Two storylines (past + present) CAN work in films but it's a delicate balance. Honestly, the present day romance should have dropped and the 1960s story should have been the focus. As it were, the present day story tried to be a rom-com which wasn't very funny and the 1960s got shortchanged with too many montage sequences to tell the story instead of actual scenes. Montages don't build feelings for the characters! Cinematography and costumes and lighting in the 1960s story was gorgeous. A lot of potential here, but it should have been a limited series instead of a movie in order to do the book justice.
168 Reviews
The Last Letter From Your Lover
JoBloTheMovieCritic23 July 2021
intriguing start to old style romance
SnoopyStyle1 August 2021
It's 1965 London. Jennifer Stirling (Shailene Woodley) returns home to her husband Laurence (Joe Alwyn) after a stay in the hospital. They're wealthy from the stuffy upper crust of society. It's a loveless and childless marriage. He's controlling and she's pining for escape. The couple goes on vacation. Reporter Anthony O'Hare (Callum Turner) arrives to interview Laurence. In modern day London, Ellie Haworth (Felicity Jones) is a dissatisfied single gal. She's been assigned to write a bio for a former editor of her paper. She had recently died and left her archival material with the paper. Ellie finds a mysterious love letter which intrigues her to investigate further.
I like the start. It has good potential although the back and forth in time period always held a danger to the narrative flow. One side or the other could falter and stall the entire movie. To me, the emotional high point is the dinner early in the movie. This is a movie about Jennifer seeking independence from Laurence more than about a love story between Jennifer and Anthony. On top of that, they do the Love Affair turn going to meet on top of the Empire State Building. I'm disappointed that they're doing this old trope. Quite frankly, I'd rather have him die and she has to find independence by herself. The other side has a smaller issue for me. I want Rory to be more. They try to do the combative meet-cute between Ellie and Rory but he doesn't hold up his side of the bargain. He's too weak to fight back. This is an old style romance and there is nothing wrong with that. It's simply not anything more than passable.
I like the start. It has good potential although the back and forth in time period always held a danger to the narrative flow. One side or the other could falter and stall the entire movie. To me, the emotional high point is the dinner early in the movie. This is a movie about Jennifer seeking independence from Laurence more than about a love story between Jennifer and Anthony. On top of that, they do the Love Affair turn going to meet on top of the Empire State Building. I'm disappointed that they're doing this old trope. Quite frankly, I'd rather have him die and she has to find independence by herself. The other side has a smaller issue for me. I want Rory to be more. They try to do the combative meet-cute between Ellie and Rory but he doesn't hold up his side of the bargain. He's too weak to fight back. This is an old style romance and there is nothing wrong with that. It's simply not anything more than passable.
Watch this before you read the book
kkuhl-8718324 July 2021
I wish I had watched this before reading the book because I think I could have really enjoyed it more. I LOVED the book...devoured it in two days...so it was tough to see it essentially butchered by the movie. I will say that the movie ending gave me the goosebumps that I didn't get from the book, so bravo there. I truly think this was a good movie, but I think to really appreciate it, wait to read the book.
ROMANCE IS NOT DEAD
soumyabratamajumder253 August 2021
So good to see a feel good ol hollywood romantic drama after such a long time. They don't make these kinda movies any more for theatres and the ones they make for streaming are usually bad and they look and feel like a TV movie. But this one doesn't, this looks like it was made for big screen and it had all the charm the feel that these movies used to give us 15 years ago.
Not much to say about the story. Its slow but intriguing. Shailene Woodley is wonderful on screen and felicity jones is a delight.
Not much to say about the story. Its slow but intriguing. Shailene Woodley is wonderful on screen and felicity jones is a delight.
Book is better!
pyytvcp5 September 2021
As always, the book is by far better than the movie. The casting felt off, chemistry between actors wrong, and the changes made to accommodate a movie version were unfortunate. Overall, without the book it's a fine movie...I'd say skip the movie, read the book!
