The Notebook [DVD]

Every once in a while, a movie comes along that should be schmaltzy and beneath you, but ends up being a totally, surprisingly, guilty pleasure (I WILL review Titanic one of these days, when I get up the nerve). The Notebook is my very wonderful, totally guilty pleasure. I will also make a case for it being possibly the movie of a generation and possibly a movie headed to becoming a classic in film.To go over the story once again at this point, would be boringly redundant. I'm doing this review many years after its release. But as I was going through my recommendations for ratings, I stopped here and decided it was time to give this beautiful movie its due.First of all, I am not a fan of Nicholas Sparks' books. No offense intended here because opinions are all relative and I know he has a huge fan following. I have read several of his books and have found them to be just a bit too simple and in need of a grammar lesson for me. The movies made from many of his books are worse and maybe eventually I will review one of them. But it is so much more fun, for me, to give the good reviews. I never read the book this movie is based on, so this review is strictly on the movie as it stands.The Notebook, as a story, is brilliant. From the moment it starts with Duke, played with a heartbreaking sensitivity I'm not sure I've ever seen from the wonderful James Garner, wandering around in his nursing home, smiling at his friends and joking with the staff. It's a little confusing because we aren't let in on the depth of his suffering and the center of the story yet. *SPOILER ALERT* There will be spoiler alerts from here on out, but if you haven't seen or read this yet, get out from under your rock AND DO SO! I think the beauty of this movie starts at the beginning because we love Duke immediately. There is no building of a relationship. It just is. We also learn pretty much right out the door that his beloved wife also lives in the nursing home with him, but in another room because she is in the end stages of Alzheimer's Disease, the 5th largest killer of the world's population. That this movie shows explicitly the horror and agony of Alzheimer's for both the caretaker/lifetime partner, and the family surrounding them is an incredible bit of public service very necessary and appreciated by those touched by this evil disease. However, the beauty of this story is that at the center of it, is a love story so powerful, so touching, and, as we learn, so surprising, that the disease, while an evil villain, is only a facet of the story.For me, the movie starts when the story becomes about Noah Calhoun, played by Ryan Gosling in, to me, one of his best acting parts (and I've seen too many of his movies), who meets the young and beautiful Allie, played by Rachel McAdams in, to me, one of HER best acting parts. Their romance is wonderful, fun, funny, lighthearted, everything most women dream about who want love, have loved, or have love in their lives. The love story isn't atypical of most love stories written and acted for centuries. But this one is touching in its portrayal of the depth and breadth of its intensity. Most love stories today, include a plethora of sex scenes to punctuate the depth of feeling. This story doesn't need it. It is implied as well as portrayed, but manages to show decades of love as a reality and not a fantasy. We do learn, of course, that this is the life love story of Duke and his beloved Allie, but not right away. And I think that lag is a brilliant part of the story woven here that attracted me and so many people.The Notebook is as beautiful in story as a breathtaking painting is to those who gaze upon it. Each stroke is carefully placed, each color chosen to accentuate what are the most important aspects the artist wants portrayed. From the moment The Notebook opens to the closing scene, I cannot find one stroke out of place. One color that doesn't blend in perfectly with the scenery on the canvas.I am a person who does not like sad endings to any story. But in The Notebook, once again, the portrait of the relationship between Duke and his Allie is perfect. No other ending would do. Yes, it is sad. But as a painting can also be excruciating in it's honesty and painfulness, so, too, is the ending of this movie.The Notebook is simply not just a love story. Love stories abound in the world of fiction told in many shapes and forms. I have to make a little observation here that today, we see the proliferation of what is called erotic romance. Fantasy romance. Supernatural romance. And while I am not normally a fan of romance books, preferring thrillers and a good mystery, there are few stories today that can compare with The Notebook. I believe it will enter the realm of a classic romance along with the Bronte sisters who wrote so few books, but each one was like a portrait described above. These stories are rare and beautiful and are meant to expand our hearts and souls. They are meant not to titillate to read and be forgotten within minutes, but to savor for a lifetime. I haven't seen The Notebook in at least 7 years and yet, what I have written has been from memory. A book, a movie, a portrait that stays with you, that you will remember for a lifetime. I would encourage all of you to watch this movie, even the men here, if you have not already done so. It wouldn't hurt to watch or read Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights as well. For those who might not understand why these stories resonate - all of them - even today, it wouldn't hurt you to do some research. While contemporary romance is exciting and sexual, I doubt they will hold up for centuries. I believe The Notebook, as movie or book, will be around far longer and will stand up with Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights as a beautiful portrait does, for many, many years. DO please watch this movie and keep your mind and especially your heart open because beauty, while being in the eye of the beholder, can move even the hardest of hearts.

