Lovely!

Rating: 9/10 (28 July 2002)

I should never have put on my eye make-up before watching this movie. I kept tearing up and wiping my eyes.
A Walk to Remember is a love story. Jamie Sullivan, played by Mandy Moore is the Christian girl and Shane West plays Landon Carter, the rabble rousing, anti-authority "cool"teenager she loves.
Landon is embittered by his parents' divorce. His father is a successful doctor who has left Landon's mother for reason's unspecified. Landon is drifting, getting into trouble, one of the leaders of the "in" crowd when he runs afoul of the law. Part of his probation is tutoring after school, doing janitorial work, and acting in the school play. He meets Jamie, who also tutors and is in the play during this probation. Jamie is a committed Christian--innocent but sweet and strong in her beliefs. The sparks between Jamie and Landon start to fly the opening night of the play. Jamie is too shy to say how she feels, but when she sings, her heart shines through and speaks to Landon. He can't help but respond.
Landon's transformation from surly, cynical "cool" guy to loving, goal-driven, caring person is a joy to watch. At first, he finds it difficult to be without his former comrades, but after a while, they become boring to him. Jamie believes in him. He starts to want something more. The relationship never rings false.
The only quibble I could have with this fine film is the way that Jamie dresses. It is entirely possible for a woman of faith to dress fashionably. They have Jamie wearing an old grey sweater most of the movie as if to say that if she wore pretty clothes, she couldn't be a Christian-NOT!!
I highly recommend this film. I've seen it three times.