Finally a Netflix original movie worth watching.
OpheliaV25 July 2021
I'm not a big fan of romantic films. I usually get bored and never make it to the end of the movie. This one though, really spoke to me. I absolutely loved the acting, the plot, the scenery was beautiful... I honestly have nothing bad to say (strangely enough since this is a Netflix original movie). I was hesitant at first, I was not expecting anything impressive or out of the ordinary, but this film definitely proved me wrong. It's both emotional and romantic but realistic and raw at the same time. In case you haven't watched it yet, give it a shot, it's worth it.
The Last Note Letter without a book
kosmasp25 July 2021
Well I can only imagine it is based on a book. And considering the similarities I can detect with Notebook (one of the best romantic dramas to ever grace our screens or wherever you choose to watch it) ... that should not be a surprise.
Having said that, the movie has also really good actors for the different time periods it is playing and dishing out to us. You have to be inclined to like romantic movies at least a little ... otherwise do not even think about watching this. The timelines work (both) and you can see the connection (I don't think it is too hard to predict most of what is going to happen ... which is not really a bad thing ... it is the journey after all we embark on, that is the one that excites us)
Having said that, the movie has also really good actors for the different time periods it is playing and dishing out to us. You have to be inclined to like romantic movies at least a little ... otherwise do not even think about watching this. The timelines work (both) and you can see the connection (I don't think it is too hard to predict most of what is going to happen ... which is not really a bad thing ... it is the journey after all we embark on, that is the one that excites us)
Good but nothing special
TheRedSunset23 July 2021
I honestly expected more romance and more heartwrench from the movie but the romance comes off as a little bland and there is little chemistry between the main characters although I would credit this mostly to the writing. It however makes for a nice drama and a good Saturday comfort watch.
7/10 Surprisingly good
Hellooo123432124 July 2021
About that letter...
jeroduptown4 November 2021
The Last Letter tries to convincingly connect an unrealized love relationship from the 60s and a young couple today. And while each generation has a decent love story, the co-mingling of them doesn't really DO anything.
Original idea - I like this
Cowtownus2 September 2021
The way the movie is revealed is what is most intersting. The plot is ususal rom com stuff. But the directing makes it worth the time. The male actor is good. I forgot his name and can not remember where I saw him but I know I like his work. He feels sincere. The actress is a little cold. Together, they work. It is a throwback to the old movie days. The older characters are a little disappointing.
Good romantic movie
rusandauz23 July 2021
One of the best movies on netflix
mekanikoto24 July 2021
Nice and pretty
carol_ok25 July 2021
Ok, I haven't read the book, however, after watching the movie I will for sure. Point in favor because despite the fact that this history has been seen in other movies, none is the same as the other
Shai and Callum: I loved them, Shailene transmitted all the emotions in every moment of the film, the feeling of abandonment, the emotion of a new person, the passion to live something new, the pain of knowing that something is not possible, each scene is excellent, you really feel each of the emotions. With regard to Callum, what can I say? An excellent actor, a gentleman in the whole movie, (it's the first time I've seen him act), a man who makes mistakes but doesn't deny them, his performance (for me) has been beautiful, complete and clean, it conveys that desire to be with someone but knowing that the decision is not entirely in their hands, it was excellent ...
Joe Alwyn: the perfect husband, but who considers that his duty is to work, his acting has been great, his toughness, his little interest, his social class, everything has reflected it very well (I loved and hated when he asked the waiter who spoke only in English) perfect for me.
What I didn't like very much:
The story of Ellie and Rory ... it was a bit annoying because it was forced to happen, it was a strange story that happened very quickly without development without emotion and without attraction ... I don't think it was them but the same script but not I really liked his story, I advanced it in the whole movie.
It is a movie to see at any time you consider, it is cute, romantic, calm, without suspense, entertaining, it may have lacked development of some characters but it is understandable by time, I definitely recommend it.
