Review of Dear John (2010) by Matt W — 12 Jun 2012

It must not be easy for a couple or 'young love' to get through the heartaches and tears of missing their partner whilst the other is in active military service. Married or not the emptiness created and the feeling of not seeing each other must be so frustrating and upsetting.

This movie isn't a typical 'girly romcom' of any type and focuses on this kind of dilema and situation between two characters. Keeping each other in thought and mind by sending written correspondance.

I found it a moving, emotional and realistic movie and I could relate well to the characters and emotion through every chat, argument, tear and time they had together. A well acted and scripted story with references to 9/11 and the autism condition.

Some gritty military footage of 'John' in the field and subtle relaxing shots of the young girl he writes to, two complete opposite angles watching each of them read and write the letters. The thought of "passing time" comes up and what can be achieved in two weeks and what can be felt through two years.

Meaningful drama that relates to a nowadays situation. Funny enough only after seeing the credits did I realise that 'Elliot' from 'E.T.' features (Henry Thomas).