To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

The Lantern gives an in depth look at the new Netflix series.

Not having Netflix or social media is about the only way someone could go without at least hearing of the movie, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. This Netflix original film has gained immense popularity amongst viewers, mainly due to its adorable romantic comedy style. With great acting from both Lana Condor (Lara Jean) and Noah Centineo (Peter Kavinsky), it is not hard to become captured by the story and then taken on a journey filled with love and finding one’s self. Based of the book To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, this movie is about Lara Jean, a 16 year old half-Korean, half-Caucasian girl, who wrote secret love letters to her most intent crushes throughout her life. She never intended for them to be sent, but one day they disappear and end up in the hands of those they are addressed to, putting her into an extremely difficult situation.

I really liked how an Asian-American was the lead and how some of the things that happened were unexpected

— Sophie Epps

As Sophie Epps said, “Although I thought it was like any other typical cliche rom-com, I really liked how an Asian-American was the lead and how some of the things that happened were unexpected.” The casting of the movie was, in many people’s opinion, perfect. Despite the movie’s cringey moments and its common “love story” theme, the smiles of Lara and Peter are enough to make a person swoon. For many, this film has been granted a place in their list of favorite movies of all time, yet there are still those who have differing opinions on the plot of the story.  

It didn’t have much differentiation from other movies I’ve seen

— Lindsey Miest

Even those like Lindsey Miest, who didn’t like the movie as a whole, admitted that the acting was excellent. She said, “I really like the actors who played the characters because it seemed like they were genuine when they were acting. However, I think it was really typical and predictable because the girl who was not very popular ended up with the football jock. It didn’t have much differentiation from other movies I’ve seen. The letter aspect of the movie was cool, but it was one of the only things that was different from other movies. Overall I think the acting was good, but it was a typical and predictable movie.” Like many trendy rom coms, this movie was made for the lovers of cliches and happy endings that leave the audience smiling from ear to ear.

However, the majority of people thought that it was both the plot and the choice in actors that made it such an amazing hit.  Laurie Miller was one of those who fell in love with the movie and all of its cute, yet quirky moments. “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before was the cutest rom com of the summer. The story was amazing and the aesthetics of it in addition to Peter Kavinsky just existing made me become harcore obssessed,” she said. Now, when these movie lovers see the silver four door Jeep Wrangler that Peter Kavinsky drives, they can’t help but smile. This movie is undoubtedly on top of the romantic comedy list.