P.S. I Love You

Directed by Richard LaGravenese and based on the best selling novel by Cecelia Ahern ‘P.S. I Love you’ is the latest chick flick to hit the big screen.  For those of you who haven’t read the novel it follows the journey of grieving young widow Holly Kennedy (Hilary Swank) after her husband Gerry (Gerard Butler) tragically dies of a brain tumour.

Hilary Swank may seem an unusual choice for the part of Holly considering her previous roles, especially Brandon Teena in ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ and more recently Maggie Fitzgerald in ‘Million Dollar Baby’ both for which she won an Oscar.  Swank isn’t renowned for playing feminine characters and yet her talent shines through as she successfully plays a young woman grieving for the love of her life.  Unfortunately Gerard Butler’s performance as Gerry is not so credible.  His Irish accent really does leave a lot to be desired although I’m sure the women in the audience are much more interested in Butler’s good looks than his accent!  On a more positive note and despite previous claims, the scenes between Swank and Butler are fantastic.  They capture the relationship between Holly and Gerry showing the love and passion that they share.

As with most love stories, ladies you will need to watch ‘P.S. I Love you’ with a box of tissues within arms reach!  Gerry’s death immediately after the opening credits had my eyes filling with tears, and this was just the start of the emotional rollercoaster the film took me on.  I don’t think a film has ever made me cry so much!  Having said that the plot is slightly unbelievable which does sound like a contradiction, but I’m not convinced that many dying men would be able to look ahead to how their wife will cope after their death and devise a plan which would help her grieve and move on.  Without giving too much away it is the special bond which Holly and Gerry share which enables Gerry to predict how Holly will react and how he can help her to build a new life without him.  We all got through life searching for that special someone to share our live with and ‘P.S. I  Love you’ demonstrates just how fragile that relationship can be.

Before watching ‘P.S. I Love you’ I was uncertain whether to expect a love story, a comedy or a drama.  It successfully ticks all the boxes with Lisa Kudrow being present for most of the more lighthearted moments.  It’s definitely one for the girls though, as the film probably wouldn’t appeal to a male audience.  So arrange a ladies night with a few glasses of wine, and a box of tissues!

I have to admit that I haven’t read the book, but after watching the film it will certainly be on my reading list for my next holiday!