To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before Film Review

                 To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before

    Based on the bestselling novel by Jenny Han, this Netflix film is a pure delight. It’s a romance movie, but it also provides positive messages too.

    Positive Elements: Lara Jean isn’t your typical 16 years old teen. Yes, she’s a bit boy crazy but loves her family. Lara Jean has a tight connection with Margot (older sister) and Kitty (younger sister). They encourage each other when times are tough. Though she doesn’t always handle rejection well, Lara Jean learns from her mistakes and moves forward.

    The girl’s dad is loving and present throughout the story. He doesn’t always have the best counsel (more on that below) but loves his daughters. When Lara Jean is going through a low point later in the film, Dad encourages her to “not hide a part of herself.” Since many teenage romances present clueless parents, it’s refreshing to see this film doesn’t follow the formula.

    Lara Jean struggles with her feelings for Josh (Margot’s ex-boyfriend) for much of the film. When Margot discovers the truth, she is hurt and disappointed. Both sisters reconcile and forgive each other.

    Peter (one of Lara Jean’s five crushes) cares for Lara Jean. He is presented as a jock with little heart, but that isn’t true. For example, after a salacious video goes viral, Peter stands up for Lara Jean. They talk about deep stuff (such as Lara Jean’s mom’s death) and transcend beyond the shallow side of their relationship. Peter respects Lara Jean and doesn’t push her for sex outside of marriage.

    Though Lara Jean is put down, she doesn’t let it define her. She also realizes how her choices have hurt not just herself but for others too.

    Sensual Content: Lara Jean reads plenty of steamy romance novels and sometimes projects herself into these stories. When they start dating, Peter and Lara Jean make a contract. One of the rules is Peter putting his hand into Lara Jean’s back jeans pocket. They kiss a few times too; one of those kisses happens in the hot tub on a school ski trip.

    As mentioned, the hot tub video of Peter and Lara Jean leaks onto the internet. Though nothing goes beyond intense kissing, many people at school consider it a sex tape. Margot has Instagram take down the video under “child pornography laws.” Lara Jean tells Peter that the “physical stuff” is a big deal to her.

    Several couples kiss passionately. Teen girls wear outfits that reveal cleavage and leg. Chris (Lara Jean’s best friend) asks the girl’s dad if he took a job because he “wanted to look at vaginas all day.” It’s insinuated through conversation that Peter slept with Gen (Lara’s ex-best friend). On a TV show, a woman brags she’s had “56 boyfriends.” Lara Jean’s dad gives her condoms before the ski trip, reminding her the pulling out method doesn’t work.

    Violence: Lara Jean threatens to kill Kitty when she spills a huge secret. Lara Jean faints in embarrassment. She also rolls out of her window in an attempt to run away from her problems.

    Language: About six misuses of God’s name along with some uses of h—, a—, d—n and the s-word are in the script.

    Drugs/Alcohol: Peter and Lara Jean attend a party where many underage kids are drinking from red solo cups. Lara Jean thinks she is drinking beer but finds out its kombucha tea. There's a few references to "crack," "getting high," and being "on something."

    Other Negative Elements: Lara Jean and Peter begin fake dating because of two reasons: First, Peter desires to get revenge on Gen after learning she cheated on him. Second, this pact is also designed to help Lara Jean forget her feelings for Josh. The two occasionally feel like they are being misused.

    Gen is rude to Lara Jean; she insults her fashion choices and spreads false rumors about Lara Jean. This causes someone to write an undermining message on Lara Jean’s locker. Gen falsely leads Peter to believe she still wants to date him.

    At one point, Lara Jean exclaims “I hate everyone.” She and her sisters sometimes keep secrets from each other. While watching the movie 16 Candles, Peter points out the racist comments. Peter confesses to Lara Jean that his dad walked out on him and his family.

    Conclusion: To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before is a tricky movie. On one hand, it has a lead heroine learning to navigate love and rejection. Lara Jean (played by Lana Condor) is a bright teen who unlike many teenage girls isn’t a damsel in distress. She is independent in her own way and doesn’t act insecure. 

    On the other hand, the film has a few content problems. While the language isn’t frequent, it isn’t reprimanded. The sex stuff is there, but not pushed out of bounds. Some other negative choices need navigation as they are presented in a light way. All of these concerns need to be discussed afterward.

    However, those concerns are minor to say Netflix’s popular show Thirteen Reasons Why. To All The Boys I Loved Before is a sweet romance with lessons about forgiveness, handling rejection and communication. Unlike many teen romances where the lead characters tumble into bed, this one doesn’t follow the typical formula. It’s a realistic glance into how relationships require hard work. The film also reminds viewers that fantasy and reality aren’t equal either.

    Yes, this Netflix film has content concerns. However, To All The Boys I Loved Before is more than just a teenage romance. It’s about working through rejection and putting effort into the right relationship. The film has a lead male character who is very respectful and doesn’t push girls for sex. Those traits are what make this Netflix original worth seeing.