To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (TATBILB) was released onto Netflix in August of this year and became a worldwide sensation, many people calling it one of the best romantic comedies of this generation. Netflix revealed that it was one of the streaming service’s most viewed original movies to date and plans for a sequel are already under way. It stars Lana Condor and Noah Centineo, and is a charming high school romantic comedy that will appeal to both teens and adults alike. Trailer here.
What is it about?
Based on the book of the same name, the movie follows Lara Jean Covey, a teenager who has a secret; she has written five love letters to the boys that she has loved throughout her life. When those letters are somehow sent out to each of the boys, including her sister’s ex-boyfriend Josh, Lara Jean must try to convince Josh she is not interested in him by pretending to date another recipient of her love letters, Peter Kavinsky. While their relationship begins as one of necessity, they begin to develop real feelings for each other as they continue to “fake date.”
Positive Content
Asian American leads in rom-coms are few and far between, as many people are of the opinion that people of color as main characters in movies do not sell as well. However, TATBILB proves this wrong, as Lara Jean is Asian American and the movie did exceedingly well. Lara Jean is a character that many will find relatable; she is kind, smart, shy, and a hopeless romantic who fantasizes about love but has never had the courage to go out and find it. She grows into a more outgoing person and learns to put value in herself throughout the course of the film. At first glance, Peter Kavinsky seems like a typical movie jock; tall, handsome, and very self-absorbed. However, he is actually very sensitive and caring towards Lara Jean, putting her needs before his own. They have a very innocent and sweet love, far different from the sexually charged romances of most high school movies today.
Negative Content
While more innocent than most romantic comedies, TATBILB does has some sexual content that is not suitable for younger audiences. Sexual contact is limited to kissing and embraces, but there are references to sexual activities such as losing virginity and safe sex. There is also a video taken of two people in a hot tub that is mistaken as a sexual encounter (even though they were only kissing). Additionally, cursing is sporadic but includes h*ll, b*tch, d*ck, sl*t, bulls**t and a**. Underage teens are also seen at a party drinking alcohol, although no drunken behavior is shown.
Conclusion
While the premise is somewhat unrealistic (as is the case with most romantic comedies), TATBILB is a win for the rom-com genre. It is funny, sweet, and the central characters have onscreen chemistry that makes the relationship seem very real and genuine. The movie is appropriate for teens, and is even enjoyable for older audiences who want to escape from the real world and enjoy a sweet story about two people falling in love.
What is it about?
Based on the book of the same name, the movie follows Lara Jean Covey, a teenager who has a secret; she has written five love letters to the boys that she has loved throughout her life. When those letters are somehow sent out to each of the boys, including her sister’s ex-boyfriend Josh, Lara Jean must try to convince Josh she is not interested in him by pretending to date another recipient of her love letters, Peter Kavinsky. While their relationship begins as one of necessity, they begin to develop real feelings for each other as they continue to “fake date.”
Positive Content
Asian American leads in rom-coms are few and far between, as many people are of the opinion that people of color as main characters in movies do not sell as well. However, TATBILB proves this wrong, as Lara Jean is Asian American and the movie did exceedingly well. Lara Jean is a character that many will find relatable; she is kind, smart, shy, and a hopeless romantic who fantasizes about love but has never had the courage to go out and find it. She grows into a more outgoing person and learns to put value in herself throughout the course of the film. At first glance, Peter Kavinsky seems like a typical movie jock; tall, handsome, and very self-absorbed. However, he is actually very sensitive and caring towards Lara Jean, putting her needs before his own. They have a very innocent and sweet love, far different from the sexually charged romances of most high school movies today.
Negative Content
While more innocent than most romantic comedies, TATBILB does has some sexual content that is not suitable for younger audiences. Sexual contact is limited to kissing and embraces, but there are references to sexual activities such as losing virginity and safe sex. There is also a video taken of two people in a hot tub that is mistaken as a sexual encounter (even though they were only kissing). Additionally, cursing is sporadic but includes h*ll, b*tch, d*ck, sl*t, bulls**t and a**. Underage teens are also seen at a party drinking alcohol, although no drunken behavior is shown.
Conclusion
While the premise is somewhat unrealistic (as is the case with most romantic comedies), TATBILB is a win for the rom-com genre. It is funny, sweet, and the central characters have onscreen chemistry that makes the relationship seem very real and genuine. The movie is appropriate for teens, and is even enjoyable for older audiences who want to escape from the real world and enjoy a sweet story about two people falling in love.
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