Just to let you know, I have a soft spot for corny, old school, teen romance movies. Consequently, most of my reviews on this blog are biased from the start. I am quite optimistic and rarely think a movie sucks, maybe with the exception of After (2019), in which I couldn’t stand watching ’til the end. You’ll understand if you ever watch that one.

Based on Nicholas Spark’s bestselling novel, The Notebook (2004) tells the heart aching story of two lovers separated by class differences and war. Noah, played by Ryan Gosling, tries to win the heart of new, city girl Allie, played by Rachel McAdams. The two fall madly in love, but their summer romance is soon halted when Allie’s parents don’t approve of their relationship. She shortly moves back to her hometown, and Noah enlists in the army.

At the start of the movie, you’re introduced to an elderly man and woman. Yup, you already know who they are. But it’s undisclosed, for the sake of it. The man takes out a notebook, and begins reading a story to the woman, who suffers from Alzheimer’s. “Okay, it’s obvious she’s going to remember. He’s gonna read her ‘their’ story.” Surely, but it’s the content of that story that will have your sleeve soaked in tears.

I was immediately drawn to Noah, a poor country boy. He is wholesome, lovable, and sweet. You just want to root for people like him. (Plus it’s Ryan Gosling. Handsome, young Ryan Gosling. You’re already in love, regardless of his character.) Whenever conflict falls upon the two lovers, you will heartily feel it too, and that’s the magic of a good, love story. Gosling and McAdams have an amazing chemistry in this film, and each actor demonstrates powerful assumption of their roles. The movie was a rollercoaster of emotions: you know what will happen at the end, but you’re surprised by the sudden drops in between the ride.

The overall aesthetic of the film was beautiful and emotionally satisfying. One scene that touched me was the boat ride. The couples’ notion of paradise being the lake filled with hundreds of swans emphasized the purity and sentimentality of the lovers’ relationship. Each major scene in this movie is absolutely stunning and had my heart moving.

“The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds, and that’s what you’ve given me.” (Nicholas Sparks)

If you’re a sucker for sad romantic movies, go navigate through the unbreakable bond of Noah and Allie.