Juliet is a nice example of that. The screenplay by Jose Rivera (who also wrote another road movie "The Motorcycle Diaries" starring Bernal) and Tim Sullivan doesn't strain for laughs or melodrama- instead, combined with Winick's direction, delivers an easygoing and utterly winsome charm throughout.
Just as importantly, it has its heart in the right place where it matters- and for that makes Claire's search for true love a heartfelt and poignant message to its audience not to give up on love. As Claire, Redgrave imbues her character with equal amounts of grace, pathos and passion and is no less than the heart and soul of the whole movie. Just as she inspires Sophie to love in the movie, those among the audience who have ever lacked the courage to love will also surely be inspired to find the determination and strength to love again.
Just as with Meryl Streep in Mamma Mia, Seyfried is here overshadowed by the performance of a fine veteran actress. But the ingenue once again proves she can hold her own with enough raw youthful exuberance and vulnerability. In supporting roles, Bernal is nicely offbeat as the self-involved Victor and Franco Nero adds in a dash of Italian zest as the still dashingly handsome Lorenzo (yes, the right one).
There's no denying the fantasy-like quality to it all which cynics will easily dismiss as pure romantic fluff. Sure it does feel artificial at times, designed to showcase the most tourist-friendly scenes of Italy with a certain romanticism- but that is precisely the indulgence that "Letters to Juliet" wants to offer its audience, to believe that there are second chances in love if only we dare to make it happen. Like the letters to Juliet which people leave at the Casa di Giulietta, it will leave its audience with hope that true love still prevails- and for many, that may be comforting enough.
- moviexclusive
- Jun 18, 2010
- Permalink
They've tried to make it a classic location based romantic film for teenager girls, but while doing so they've tried to target the mature audience as well with half-attempted tongue in cheek dialogs. For me, this has failed miserably as the whole Brit Vs Americano recipe really doesn't work in this pan.
Amanda Seyfried and Christopher Egan simply do not develop any chemistry on the screen, which gives Gael García Bernal a clear lead in the acting department. Amanda Seyfried is a wooden actress with no acting in her eyes and both she and Christopher Egan are painfully slow with their meant-to- be-sharp dialogs.
Plot wise it doesn't offer any salvation either. The moment Christopher Egan enters, you know what's going to happen. Stereotypical first hate and than love story line. I enjoyed the locations yes, but all in all it's a an avoidable movie with predictable plot.
Amanda Seyfried and Christopher Egan simply do not develop any chemistry on the screen, which gives Gael García Bernal a clear lead in the acting department. Amanda Seyfried is a wooden actress with no acting in her eyes and both she and Christopher Egan are painfully slow with their meant-to- be-sharp dialogs.
Plot wise it doesn't offer any salvation either. The moment Christopher Egan enters, you know what's going to happen. Stereotypical first hate and than love story line. I enjoyed the locations yes, but all in all it's a an avoidable movie with predictable plot.
- BobbySandhu-01
- May 15, 2013
- Permalink
- jboothmillard
- Mar 8, 2017
- Permalink
Our heroine is, we are told, such a wonderful writer she thinks she should write for the holy grail for nonfiction writers, The New Yorker, but her lack of concern for or interest in language is so obvious it is commented on by a person who has only known her a few days. "Awesome." The person she claims to love is working tirelessly to open restaurant, his dream and one of the most difficult businesses to succeed in. What does our heroine do? Does she do as much as you can to help him, especially as she wasn't doing anything about her own dreams?
Our heroine travels to an area where thousands of people pay thousands of dollars to tour its vineyards, and she is offered a free, private tour of its vineyards. What does she do? Our heroine finds a 50 year old letter. She knows nothing about the situation, both at the time the letter was written or in the present, yet she writes full of advice. So glad I don't know anyone that arrogant.
My friend with whom I saw the movie said to me, "I don't know when I have disliked a heroine more."
What I liked: Tuscan countryside, Vanessa Redgrave, Franco Nero, the Tuscan countryside, the passion of the fiancé, the Tuscan countryside.
I was first going to say, wait, rent the DVD and watch it with the sound off. A better idea would be to get a travelogue of Tuscany.
Our heroine travels to an area where thousands of people pay thousands of dollars to tour its vineyards, and she is offered a free, private tour of its vineyards. What does she do? Our heroine finds a 50 year old letter. She knows nothing about the situation, both at the time the letter was written or in the present, yet she writes full of advice. So glad I don't know anyone that arrogant.
My friend with whom I saw the movie said to me, "I don't know when I have disliked a heroine more."
What I liked: Tuscan countryside, Vanessa Redgrave, Franco Nero, the Tuscan countryside, the passion of the fiancé, the Tuscan countryside.
I was first going to say, wait, rent the DVD and watch it with the sound off. A better idea would be to get a travelogue of Tuscany.