(500) Days of Summer (2009)

Movie · 2009 · Comedy, Drama, Romance · 1h 35m · PG-13 · English

Curator score: 6.5/10 (3.3M ratings)

This is not a love story. This is a story about love.

Overview

Tom, greeting-card writer and hopeless romantic, is caught completely off-guard when his girlfriend, Summer, suddenly dumps him. He reflects on their 500 days together to try to figure out where their love affair went sour, and in doing so, Tom rediscovers his true passions in life.

Ratings

Director

Marc Webb

Production

Fox Searchlight Pictures, Watermark Pictures, Dune Entertainment III

Cast

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zooey Deschanel, Geoffrey Arend, Chloë Grace Moretz, Matthew Gray Gubler, Clark Gregg, Patricia Belcher, Rachel Boston, Minka Kelly, Charles Walker, Ian Reed Kesler, Darryl Alan Reed, Valente Rodriguez, Yvette Nicole Brown, Nicole Vicius, Natalie Boren, Maile Flanagan, Darryl Sivad, Gregory A. Thompson, Michael Bodie

Curator Review

Verdict

(500) Days of Summer offers a refreshing take on romantic comedies by challenging traditional narrative structures and exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Its unique storytelling and relatable characters resonate with anyone who's experienced the complexities of modern relationships.

Best for

  • Fans of unconventional love stories
  • Viewers seeking introspective narratives
  • Those who enjoy a mix of humor and drama

Skip if

  • You prefer traditional romantic comedies
  • You dislike non-linear storytelling
  • You are looking for a straightforward happy ending

Overview

(500) Days of Summer stands out in the romantic comedy genre by presenting a narrative that is both relatable and thought-provoking. The film's non-linear structure allows viewers to experience the highs and lows of Tom and Summer's relationship in a way that feels authentic and raw. It cleverly critiques the notion of 'the one' and the often unrealistic expectations we place on love and relationships.

Worth noting

Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel deliver memorable performances that capture the essence of their characters' emotional journeys. The film's vibrant cinematography and inventive use of music enhance its whimsical yet poignant tone, making it a delightful watch for those who appreciate a deeper exploration of love's complexities. Ultimately, (500) Days of Summer is a film that encourages self-reflection and a more nuanced understanding of romance.

Top Letterboxd reviews

samantha (4★) · 39952 likes

ROSES ARE RED VIOLETS ARE BLUE FUCK YOU WHORE

Frandi Peralta (5★) · 30318 likes

The expectations vs. reality scene is one of the most depressing scenes I've ever seen. I always create expectations in my head, but I always end up heartbroken and angry when the reality is different. The first time I watch this film, the expectations vs reality scene made me so sad, cause I know how that feels like.

ksenija (3.5★) · 26936 likes

1. manic pixie dream girls are not real 2. if a cute girl likes the same shit you do, it doesn't mean she's the one 3. loving someone just because they fill the image of the "ideal" girl you have in your head is not love at all, its just a very selfish infatuation where you are loving the idea of a perfect girl, not the imperfect, real girl 4. loneliness is underrated

cerys (5★) · 22817 likes

“i can fix her” says a man who is worse

roks (3★) · 16614 likes

autumn??? are you fucking kidding me ?!!

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Topics

romantic comedy, drama, non-linear narrative, introspection, heartbreak, modern love

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