Things you might want to know about Netflix’ rom-com hit

That the lead character in this teen-focused show is Asian-American is said to be a big deal.

  • By Bethonie Butler The Washington Post
  • Sunday, August 26, 2018 1:30am
  • Life

By Bethonie Butler / The Washington Post

Netflix keeps on churning out romantic comedies, and we’re not complaining.

Two weeks ago, the streaming giant released “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” which stars Lana Condor (“X-Men: Apocalypse”) as Lara Jean Song Covey, a 16-year-old girl who copes with “intense” crushes by writing love letters she never plans to send out.

Spoiler alert: All five letters wind up getting mailed out, and Lara Jean is forced to confront her feelings. In an effort to undo some of the damage, Lara Jean makes a classic rom-com move and pretends to date Peter (Noah Centineo) — a longtime classmate and one of her letter subjects — who has a motive of his own: making his ex-girlfriend jealous.

The movie and its lead actors, in particular, are generating a lot of buzz. Here’s everything you should know about Netflix’s “To All the Boys I’ve Loved.”

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

It’s based on a book: “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” is adapted from Jenny Han’s YA novel of the same name. Published in 2014, Han’s novel became a New York Times bestseller, and led to the well-reviewed sequel: “P.S. I Still Love You.”

It’s getting rave reviews: The movie, directed by Susan Johnson, currently holds a 93 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Vox called it “an unabashedly sweet movie” and says it “might be the best teen romance of the decade.” Vulture dubbed it a “sweet and savvy film.”

The lead character is Asian-American. That’s a big deal: Lara Jean is Korean-American, and also biracial (her white father is played by “Sex and the City’s” John Corbett).

Condor told Teen Vogue that she was “beyond thrilled” that the audition logline specifically referenced Lara Jean as an “Asian-American love interest.”

That was no small feat, as Han recalled in an op-ed for The New York Times. Han wrote that there was interest in adapting her novel even before it was released, but that “the interest died as soon as I made it clear the lead had to be Asian-American.”

“One producer said to me, as long as the actress captures the spirit of the character, age and race don’t matter,” Han wrote. “I said, ‘well, her spirit is Asian-American.’ That was the end of that.” Ultimately, Han said she ended up working with “the only production company that agreed the main character would be played by an Asian actress.”

Lara Jean isn’t the film’s only Asian-American character, either. She has two sisters, Margot and Kitty, played respectively by Janel Parrish (of “Pretty Little Liars” fame) and Anna Cathcart (of Disney’s “Descendants” franchise).

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Auston James / Village Theatre
“Jersey Boys” plays at Village Theatre in Everett through May 25.
A&E Calendar for May 15

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Kyle Parker paddles his canoe along the Snohomish River next to Langus Riverfront Park on Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tip to Tip: Kyle Parker begins his canoe journey across the country

The 24-year-old canoe fanatic started in Neah Bay and is making his way up the Skykomish River.

Photo courtesy of Historic Everett Theatre
The Elvis Challenge takes place Saturday at the Historic Everett Theatre.
A&E Calendar for May 8

Send calendar submissions to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your item is seen by… Continue reading

RAV4 Hybrid XSE AWD photo provided by Toyota USA Newsroom
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Provides 39 MPG And 566-Mile Range

Versatile And Functional Compact SUV A Family Pleaser

Photo provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
Subaru Adds Bronze And Onyx Trims to 2025 Ascent

Three-Row Family SUV Delivers Equal Parts Safety And Comfort

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SUV (Provided by Hyundai).
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid evokes outdoor adventure

Boxy styling leaves lots of room for gear. A refined ride ensures comfort around town.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna minivan in the top-level Platinum grade (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Sienna maintains reputation for fuel efficiency

Every model in the minivan’s lineup has a hybrid powertrain.

An autumn-themed display at Wagner Jewelers in Marysville. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shine bright with Snohomish County’s top jewelry finds

Three dazzling shops where elegance, craft, and sparkle come together.

The 2025 Lexus TX 350 is a three-row luxury SUV. It’s offered in Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling grades (Provided by Lexus).
2025 Lexus TX 350 welcomes new F Sport Handling model

Unique exterior highlights, a glass roof and sport-tuned suspension are among the attractions.

Hybrid Touring Photo Provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Increases Fuel Economy And Range

Sixth-Generation Model Receives Complete Refresh

Image from Pexels.com
Top 3 Cannabis Shops You’ll Love in Snohomish County

Looking for quality products and good energy? Let’s discover the top spots.

Image from Canva.com
Chic & unique: The top 3 boutiques in Snohomish County you need to visit

From trendy finds to timeless pieces, discover the hidden gems that are redefining local fashion.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.