Ain't Them Bodies Saints

Ain't Them Bodies Saints

There is nothing more romantic than a love letter. Whether it’s to stay in touch, express emotions, or declare love, letters between lovers have always been seen as the ultimate romantic notion.

Ain’t Them Bodies Saints uses this device to keep a lawless couple connected between jail and home. To mark the September 6th release of the film, we’ve put together a list other films that’ve used love letters to spell out true romance.

- P.S. I Love You (2007)

Heart-wrenchingly good, P.S. I Love You will bring a tear to even the most cynical of people. While mourning the loss of her husband, Holly (Hilary Swank) is given numerous letters left behind by him, encouraging her to go on adventures and move on with her life.

After an emotional rollercoaster, she learns what it means to live and how to love again. P.S. I Love You was torn apart by the critics but loved by the audience as it grossed over $156 million worldwide, well over its production budget of $30 million.

- You’ve Got Mail (1998)

Putting a modern twist on traditional love letters, Kathleen (Meg Ryan) and Frank (Tom Hanks) start an online relationship over email. As it turns out, they are actually owners of competing book shops.

When Frank finds this out, he keeps his identity a secret, not wanting Kathleen to end their online relationship because of his work. You’ve Got Mail was a box office success both domestically and overseas and tripled its production budget making over $250 worldwide.

- Bright Star (2009)

Based on the life of poet John Keats, Bright Star follows his romance with Fanny Brawne. Though the two are opposites, their attraction is mutual. They stay connected through letters when John has to move away for work and eventually end up engaged.

Reviews were positive for the film and it currently holds an 83% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Bright Star stars Ben Whishaw and Abbie Cornish.

- Atonement (2007)

A critical smash, Atonement follows a couple after they are forced apart due to the brutal accusations of a jealous younger sister. Their affair started with a letter before they were torn apart and they continued to keep in touch by writing to each other.

Atonement was considered one of the best films of 2007, with 7 Golden Globe, 14 BAFTA, and 7 Academy award nominations. The film stars Kiera Knightly, James McAvoy, and Saoirse Ronan.

- Dear John (2010)

After two weeks together, Savannah (Amanda Seyfried), a college student, and John (Channing Tatum), an active Marine on leave, find themselves madly in love. With promise of only a year apart, they vow to write letters to each other to stay connected.

However, after the terrorist attacks on September 11, the relationship is tested when John re-enlists, causing them more time apart. Dear John had the highest debut weekend for a Nicolas Sparks film and grossed over $115 million worldwide.

- The Notebook (2004)

In one of the best love stories from Nicolas Sparks, Allie (Rachel McAdams) and Noah (Ryan Gosling) are lovers from opposite backgrounds. After a summer of romance, Allie abruptly leaves without being able to say goodbye to Noah.

He writes her a letter everyday for a year, all unanswered, due to Allie’s mother intercepting them. By chance, Allie see’s Noah’s picture in the paper seven years later and decides to visit him, in spite of her impending nuptials to another man.

After spending time together, Allie confronts Noah about not writing her and they share what is considered one of the greatest cinematic lip locks of all time. Since its release on DVD, The Notebook has sold over 11 million copies.

- Ain’t them Bodies Saints (2013)

After a gun fight leaving a police officer dead, Bob Muldoon takes the blame to protect his lover Ruth Guthrie. Bob is taken to prison and the pair stay in touch with letters, and Bob finds out he has a daughter.

Ain’t Them Bodies Saints was a hit at Sundance, winning the Special Jury Prize for cinematography. The film stars Academy Award nominees Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara.

Ain’t Them Bodies Saints is in UK cinemas 6 September