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VIEWERS of Channel 5 were excited to see the classic 1998 film You've Got Mail shown on TV, except it's not quite what they remember.

Nora Ephron's 1998 Christmas romantic comedy stars the likes of Tom Hanks as Joe Fox, the owner of a corporate bookstore chain, as well as Meg Ryan as the struggling boutique bookseller, Kathleen Kelly.

Fans have blasted the 1998 film You've Got Mail after it was shown on British TV over the festive period
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Fans have blasted the 1998 film You've Got Mail after it was shown on British TV over the festive periodCredit: Alamy
Viewers have lambasted Tom Hanks' character as 'manipulative' and 'controlling'
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Viewers have lambasted Tom Hanks' character as 'manipulative' and 'controlling'Credit: Getty
Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan star in the 1998 classic film
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Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan star in the 1998 classic filmCredit: Getty

Although the characters hate each other when they meet in the city, it's a different story online as they anonymously begin an intense internet romance.

Despite both characters being in stable relationships, they open up to one another online about their deepest secrets.

In the end, the pair put their business rivalries aside as they realise the secret love they have for one another.

With a budget of $65 Million, when the film hit cinemas it was an instant hit and in the end it grossed over $250 Million at the worldwide box office.

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Fans of the film have been immersing themselves with the nostalgia of the 90's as the hit title was screened on Channel 5.

However viewers were surprised as they re-watched the classic picture again, as it appeared to be not quite how they remembered it.

The audience took to twitter in their droves as they lambasted the behaviour of the characters for their actions in the film.

Fans particularly criticised the character played by Tom Hanks as they accused him of being "creepy", "controlling" and "manipulative".

One viewer asked: "questions. Primarily, how did she not punch him in the face at the end for being a creepy, controlling liar?"

Another former fan noted : "On reflection Tom Hanks behaviour is a bit narcissistic/manipulative isn’t it?"

A third also criticised the character of Joe Fox, as they wrote: "It's kinda wild how half way through the movie, Tom Hanks figures out he's emailing Meg Ryan... then uses that fact to manipulate ** out of her."

A fourth said: "You've Got Mail' flags (or rather red flags) the importance of the saying; actions speak louder than words."

Whilst more fans remarked how, on reflection, they would behave far differently than the characters as they were in previous relationships and were, in effect, cheating on their respective partners.

One fan said: "It’s so weird that You’ve Got Mail is basically two people cheating on their partners. And we all just go- ‘no biggie’ along with all the rest of the cast."

A second fan said: "Tom Hanks realises pretty early that Meg Ryan is the email lady, but doesn’t tell her given multiple chances. He sets up a date and STILL doesn’t say anything and LEAVES HER TO WAIT ON HER OWN. AND he has a girlfriend. I feel like these are red flags"

Another noted: "Meg Ryan's reaction at the end of You've Got Mail is very different from the one I'd have in that situation."

Viewers were quick to note that some of the film's plot has some "sinister" undertones that they didn't realise beforehand.

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One fan wrote: "I don't care if it's Tom Hanks, this character is a charmless corporate raider and isn't redeemed by the occasional glimmer of self-awareness."

A second noted: "You've got mail would be a dark sinister thriller nowadays #Weird #cohesive"

Golden Globe nominated actress Meg Ryan played struggling boutique bookseller Kathleen Kelly
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Golden Globe nominated actress Meg Ryan played struggling boutique bookseller Kathleen KellyCredit: Getty
The movie was instant hit when it was first released, going onto gross over $250 Million at the worldwide box office
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The movie was instant hit when it was first released, going onto gross over $250 Million at the worldwide box officeCredit: Alamy
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