This 2007 film is written and directed by Richard LaGravenese. Richard LaGravenese is a very accomplished romance film writer. His other works include Water for Elephants, The Horse Whisperer, The Mirror Has Two Faces and The Bridges of Madison County to name a few. This film features an all-star cast, including Hillary Swank, Gerard Butler, Harry Connick Jr., Kathy Bates, Lisa Kudrow and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. It was awarded with two international film awards.
In the film, Hillary Swank plays a young widow, Holly, who has just lost her husband to cancer (Gerard Butler). Throughout the year, Holly receives 10 letters from her late husband. He pre-arranged the letters before his passing to help his bride transition through this very difficult time in her life. The letters take Holly on a journey of self-discovery and healing. She is asked to do nice things for herself, remove his things from their apartment, take a trip with friends to Ireland (where her husband is from), try new things, celebrate, connect with family and friends and finally to find love again. Throughout this process, we see Holly's ups and downs. She has several days when she stays in her apartment and does not shower or take care of herself. We see Holly listening to old messages left by her husband, wearing his clothes and carrying around his urn in the beginning. She struggles with relationships with her friends and her mother. We also see her push people away. However, we also see Holly finding what she loves to do, creating a new career and rebuilding relationships.
The film is beautifully romantic. The scenery in the film is stunning. The performances are truly Oscar worthy. Make sure you have your tissues when watching this film. The film is also very therapeutic and can be used to help people understand someone else's grief or process their own.
Issues for Discussion:
Bereavement/Loss of a loved one
Moving forward after a loss
Understanding someone else's grief
Divorce and loss (Holly's mother discusses loss after her husband left her.)
Finding yourself/finding your passion
Relationship issues with family and/or friends
Self-acceptance
End-of-life issues/anticipatory grief
As always, please screen films before using them as a tool for therapy.
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