The Notebook
2004
The Notebook may be my favorite romantic drama
of the last few years. A beautifully written story, great acting, and just
a generally well-done movie make this excellent viewing.
It's a chick-flick, sure, but it's a lot more.
The story begins with an old man reading a
story from a notebook to an old woman in a nursing home. The story he
tells starts in 1940 with Allie (Rachel McAdams), a rich city girl who is
vacationing in the country for the summer with her family. At a carnival,
she meets Noah, a local boy. As they spend the summer together, their love
grows, but at summer's end, Allie's parents, disapproving of Noah's modest
background, discourage any further contact. For 365 days, Noah writes
Allie, but her mother intercepts the letters, leaving Allie heartbroken
that Noah has abandoned her.
After a year, Noah gives up, and when war is
declared, he enlists. Meanwhile, to help the war effort, Allie volunteers
as a nurse's aide, and she meets a wounded captain, son of wealthy
parents, and eventually becomes engaged.
What happens next is somewhat predictable,
although there are several surprises along the way. Even so, this movie is
so well done, you won't care if you guess some of what will happen. It's
just a wonderful movie, extremely uplifting but with a sad and poignant
ending, and it is a must-see.
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Rachel McAdams |
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