I give credit for what movies are TRYING to do, even if they fail for me. That's why I gave this movie a positive rating instead of dipping into the negatives. But like The Notebook, which I've mentioned before in a bit of a rant, the way it portrays the female characters (especially the lead) really bothers me. Still, the setting was pretty cool and the concept was pretty interesting. The acting was decent as were most other aspect of the movie. Also, I love Lily James. Really, though, pretty much anyone that watches this movie will know they like it before they watch it, unless they have the same pet peeve I do, which I will go into more detail after I give my quick synopsis of the movie.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (woah, long name!) is about a writer that loves books and learns about a literary society that had some pretty tough times during WWII when the Germans occupied their small island. She goes to learn more and maybe even write an article about them, but finds out there is more to their story. She gets so involved with the story, she starts missing book signings and dates with her fiancee. Soon she has to decide between her London life and her Guernsey life.
And this is where I have issues. I really like character growth, but I really DISLIKE fickle love. It especially bothers me when female characters must decide between the perfect man they are currently with or the new love/old love they come across. The Notebook is about this, Reality Bites, Sweet Home Alabama, and many, many others. Right now, so many are saying, "OH, I LOVE THOSE MOVIES!" Well, I don't. The female leads are shown as these fickle people with little control of their hearts. Wherever they wander, they meet a man that turns their head and makes them willing to leave behind their perfect romance because this new love is... what? New? Better in some way that is never determined. Well, in this movie, the same 'conundrum' is faced by the main character. To me, though, it's something that should never, ever be written into a movie again. If they want conflict, don't make the current love interest so perfect. Make the lead realize that her new love is BETTER not just different and more 'her'. I don't want to give away the ending of the movie, but the existence of the conflict just bugs me. Stay true to your mate, lead characters. And writers... stop portraying women as these 'anywhere the wind blows' people that struggle to commit. I like my female characters as strong and confident. They should be trusted by their significant others, but instead, the distance makes them weak. Even if they stay, they shouldn't be tempted like that. Shouldn't love conquer all? How is this anyone's idea of romance?! See?! It really bugs me!! ARGH! Ok. I'm better now.
Still, if you like movies like this, with wishy-washy females that will stray when any sexy man is too sexy around them, then this movie is for you! I'd rather re-watch Notting Hill, personally.