I consider this movie to be one of my favorites of all time, and I have watched it several times. I think it is so sweet, just like every other Nicolas Sparks books/movies. So many plot twists, so many tears of sadness and happiness, this is a film you can watch and FEEL the emotions. Ryan Gosling is too handsome, and Rachel McAdams is looking beautiful as ever- especially with that hairstyle. They played the role perfectly. Two lovers who fought constantly, but were so stubborn they got through everything together. With a twist in between of course. A ton of em. MUST WATCH. "If you're a bird, I'm a bird!"

One of the best romantic films I have ever watched. Great storyline, beautiful scenery and great acting. Epic love story.

Have to watch this movie it is got so much caring in it and how people should care in the world and love each other. There’s so much violence in the world and people does not how to love that they should for each other and marriage is just stink like they should be is sad. I’ve seen a lot over the years. I am 80 years old and this is the Way American should be. You can learn a lot watching it.

I've heard THE NOTEBOOK called many things - a chick flick, over the top tearjerker etc. Is this the case? Not to me. This film is a love story - a story where the love is believable and tugs at your heart realistically. The basic plot is formulaic - rich girl falls for boy from the wrong sides of the tracks and of course their relationship can't work. Beyond that premise nothing is formulaic. In the world today where there is so much strife, death and trouble it becomes magical to view a rare film such as this where love, which is most important in this world, is the main theme and pulsates with a life of its own.I don't want to give away a lot of the plot but it must be said that the film works to the level it does due to the amazing acting and chemistry between Ryan Gosling/Rachel McAdams and Gena Rowlands/James Garner. They are all superb and put their heart and soul into their roles making the characters totally real. I have seen this film five times now and each time it tugs at that special place in my heart. This last viewing was with this item, the blu ray disc and I continue to be amazed at all that blu ray is caable of. The 1080p high def picture is crystal clear and all emotions expressed become that much more sincere. The colors are vibrant and some scenes will have you holding your breath in awe. You can see each piece of hair and lines on the face. Bottom line, it is like viewing the film for the first time. The audio is in spectacular dolby truehd 5.1 and the music is glorious with dialogue set to perfection.What you get for the price here is simply amazing. The blu ray comes in a beautiful keepsake box which contains a lovely 46 page photo album that is half info on the actors in the film and half album for you to put pictures from your own story. You get decorative stickers and photo corners, 2 themed book marks and a set of 16 lovely notecards and envelopes. This film is for anyone who believes in love and is not afraid to admit it. It is not only a chick flic but a film for anyone with a true emotional bone in their body. It is a timeless film that tells a timeless tale. I can't say enough about the beauty of this film from its story to the way it is filmed. And you deserve the glorious experience of viewing it on blu ray.Lastly, I always wonder when I purchase a blu ray film will I want to watch it only once? Should I have rented it? This one is definitely a keeper and a must have addition to your collection. I wanted to view it a second time right after finishing the first viewing. Valentine's Day is coming up and this is a perfect gift for the love in your life or for anyone who is a romantic and believes in the power and strength of love. But this film is also a definite year round treasure.Highly recommended. A beautiful film presented in a beautiful package.