Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Charming romcom has partial nudity, some strong language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Book of Love
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In BOOK OF LOVE, British author Henry Copper (Sam Claflin) is surprised to discover his failing book about sensible love is a big hit in Mexico. As he joins the novel's translator, Maria (Veronica Echegui), on a tour across the country, he begins to suspect this fiery hit version bears very little resemblance to his original more restrained words.
Is It Any Good?
Lighthearted, charming, and genuinely funny, this romcom may not have written the book on originality. But Book of Love's fun take on the odd couple thrown together to keep up appearances is surprisingly enjoyable. Claflin is likable as the stiff-upper-lipped yet cluelessly bumbling Englishman -- think Hugh Grant with designer facial hair. But it is Echegui's passionate, frustrated Maria that really adds the spark here. She brings the heart, the energy, and the sarcastic reality check that keeps the film from becoming too schmaltzy, despite corny interludes like: "She rewrote it, then she rewrote me."
Tying the plot in with the idea of a telenovela works well, and is admirably underplayed until the end, where the film allows itself a little fun with the concept. Elsewhere the plot borders on cliche and no scene will come as any great surprise for those who have watched a few romantic comedies in their time. But the sense of fun and the feminist exasperation that Echequi brings -- both as the woman writing a book for which she isn't given credit, and as the person exhausted by juggling the needs of the men around her -- gives Book of Love enough charisma and edge to warm the most sensible of hearts.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how romance and sex was portrayed in Book of Love. How did Henry and Maria's relationship change their perception of what love is? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Discuss the strong language in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
There are two strong female roles in the film -- Maria and Henry's U.S. publisher Jen. How were they portrayed and how did this compare to the roles of women in other romcoms you might have seen? Would you describe either of them as a positive role model? What makes a good role model?
Most of the film is set in Mexico. How was the culture portrayed and how did it compare to other on-screen representations of the country you may have seen?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : February 4, 2022
- Cast : Sam Claflin , Verónica Echegui , Fernando Becerril
- Director : Analeine Cal y Mayor
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Prime Video
- Genre : Romance
- Character Strengths : Communication , Teamwork
- Run time : 106 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 4, 2022
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate