The shooting of the movie “A Letter to You” took place in New York, USA. The main scenes were filmed in Manhattan, including the Upper West Side, where the bookstores of the main characters are located. New York was chosen not accidentally: its atmosphere and architecture perfectly convey the spirit of the romantic comedy, and also emphasize the contrast between Kathleen's small cozy store and Joe's huge supermarket. The cityscapes and lively streets add realism and dynamics to the movie.
Coffee house
In movie
Scene where the characters visit a Starbucks coffee shop. In the movie You've Got Mail, the main characters, Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) and Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan), correspond anonymously over the Internet, unaware that they live near each other and are competitors in the book business. Joe owns a chain of book superstores and Kathleen owns a small children's bookstore. They frequent the same places, including the Starbucks coffee shop next to their stores. There are two scenes in the movie where the characters visit this coffee shop one after another, one at the beginning of the movie, and one in the middle.
Timing: 00:08:08
Real
Scene was shot were filmed in a real Starbucks in Manhattan. This location was chosen for its popularity and recognizability, which adds to the scene's casualness and realism. This Starbucks coffee shop is still in operation today.
New York
Fruit and vegetable market
In movie
Scene where Joe and Kathleen are walking through the market looking at fresh fruits and vegetables. Kathleen tells Joe about a man she's been corresponding with on the Internet, not realizing it's him. Joe listens intently, asks questions, and begins to suspect that Kathleen may be corresponding with him. He tries to find out more details to confirm his hunch, but doesn't reveal his identity. This scene emphasizes their growing affection for each other and heightens the intrigue surrounding their online relationship.
Timing: 01:46:55
Real
Scene was shot at the real fruit and vegetable market in Verdi Square, which operated 1-2 times a week on certain days of the week. The market represents a typical place for New Yorkers, which makes the scene more authentic. This helps the audience to better understand and feel the connection of the characters with their surroundings and local community. This atmosphere adds realism and warmth to the scene, emphasizing the everyday life of the characters.
New York
Zabar's Grocery
In movie
Scene where Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) walks into a deli store to buy groceries. Suddenly, she notices that Chuck (Joe Fox, played by Tom Hanks) is also entering the same store. Kathleen tries to hide from him to avoid meeting him. However, they end up in the same line at the checkout. Kathleen has trouble paying as her credit card is not accepted. Chuck, seeing her predicament, intervenes and persistently convinces the clerk to accept Kathleen's card. This scene shows how Joe begins to show concern for Kathleen despite their competition in business.
Timing: 00:41:45
Real
Scene was shot at the Manhattan deli Zabar's. Zabar's is a famous gourmet deli in Manhattan known for its deli, fresh produce and cozy atmosphere. The store is located on the Upper West Side of New York City and is a popular destination for locals and tourists. Zabar's was chosen to shoot this scene because of its authentic atmosphere and popularity among New Yorkers. The store is perfect for the scene as it captures the spirit of the city and adds realism to the interactions between the characters.
New York
