OK for kids 11+
Super swoony romantic fluff that's fun for tweens.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this romantic drama is an inoffensive, light and fluffy romance for tweens and teens. There is very little to object to -- just a couple of kisses, witty, flirtatious banter, and some tame references to romance, love, and love-making. Language wise, there's one "s--t" but that's about it, except for British words like "blasted" and "bollocks," as well some grown-ups enjoying a glass of wine or champagne in social situations. The messages center around distinguishing true everlasting love, which the movie claims will never die. The protagonist, a young journalist, is encouraged to take a risk with her career, but it takes a guy (and an elderly lady's long-lost love) to convince her to believe in herself.
- Families can talk about the movie's overall message about about first love? Do you think teenagers often feel like their love stories will last the test of time? What's the reality?
- What is the difference between Sophie's relationship with Victor and her relationship with Charlie? How is one shown as preferential to the other?
- Sophie says her perfectionism keeps her from finishing her stories. What's different about the "Letters to Juliet" story? What helps Sophie muster up the courage to submit her work? Do you think this movie portrays Sophie as powerful on her own, or dependant on others? Is this typical of romantic movies?
The good stuff
-
Messages: There's a sweet, but not altogether reasonable message that first love never dies, no matter how many years have passed. A smart young fact-checker summons her courage to become the journalist she's always wanted to be (though it takes a guy's urging to make this happen).
-
Role models: Sophie trusts in her abilities as a journalist, writes and submits her story, even though there was a risk it wouldn't get published.
What to watch for
-
Violence: Not an issue
-
Sex: A couple of kisses, some flirting and a few tame references to romance and married couples who "make passionate love."
-
Language: British curses like "blasted," "bollocks," "bleeding," and the like; mild insults such as "idiot," "ass," "jerk," and one "s--t." Plus a couple "oh my God"s as exclamations.
-
Consumerism: Sophie works at The New Yorker magazine, which is referenced many times throughout the movie. A rental Audi convertible's logo is shown in close-up.
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Adults drink wine or champagne at dinners, in vineyards and, at a wedding reception.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Very Old Fashioned Romance.... by lovestalentmoviefan
...for both the older and younger couples. Really clean. I wanted to be critical,because this is so unrealistic...but didn't lots of love stories start out to be about the stuff that dreams are made of? When I think back to older films and the love stories they held that didn't rely on sex and raunchy material to make them appealing, I think,yes Letters is a good movie and a nice step back to simpler stories that captivated innocent audiences for years. Some recommends on the older stories if you are in the mood...Breakfast at Tiffany's, Sleepless in Seattle,The Apartment. Will spend money again to support family friendly
3
Exactly what the trailers showed by birac
So I really don't recommend spending money on this,unless you want the Italian countryside on the big screen. It was pretty bland because,as beautiful as Seyfried is,she isn't very accomplished. Lots of the big eye expressions and cute smiles,but no meat. The stately Ms.Redgrave was a treat,even the male newcomer showed some talent in the gamut from obnoxious snob to a man coming to realize life was not all about him. He did it without overacting a great epiphany moment as so often happens in this type film.(the exception was an unreal balcony scene,but I blame that on the director) It had a couple of nice substories and was ok. I spent money to take my mom,but my gut had been telling me NO..so that's my recommend to you. wait to rent
4
No techie tricks or r-rated gimmicks!! by keatsgirl
So I say GO! However, some will not want to spend the money for such a slow moving film. If I wasn't so fed up with all of the above stated material coming out of film makers,I might have just given this a so-so. Letters moves rather ploddingly, dialogue is only average, Seifried is not very dimensional as an actor, and movie just seems boring in areas. (Judging from her work in other movies,I do think Seifried(sp?) will do well as her career matures). THE GOOD STUFF! Sophie's and Victor's situation handled very nicely and realistically,and will make people think, the sophistication of Vanessa Redgrave, the relationship between the two women, and the respect shown to elders,as opposed to so much entertainment out there inferring that older people are insignificant,and their love lives are simply over. It is a sweetly sentimental treat. Big screen gives it magic,so maybe it will be worth it for ya!
5
worth the trip by sma2dja
the movie lived up to my expectations. it did not drag along and ran in the just right amount of time. would highly recommend it to see.
4
summer romance started here by Whataboutthis
For those of you who want a summer romance, this movie was made especially for you. It takes place in Verona and is centered around, none other than Juliet, a long-standing figure for romance. This movie, however, is not tragic. It's lighthearted and fun. It also has delicious food, lots of Italians, and great scenery.
I don't know about you, but this movie makes me want to go to Verona. And it was nice to think about falling in love - no matter what your age. Does that sounds cheesy? Anyway, it was nice to see Chris Eagan (loved Kings) and Amanda (Mama Mia, Mean Girls, Dear John) again.
I wouldn't go to this thinking this is the best romance ever written. There's no real drama here. But it was entertaining and it is a good way to start your summer romance with the movies.
4
Letters to Juliet by i_love_cards
I liked the film. I liked the friendship that developed between Sofie and Claire. It also had some humor in it. It is a "chick flick". I didn't recognize any of the actors/actresses, but they did a good job.
5
GREAT LOVE STORY by booklady1955
This was the best love story I've seen in many years. It is a very clean movie. Its two plot lines make the movie appealing to young adults and older audiences.
4
Letter to Juliet by jferreira
My husband and I liked the movie very much. The story plot was simple but entertaining. We laughed a lot because we can relate to some of the scenes. The movie surely made me forget my stress for the day. The slight facial expressions of the actors were enough to pull the viewers into the scene. The panaromic views of Italy were enticing. It was justifiably captured. It made us want to visit the country sooner. For girls night out and for dating couples, I highly recommend that they see the Letters to Juliet. It was a nice movie to end the day.
5
Love this movie by Catloverjeff2012
This movie was great. would really like to go to Italy some day after seeing this film. The Tayler Swift musice set the theme just right. Would love to see this movie again.
4
Chic Flick Romantic Comedy with gorgeous scenary by critcallyme
I loved this movie. It is not going to win any awards & yes it was predictable & cheezy in places but all romantic comedies are. Vanessa Redgrove was terrific! She has such presence & grace. The story is about Sophie f/New York taking a pre-honeymoon trip with her fiance to Italy. Once there, all her fiance does is meet with vendors as he is opening a new restaurant back in NYC. This leaves her all alone. While in Verona she visits the statute of Juliet where she discovers a small group called Juliet's secretaries that respond to letters that young women tack to the wall for Juliet. She joins them & is touched by an old letter written in 1950 that was stuck behind a brick on the wall that she responds to. This is the introduction of Claire & her grandson Charlie who after receiviing the response to the old letter come to Verona to search for her long lost lover Lorenzo. Somewhere along the way Charlie & Sophie become attracted to one another.