Notebook is based on the book by Nicholas Sparks of the same name, and it will make you cry--so take the tissues.
The plot is the life/love story of a rich girl and a country boy. It is a summer romance that should have been doomed to end when the girl’s family goes back to the city. The mother who doesn't think that Noah, Ryan Gosling, is good enough for her daughter Allie (Rachel McAdams) and thieves all the letters he writes. He goes off to fight in the World War and she goes to college. He rebuilds a mansion for her while she finds a more acceptable (according to her family) man to love can they end up together? That is what the story of the notebook is about--but what the movie is really about is lost memories. The story really begins with an old man who goes to read the notebook’s story to old woman with dementia. She feels like she has heard the story before--maybe she has or maybe she has lived it? If you have ever been in love this story will make you remember and will make you cry.
The story is excellent. Nicholas Sparks takes us on an excellent story journey through the lives of these two young lovers. They fuss and fight when together, but they still think the world of each other. He has developed real, believable characters that we become emotionally invested in, and Jan Sardi has created a wonderful adaptation--I haven't read the book--but this movie makes me want to. The script is good. Noah doesn't talk much--and Allie--talks a lot--but it is fitting for their characters. None of the lines seemed out of place or contrite. The cinematography was great. The opening shot is beautiful—it is of the river in the evening. The soundtrack was gentle and never intrusive--a perfect touch on the film.
The acting is great. Ryan Gosling plays the young man, Noah, in the notebook. He is silent, but knows what he wants. He is daring and committed. He climbs a Farris Wheel to get Allie to go out with him. He rebuilds a broken down mansion for her. Like he says, "when I see something I want--I just have to get it." He is also deep; he is always asking Allie--what do you want--since many outside forces including her mother control her. Allie is played by Rachel McAdams. She is a strong feisty character. She fights with Noah and with her family. She is not meek and not afraid to strike back. She is controlled by her family, but not as much as they would like. It is nice to see a good strong female character.
Gena Rowlands plays the confused woman with dementia. She does a nice job of it--she is still an elegant character--just lost from her memories. James Garner plays the old man who comes to read to the old lady. He is a noble character. He comes to read to the woman who does not recognize him--everyday. Garner does a very nice job with it. Joan Allen is Allie's mother, who does everything in her power to keep Allie and Noah apart. She makes sure Allie doesn't get Noah's letters and, she makes her daughter go home from the summer early. But Allie's Mother has a soft vulnerable side--issues from the past haunt her. Joan does a great job with the character--we can see where Allie gets her spirit.
James Marsden plays Lon Hammond. He is rich, southern, and handsome. He is Noah's rival for Allie. He plays a real mannered--classy gentleman--who is nice not cruel. James did an excellent job with this role and even though you are pulling for Noah--you just can't hate this guy. I thought the acting all around was nicely done.
I really enjoyed this film even though it made me cry. Its a touching, beautiful film with a good plot and good acting. It is a great date film so take that special someone out and see this film. You won't regret it.