Shai and Callum: I loved them, Shailene transmitted all the emotions in every moment of the film, the feeling of abandonment, the emotion of a new person, the passion to live something new, the pain of knowing that something is not possible, each scene is excellent, you really feel each of the emotions. With regard to Callum, what can I say? An excellent actor, a gentleman in the whole movie, (it's the first time I've seen him act), a man who makes mistakes but doesn't deny them, his performance (for me) has been beautiful, complete and clean, it conveys that desire to be with someone but knowing that the decision is not entirely in their hands, it was excellent ...
Joe Alwyn: the perfect husband, but who considers that his duty is to work, his acting has been great, his toughness, his little interest, his social class, everything has reflected it very well (I loved and hated when he asked the waiter who spoke only in English) perfect for me.
What I didn't like very much:
The story of Ellie and Rory ... it was a bit annoying because it was forced to happen, it was a strange story that happened very quickly without development without emotion and without attraction ... I don't think it was them but the same script but not I really liked his story, I advanced it in the whole movie.
It is a movie to see at any time you consider, it is cute, romantic, calm, without suspense, entertaining, it may have lacked development of some characters but it is understandable by time, I definitely recommend it.
Unconvincing.
jmariani-5979927 July 2021
This movie doesn't really work. Poor development keeps the story at surface level so the viewer really isn't drawn into either relationship. The script keeps it there and the past era setting just isn't believable. More like people were just wearing groovy clothes found in a vintage shop. Music did little to create mood. Zero chemistry between either couple and, to be honest, both female lead characters weren't very likable.
I gave it three stars only because it's not the worse movie I've ever seen and managed to get to the end without shutting it off.
I gave it three stars only because it's not the worse movie I've ever seen and managed to get to the end without shutting it off.
Very different from the book
mailenferez24 July 2021
A good combination of melodrama and romantic comedy.
danybur27 September 2021
Summary
The film is a kind of epistolary novel that effectively combines and articulates romantic melodrama and comedy to tell us two stories that take place in two different eras and to get in tune with them.
Review:
While undertaking a journalistic investigation, Ellie (Felicity Jones) finds a romantic letter from an enigmatic man in the 1960s to Jennifer, a married woman. With the help of Rory, the archivist of the newspaper where she works (Nabhaan Rizwan), she tries to find more letters to reconstruct the story of those two lovers.
The film basically develops two timelines. In the 60s (which is not linear), we see Jennifer married to Laurence (Joe Alwyn), an English millionaire businessman. While they are both on vacation on the Côte d'Azur, she meets her lover, Anthony, a journalist (Callum Turner). The other line, in principle secondary, is the one corresponding to Ellie and Rory.
Deliberately, director Augustine Frizzell uses two different registers for both narrative lines. For Jennifer, the romantic and glamorous melodrama, supported by a beautiful reconstruction of the period. I say glamorous because Jennifer's is a wealthy marriage and her wardrobe, the Côte d'Azur locations and the luxurious English house where she lives give her that character. This tone may seem somewhat anachronistic to some, but there is no doubt that this chronicle of lovers, with their dilemmas and disagreements, refers to a lot of cinema from that time (and earlier) and that is why the film adopts it, although without overflowing.
The current history record is obviously more modern, with Ellie as a professional, independent woman and little affect on commitments, in a subplot that shows that disagreement sometimes transcends technologies. However, we will understand that her interest in the letters written by Anthony is not accidental. On the other hand, the articulation of both lines and styles through the letters that appear introduces the story to the field of the epistolary novel.
It is interesting to note which of the two narrative registers will finally prevail when both stories somehow converge, in a film that will not generate passions but that is well constructed.
The film is a kind of epistolary novel that effectively combines and articulates romantic melodrama and comedy to tell us two stories that take place in two different eras and to get in tune with them.
