I hummed and hawed about seeing this movie. It was after all Friday night, and not just any Friday night but a real TGIF kinda Friday night. So, understandably, I did not want to ruin my liberation from a week of drudgery with the wrong movie.
Robin Hood seemed like a sure thing, blockbuster and all with the surly and indomitable Crowe paired with the classic and amazing Blanchett. It was up in the air until the actual ticket purchase, and even then I asked the ticket seller for guidance.
Letters to Juliet did not disappoint. In fact, that's not fair. Not only did it not disappoint, it was a beautiful, magical, inspiring and optimistic romance movie that gave us what we want most; belief in love that, once ignited, never ends.
And of course a love like that could only take place in Italy, with Italian men, the quintessential lovers of life, love,and drama. The story is about love, choices, and chances. For an hour and a half, you will find yourself a little in love with all the characters presented here, complete with flaws and foibles.
Vanessa Redgrave is sublime as widowed Clare who has come to find Lorenzo, her lost love of some 50 years earlier. Redgrave's alternating displays of wisdom and vulnerability are exquisite to watch. Her handsome, sometimes petulant, grandson Charlie plays the stuffy Brit, who hides his tender heart with a propensity to be excessively rational and practical. Sophie, the soon-to-be-married, want-to-be-writer is the overly romantic, but very smart American who comes to a few realizations of her own during her time in the city of Romeo and Juliet, as she instigates then helps Clare on her quest to find Lorenzo, the love of her life.
This is an all around funny, cute, feel good, romantic comedy. Not only do you see the spectacular Verona, but if there was a time and place long ago when you had a dream of what love is Letters to Juliet might just take you back there!
And, if not, there is always Verona!
Ella Quent May 2010
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