With a new era of accomplished women, like Kamala Harris becoming the first female vice president of the United States and Taylor Swift standing up for herself within the male-dominated music industry, it is quite disappointing that the film industry has not yet caught up to these ideals.
In “To All the Boys: Always and Forever,” a Netflix adaptation of Jenny Han’s book, another strong female lead falls victim to the movie stereotypes.
Lara Jean Covey, played by Lana Condor, was first introduced to audiences in 2018.
Throughout the years, she has been on and off with her perfect and popular boyfriend, Peter Kavinsky, played by Noah Centineo.
In the first two films, the couple overcome obstacles, such as a jealous ex-girlfriend and an intrusive love from the past.
However, in the third film, they face their toughest obstacle: a long-distance relationship.
This may not sound like the end of the world to some people, but for those who have attempted long distance, it is trying.
The film opens with Lara Jean on spring break vacation with her family in Seoul, and she is writing a letter to her boyfriend where she states she has spent all this time looking forward to seeing him and heading off to college together.
However, once she returns, it is revealed that Lara Jean will not be joining Peter the following year at Stanford University, as she is not accepted for admission to the school.
It is understandable that she was upset about not getting into this school, but it is even sadder to see Lara Jean beat herself up for not getting into the exact same college as her short-term boyfriend.
This not only causes her to lie to him about the bad news, but when she does reveal it, she lets him talk her into changing her plans and transferring the following year to be with him.
In a perfect world, Peter would understand how upset his girlfriend is and console her, not telling her to change her life to fit a plan that “works” for both of them. He would also congratulate her for getting into her safety school: the University of California, Berkeley.
The more unrealistic aspect of the film is that Lara Jean and Peter act like an hour car ride from Berkeley to Stanford is the end of the world and will ultimately ruin their relationship.
The film later follows Lara Jean, Peter and their senior class taking a trip to New York City. Lara Jean reveals earlier in the film that New York University was not only one of her safety schools, but she got in and has decided she doesn’t want to attend and be far from her family and more importantly Peter.
However, after a crazy night at NYU, she decides she in fact does want to attend and take on this crazy new path in her life.
To no surprise, Peter is upset, causing a rift in their relationship, but it doesn’t last forever since there needs to be a happy ending in movies.
Although the film ends with Lara Jean picking what she thinks is best for her, it still feels like she has made her decision based on her relationship with Peter.
This whole review may sound like I hate love, but that in fact couldn’t be more wrong.
I am a strong believer in love and believe there is someone for everyone, but it is disappointing to see how many young, strong individuals put aside their hopes and dreams for love.
Love should start with yourself, not others.
One can only hope that the movie industry will start giving young females more empowering roles.