Love Letters

This is a charming film. Rather than attempting to dazzle its audience with special effects, Love Letters chooses to delve into the intricate relationship between two life-long friends and lovers (Andy and Melissa). At the same time, the script allows for an analysis of interpersonal relationships. How do our parents shape us? What part do our circumstances ultimately play in how our lives proceed? How much should one sacrifice for love? And how strong can love be?

Stanley Donen did a beautiful job of making a movie that never leaves one room span an entire world of emotions. Although there are flashbacks into different parts of the characters' lives, the true action of the movie never leaves Andy's home library. Donen peppers his set with details that are revealed throughout the course of the film. Indeed, a library seems the only possible setting once one realizes the importance of words in this film. Witty and heart-wrenching, Love Letters is a fabulous text that has been well-rendered on the small screen.

On a less critical note, I adored this movie. Now I'm in search of a copy of the play. I'd like to compare how the screenplay differed from the original play.

My wife and I did not realize that this movie was made in 1999 since we had never seen it come to theaters. Because we are fans of Laura Linney, we had an interest in viewing it. We were not disappointed and thoroughly enjoyed the acting and the story line which proved to be very engaging. This is a movie for thinking adults who love the theater and do not need for a movie to have stunts, special effects and noise. The movie's message is timeless and realistically represents situations many of our age group have encountered. The actors work very hard to keep the viewers interest in a setting that is quite challenging. Hollywood rarely takes risks but I'm glad they did on this movie.

This movie was very well done. The history of the life long affair and correspondence of Melissa and Andrew was involved and captured my attention from the start. The movie reminded me of the power of words in a relationship. It brought tears to my eyes by the end of movie. It was wonderful and I hope that it is released on video for purchase, as I forgot to start my VCR.

I stumbled across Love Letters on TV one morning and was immediately struck by the clever way in which its done. Re-reading all their old letters, delving into their past, reliving their history. How many of us havent done that? I was spellbound and stayed glued to the screen to the end. The film is so clever. It does stay in one place, rarely straying from the room, and some will find this boring, but have we lost all imagination that we have to have endless action and moving about to stay entertained? The story and the way the two characters relate to one another, weaving in and out of each others lives, is a masterpiece; and I am disappointed it never made it to the big screens (too boring hah?);- I would like to have bought it on video. (and DVD) I suppose in a sense it is like Steel Magnolias, but whereas that *can* be slow, and certainly sentimental, Love Letters, is sharp and unfussy. I only wish the years didnt pass by so quickly. Laura Linney is now my favourite actress, and I leap to record Love Letters each time it appears on TV (just in case!);- even the most unemotional of viewers will find something to appreciate.

I work at home with the TV on. I usually just listen to whatever movie is playing but when this movie started, I tried to work at first glancing once in a while on the screen. But as the movie wore on, I just had to stop work and just sit in front of the TV so as not to miss anything. By the end if it I was shedding tears. I found this to be a truly moving movie and I can't wait to see it again. Steve Weber and Laura Linney put in tremendously subtle yet passionate performances that I've put them in my mental list of actors/actresses to watch from now on.