MONIQUE PUEBLOS
One of Netflix’s latest romantic comedies, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (TATBILB), has captured the hearts of many for all the right reasons.
This year has been chock-a-block full of chick flicks both on the small and big screens – Love, Simon, Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again, When We First Met, The Kissing Booth… the list goes on.
Based on Jenny Han’s New York Times bestseller with the same title, the film follows the story of Korean-American high-schooler, Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor) and her ‘fake’ relationship with popular boy Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo) and the real problems that arise as a result of it.
Before you cringe, the story unfolds after hopeless romantic, Lara Jean’s letters are mysteriously posted to their intended recipients – the five boys she loved before.
The film focuses on all the heart-warming qualities such as the bond between siblings and lasting friendships.
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before‘s success stems from hitting all the marks of a successful rom-com: excellent chemistry, knowing their target-market (teens and young adults), it’s a little sexy and a little funny.
However, much of its praise does come from having a non-Caucasian leading lady, but it is in the absence of complication due to her race or ethnicity that is admirable.
Fan of the original novel and now the film, Klarissa Pantilliano said, “Lara Jean is just herself throughout the entire movie, her race is not significant in terms of the plot or challenge in the film.”
“It’s just who she is as a person and it’s really great to see,” she said.
TATBILB‘s release comes at a time where there is a strong demand for more Asian representation in mainstream media.
Movie junkie, Michael Te Hau said that it’s great to see more diversity in film nowadays and it’s long overdue.
“It’s about time that Hollywood stepped up because the market is definitely there.”
“There’s already been Fresh Off The Boat for a couple years but it shouldn’t be this token Asian-American show, so it’s good there are films like Crazy Rich Asians and To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before coming out,” he said.
The audiences response has been overwhelmingly positive with many girls having lots to say about the film.
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before not only joins the list of one of the greatest romantic comedies of the year but also adds to the continuing increase in Asian representation in mainstream media.