Nora Ephron is a celebrated name in the world of hard-hitting, emotional rom-coms, and most of the director’s works have made it into the list of classics. One of those include the 1998 film You’ve Got Mail, which became an instant hit.
Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan’s chemistry and the moving storyline made the movie a fan favorite for fluff lovers. However, times have changed and a recent Reddit comment left no stone unturned to diss the movie. The commentator was especially miffed at the ending which showcased a happy reunion between the leads, even after the male lead’s deceptions.
You’ve got a biased ending: The problem with HEA
Tom Hanks established himself as a true performer through his dramatic performances in films like The Green Mile and Forrest Gump. However, the actor once ruled the world of rom-coms with movies like Sleepless in Seattle, Big, The Terminal, and Joe Versus the Volcano.
His 1998 film You’ve Got Mail often comes up on the list of best Hollywood rom-coms and even got a 70% on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie featured the actor as a shrewd businessman and charming pen-pal to Meg Ryan‘s character.
The basic premise of the Nora Ephron movie echoes other films in the genre, disguised identities, and an enemies-to-lover plot. However, the added tension of being professional rivals brought out the epic chemistry between the leads.
You’ve Got Mail’s Ending is Honestly a Letdown
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Contrary to past opinions, one commentator on Reddit did not agree with the happy-go-lucky ending of the film. The movie showcased the two lovers reuniting in a passionate end, foregoing the hero’s misdeeds against the heroine.
The struggle displayed by Ryan’s character Kathleen to keep her small bookstore alive despite the competition from Fox Books was forgotten by the end. The comment explained the flawed narrative, especially how it was biased towards the male character.
Unpopular opinion: The actual moral of the story
The movie was originally inspired by the 1937 Hungarian play Parfumerie by Miklós László, which was adapted twice for the big screen. Other comments on the Reddit chain pointed out the film’s message was not intended to be patriarchal.
The main conflict existed between the two bookstores, and Kathleen’s desperation to hold onto her mother’s last legacy. However, the film’s narrative subtly hinted at the toxic hold that past memories had over the character’s present and future.
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At last, the Kate & Leopold actress’s onscreen character realized the necessity to let go of her past. This made her determined to close The Shop Around the Corner and follow her true passion as a children’s book writer.
The movie did showcase the cliché reunion between the two leads, but it happened after their relationship progressed over time. Their banter was similar to the classical dynamic between Elizabeth “Lizzie” Bennet and Mr Darcy from Jane Austen‘s Pride & Prejudice.
So, while it may be true that a lot of older rom-coms favored their heroes and often showed their heroines forgiving all misgivings, the same is not true for You’ve Got Mail. Joe did make a mistake in hiding his identity from Kathleen not once but twice. However, her losing the bookstore was imminent for her development.
You’ve Got Mail is currently available to watch on Prime Video.
