53 - Love Letters from Vietnam: Bien Hoa and "Dear John" Movie

Dear John, starring Amanda Seyfreid and Channing Tatum, was released on February 5, 2010, and I'm surprised I haven't already marched myself over to Fandango's website and purchased a ticket to my local theater to see the movie which seems to reflect the sentiments of the Tim and Kate letters from Vietnam. But I will see it, and soon. I have to! What choice do I have after reading critics who describe the movie in such terms as: "sudsy and syrupy, too often crossing the thin, star-crossed line between sentimentality and schmaltzy"? (Susan Granger, SSG Syndicate). After all "schmaltzy" is exactly the word I use as a caveat for the postings to this very hub series of my letters from Tim and mine to him. Schulmatzy has been established as a given.

I know, of course, how the Tim and Kate story ends and so will my readers. But apparently, the ending of Dear John was manipulated by the screenwriter's adaptation of Nicholas Spark's best selling novel by "...director Lasse Hallstrom (“The Cider House Rules,” “My Life as a Dog,” “Chocolat,” “Casanova”) and cliché-prone screenwriter Jamie Linden (who) take artistic liberties with the lovers’ ultimate fate, which differs from the book’s ending." (Susan Granger, SSG Syndicate). Michael O'Sullivan of the Washington Post suggests in his parodic letter to Nicolas Sparks that this divergent ending of the film feels like a "lie." While we might not be surprised at a less than cheery outcome as suggested by the use of "dear john" as a title, O'Sullivan seems to think Savannah's reasons for providing that outcome are implausible. Now I really have to see this movie. What did Savannah do? Was it any less plausible than the fate of Tim's and my own life? I'll report back to you after I see this "syrupy" movie. And again, I will see it, schmaltz and all, for when all is said and done, isn't it the sweet and schmaltzy that help make life's daily dose of bitter go down easier?

Apparently the movie has several redeeming features. O'Sullivan writes that "It's just too hard to totally hate a movie that celebrates letter writing." He goes on to say, "In this age of texting, tweeting and Facebooking hook-ups, I can't be too hard on anything -- or anyone -- that makes such a strenuous case for the old-fashioned power of pen and paper to make or break a love connection." I personally just hope that's how my readers feel about the Tim and Kate letters and the love story that took place 40 years ago.

9 February, 1970

Dear Kate,

Hello my wonderful wife you. How are you? Well and happy, I hope and pray. I hope there are no problems at home. How have you been getting along with Mom?

This is the end of my third day here at Bien Hoa, and still I haven't been assigned to a permanent unit. It should come soon now; maybe tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed that I get my MOS*, maybe prayers wouldn't hurt either. But then I know you're praying for me as I am for you. Thank you wife.

There are a lot of places I'd rather be, particularly with you, but once you get used to the heat and the filth, Bien Hoa isn't too bad, especially when you consider how safe the place is from attack. But then I'm anxious to get my permanent station too - for certainty, if for no other reason.

I hope, Kate, you haven't been worrying about me for there is no cause. When it's time to worry, I'll write and tell you.

How have things been going at school? Did the absence you took during my leave cause any problems - either with presenting the material to the children or with Mr. G (the principal). I hope not.

I miss you my love. No, I more than miss you. I ache for you, body and soul. I love you wife, you know that. Take care, Kate. God bless you.

Love,

Tim

PS Give my love to the family.