A Carta Anônima

Aside from the fact that this movie was filmed mostly in Rockport MA, which is a beautiful town where my mother once rented a small storefront and I spent many a pleasant summer as a child, it is fun and cute little film.

I must admit that I had no desire to actually see this movie even though I have a weakspot for romantic comedies (I don't know why). The trailers I saw were not appealing, the cast did not look that interesting and I had no idea what the plot would be about. In the end I found it to be an interesting meditation on relationships and family. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and must admit that I thought that this film was one of the most overlooked gems of last year. I am disappointed that so few people seemed to have enjoyed the very "human-ness" that this movie presented the viewer with.

I have read many bad reviews of this film, and must admit a certain level of shock at the cynicism that is prevalent in them. As a grad student I consider myself to be quite cynical, but this was a beautiful little film that deserves much better than it got.

One of the greatest and most wonderful surprises of 1999, "The Love Letter" is a sparkling little film. Held back by a remarkably asinine trailer--which manages to combine the three or four dull, brief moments in the movie--the picture is a warm-hearted, eminently watchable tale. I had assiduously avoided the flick because of that very trailer, but ended up having to watch "The Love Letter" on an 11 hour flight from Seoul to Vancouver. I could easily have watched it three times--it's that much fun.

Kate Capshaw is bent and broken-down but somehow manages to be both incredibly lovable and believable. Tom Everett Scott is absolutely priceless in his role as a confused young hunk. but any damage they may have done to the overall film is negated by the superb performances of Scott and Capshaw. Sure, it's not worthy of an Oscar. But neither was "Shakespeare in Love", and look what happened there.

This film was panned by critics, all of whom were male.

This is a wonderful little film with fun, funny and realistic characters, and an interesting, romantic story that will touch the inner romantic in all of us. It's not laugh-out-loud funny, but it is pleasant to watch these characters interact and is very fun to watch.

And for the guys, Kate Capshaw isn't bad to look at, either.

'The Love Letter' is quite a gentle breezy sort of romantic comedy- drama. It's about opportunities that are missed because people aren't more forward about their feelings. The humour isn't wacky like in most American films. Assuming the director's seat, Chan does quite a good job of portraying the small dockside town and introducing its quirky characters. The story interestingly intertwines the lives of the characters through a love letter. The dialogues are pleasant and the acting is quite good. Kate Capshaw does a good job of carrying the film and maintains a good chemistry with her co-stars. Tom Everett Scott fits the part.It was odd to see Danner play Capshaw's mother because the age difference did not seem believable enough. Tom Selleck was alright. Ellen Degeneres and Geraldine McEwan are scene stealers. In addition, I was amazed by the whimsical soundtrack that flows beautifully with the film, pumping some energy into it and would work well as a standalone score. IU felt the film would have benefited more had their been more comedic situations. At times it gets too serious and that needed to be toned down a little. I liked how it ended without showing the two lovers kissing (as has been evident in x number of rom-coms) but instead suggesting a promising future for them together. 'The Love Letter' was a pleasant watch, a kind of slice of life film.

An exceptionally well-done film. Not Hollywood-ish, thus some mixed reviews. But I've viewed this 4 or 5 times, and love it. The editing and pacing are unusually synced to produce the feel of a special film. the music is a big plus. This is a gem to recommend to people who love good film, not those who want yet another blockbuster. Allow yourself the time and focus to move to the same pace, and you'll be rewarded. And the fact that the locus is a bookshop, the home of books which are similarly low-tech and rewarding is a fine match