The Notebook

Release Date: June 25, 2004
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some sexuality
Directed by: Nick Cassavetes
Starring: James Garner, Gena Rowlands, Joan Allen, Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, James Marsden, Heather Wahlquist

Plot:
As a man (Garner) reads from a faded notebook to the woman (Rowlands) he regularly visits, his words bring to life the story of a couple (Gosling and McAdams) who are separated by World War II, then passionately reunited 7 years later, after they have taken different paths. Though her memory has faded, his words give her the chance to relive her turbulent youth and the unforgettable love they shared.

Review:
When chemistry between two actors works, it is almost incredible how drawn an audience can be with the film. In this case, Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams ignite the screen with a beautiful sense of love and compassion. Of course, every relationship cannot be an absolute perfect one and a test for a relationship is to overcome the tough obstacles that come across them.

In The Notebook, two young people fall in love with each other, only to be separated. When other people and other problems interfere in relationships, it can create quite a stir and changes are bound to be made. This film stretches that, but show that there shouldn't be anything breaking or ruining love between two human beings.

This film concentrates on its characters and its solid dialogue to lead audiences through its running time. The presence of both actors on the screen is very sweet, but intense when problems arise. Never is there a time in The Notebook when one would yawn or look another way because the screen is always filled with beauty or love. And if not love then sadness.

The film is Directed by Nick Cassavetes who as a Director is mostly known for 2002's John Q. With The Notebook he has achieved something different in filmmaking terms. There is more to work with and the sets and locations are a lot more presentable and good visually. It's not for certain that Nick Cassavetes is a good Director, but he does above average here and has found the right cast for the film.

If there is something that The Notebook differs from your average love story than that would be the fact that the situations involving personal matters are focused on for quite some time. It wraps you in to the couples relationship slowly and then disrobes everything that takes place with a love relationship. One of the best things about the film is that it doesn't show you pieces of the love story, it shows you the whole thing.

Every little bit in The Notebook is effective to an everyday regular relationship between a man and a woman. There is no shame or laughable matters in The Notebook. Even with situations involving sex, the film takes its time and does it with a passion. The core of this film is in its script which was written by Jan Sardi and he adapted it very well from Nicholas Sparks novel.

The score for The Notebook plays a key part in having the audience emotionally involved. However, even with that, its truly the acting from the lead actors. Specifically, Rachel McAdams gives a powerhouse performance and it can be the beginning of a strong future career for her. Not only did she star in the solid Mean Girls earlier this year, but now with even better acting, she has The Notebook in her filmography.

People who haven't read the novel will be quite surprised that it is being told by recorded writings. The storytelling stops every so often and shows the present time with an old man and old woman. The Notebook hardly runs into any cliches and it is always keeping its composure and knows where it wants to go. There is some strong dialogue between the characters in the film.

Its nice to see that The Notebook didn't become just a mediocre Hollywood drama romance film. Its far better than that and even sends a better message out. This film distributes true love because that is exactly what Noah Calhoun and Allie have for each other. Can true love be denied or forgotten? It can't and shouldn't and when you find that person to share that compassion with, don't let that person go.

The Notebook is filled with pure love and romance. Not many actors can work well in romances, but for Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams it is fairly easy. The Notebook is a film that will have audiences involved from the beginning and it certainly isn't a surprise if one becomes emotional while watching it. This film is a great study on how far someone will go for love and it achieves what some romance films cannot.