Seems like we're getting back on an even keel with the rating viewings now. Quite liking the new pag...
Seems like we're getting back on an even keel with the rating viewings now. Quite liking the new pages in a way. Thanks for all your rates.
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The Notebook is a 2004 film based on the book by Nicholas Sparks. It is a romantic film which is incredibly well presented, and be warned - it may bring a tear to your eye. The film met with mixed reviews, and it is definitely one for those who like a bit of a weepie film. In terms of emotional feeling, I class on the same level as Tuesdays With Morrie, starring Jack Lemmon and Hank Azaria.
The story features an old man reading a story to an old woman in an old people's home. As with many such stories, as he reads it, the scene changes and the film turns into the story, with the excellent Ryan Gosling playing Noah and Rachel McAdams playing Allie in a romance tale from the past. As the film progresses, we see the love of Noah and Allie split apart by other people and war, and with the flashbacks and flashforwards in the film, we see a romance story being pieced together bit by bit.
The story is very emotional. My wife and I watched it last night, and she was in floods of tears, although she won't thank me for telling you! I myself was very moved, and on the verge of tears, as it is a very moving film, telling of the illnesses that can afflict us as we grow older, adn also showing the power of true love, and not in a fantastical sense. This is very real.
Hats off to the cast. Gosling and McAdamas are splendidly wet in their roles, and the acting is done very much in the eyes. If you watch the film, watch their eyes very closely, and you'll see how moved they were by the script themselves. There are some powerful performances from some legendary actors such as Sam Shepard, James Garner, and an excellently sad Gena Rowlands, and Joan Allen is also very good in a support role. The remainder of the cast do very well.
If you are not a fan of romantic films that make people cry, then you quite simply won't like this. I'll admit, this isn't the sort of film I usually watch. I like action films and intense thrillers. Romance isn't really my cinematic scene. But I like to keep an open mind and appreciate the skill involved in all genres of film, and here I was astounded by the level the cast and crew had thrown themselves into the film. I did think that the plot was a little unrealistic in parts, but this didn't detract from an excellent hour and a half of my time spent watching it.
The film is on DVD and is available to buy from amazon.co.uk for £3.98, and is well worth owning, or to get as a gift for someone if romance isn't your thing. Similarly, it's also a great film to sit down and watch as a couple for a romantic night in.
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Drama - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Shelagh Fraser, Barbara Flynn, Keith Drinkel, Felicity Kendal, Pam Ferris, Colin Douglas
Advantages: Great acting, makes you cry (c'mon it's good to cry), good weepy ending. Disadvantages: Clicheed and unrealistic - You feel like you've seen it all before.
Renza 17.01.2009 (17.01.2009)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of The Notebook (DVD)
Nov 3rd, 2008
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