Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, PS I Love You is a romantic-comedy tearjerker featuring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler as the ill-fated husband and wife pair.

Tackling the heart-rending themes of love, grief and recovery, fans of the 2007 film struggle to comprehend why it received such a tepid response upon its release. However, viewers seemed to defy this by turning out in droves, making the film a massive box office hit that continues to charm audiences today.

The book by Cecelia Ahern had a strikingly similar journey, with largely negative critical reviews. Despite this, it was a number one best seller in numerous countries including Britain, Ireland and the United States.

Holly (Swank) and Gerry (Butler) live in Manhattan and despite their squabbles, they are deeply in love. Disaster befalls the couple when Gerry succumbs to an illness after 10 years of marriage.

The loss causes Holly to isolate herself from the outside world and her family, including her mother Patricia (Kathy Bates), reports the Mirror.

On her 30th birthday, the mourning widow receives the first of many messages from her late husband, all ending with PS I Love You, encouraging her to move forward in life.

Accompanied by her friends, Denise, portrayed by Lisa Kudrow, and Sharon (Gina Gershon), she journeys to Gerry’s native Ireland where more lessons and messages from him are unveiled.

When it was released, critics panned it for being formulaic and far-fetched, whilst also questioning Swank’s suitability for the role. Nevertheless, it earned $156.8 million globally against a modest $$$million budget.

Likewise, Ahern’s first novel attracted lukewarm reviews, with commentators highlighting its predictable storyline, yet audiences felt differently. It secured the top bestseller position in Britain, the United States, Germany, the Netherlands and Ireland, where it dominated charts for nineteen weeks.

Admirers of the heartfelt film have expressed their astonishment at its poor critical reception on Rotten Tomatoes, where it holds merely 25%. One viewer, who found solace in it following a personal loss, explained: “This film is so underrated. It is a love story. Maybe it is because it talks of the reality of death and how to cope. I saw this film not long after my husband had passed after his cancer battle so I could relate. This film helped me with my grieving process. I bought my own DVD copy and I must have played it many times. I thought the cast was excellent. I also loved the music.”

Another said: “I was disappointed for any bad reviews! I loved the story, acting of all roles.

“At first I wasn’t sure about H. Swank but as the story goes on she was perfect for the role and superb acting.

“Love G.Butler as well. H. Connick Jr, love him he is under rated always! Remember he was a singer first, then went to acting.”

Another viewer was perplexed by the film’s reception, saying: “I cannot for the life of me, fathom out the poor ratings this film has from critics. It is just beautiful. Wonderful sound track, moments of heart wrenching grief and moments of hilarity. It’s a stunner.”

Meanwhile, one viewer recommended it for couples, saying: “That was a really good movie and I’m a guy so any guy reading this it’s worth watching with your significant other. Great job to everyone that was involved in this film!”.

PS I Love You airs on BBC3 at 10.15pm tonight, Wednesday 26 November.