Review:
While undertaking a journalistic investigation, Ellie (Felicity Jones) finds a romantic letter from an enigmatic man in the 1960s to Jennifer, a married woman. With the help of Rory, the archivist of the newspaper where she works (Nabhaan Rizwan), she tries to find more letters to reconstruct the story of those two lovers.
The film basically develops two timelines. In the 60s (which is not linear), we see Jennifer married to Laurence (Joe Alwyn), an English millionaire businessman. While they are both on vacation on the Côte d'Azur, she meets her lover, Anthony, a journalist (Callum Turner). The other line, in principle secondary, is the one corresponding to Ellie and Rory.
Deliberately, director Augustine Frizzell uses two different registers for both narrative lines. For Jennifer, the romantic and glamorous melodrama, supported by a beautiful reconstruction of the period. I say glamorous because Jennifer's is a wealthy marriage and her wardrobe, the Côte d'Azur locations and the luxurious English house where she lives give her that character. This tone may seem somewhat anachronistic to some, but there is no doubt that this chronicle of lovers, with their dilemmas and disagreements, refers to a lot of cinema from that time (and earlier) and that is why the film adopts it, although without overflowing.
The current history record is obviously more modern, with Ellie as a professional, independent woman and little affect on commitments, in a subplot that shows that disagreement sometimes transcends technologies. However, we will understand that her interest in the letters written by Anthony is not accidental. On the other hand, the articulation of both lines and styles through the letters that appear introduces the story to the field of the epistolary novel.
It is interesting to note which of the two narrative registers will finally prevail when both stories somehow converge, in a film that will not generate passions but that is well constructed.
Expected More
milunac24 July 2021
I was excited to watch, especially because I'm a romantic at heart and I value both Shailene and Felicity as actors. I did not read the book, btw. It was just lacking. I can't put my finger on it. I honestly kept thinking while I watched the film that it must have been directed by a male, even though realizing that is a sexist thought, but that was not the case after I researched the film more. I am hoping someone can articulate better that I can regarding what was missing. I must add, Boot, Callum Turner, was truly awesome and have now added to my favorites. It's worth a watch, but disappointing.
Beautiful
atractiveeyes24 July 2021
It's so beautiful and classical. The story at first feels messy but then it unfolds gradually and beautifully. It has the vibes of old classics with its passionately romantic story, beautifully styles , costumes and locations. The Last Letter From Your Lover is poetic, sensational, extremely romantic and well made. It's one of the best romances Ive seen in years.
A nice watch
emzylou-0946426 July 2021
I had read the book a few years ago so I was quite excited when I saw this film was being made. Films are never as good as the books they're adapted from so I go into them with lower expectations and maybe that's why I enjoyed it so much despite the details they left out.
The ending ugh my heart..
arandatiffany-1442024 July 2021
I haven't watched a movie this good in awhile. Granite I have not yet read the book, but now after watching the movie thanks to good ol' Netflix I am dying to read the book now. It's one of those love stories that give you hope and meaning. Just watch it you won't regret it.
A nice appetizer
pronitmallick24 July 2021
The Last Letter from Your Lover is a movie that starts it's presentation by throwing a concept at you that takes time to digest in your mind. Right in the very few minutes of the movie it takes time for the audience to completely blend in with the environment, but once it's done you find a river of elements flowing at soothing speed. The two main focus of the movie Shailene Woodley and Felicity Jones gave quite an unique performance that perfectly gets mixed with everything else. The screenplay could have shined more with a little bit more polish. The story itself brings many questions to us about what's gonna happen next or how it's gonna end etc. Though because of some predecessors it gets quite predictable to the audience but thanks to the direction and presentation, even with all that we stay intrigued about how the final act will drop before the curtains get closed. Overall it's a movie you can definitely suggest someone to enjoy on their weekend. In terms of watching it stands as a movie that you wanna watch for once only and keep the memory of it instead of going back to it for many more times.
See also
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