Sloppy, sentimental and manipulative - I loved it

Rating: 8/10 (21 October 2004)

I went into this movie with mixed emotions about my likely responses. On the one hand it had good reviews (on the whole) and responses from people who had seen it. On the other hand it had been castigated by others as shallow and manipulative.
Having seen the film, I think I can understand the contrasting responses.
On the one hand I would have to agree that the movie is fairly shallow and manipulative, but it is done with such panache that it carries you along.
The film is framed by an old man reading to a woman with alzheimers the story of a young man from the lumber works and a young woman from a rich family falling in love, being separated and then meeting again years later when she is engaged to marry another. The relationship of the two older characters is explored as the story from the notebook progresses.
With the "notebook" story, the film-makers and actors make it easy to understand why Ally fell in love with Noah. They are not as successful in capturing the contrary aspect (other than her beauty, which was not sufficient to explain the degree of obsession shown).
What is well established is the dilemma she faces when she discovers that Noah still loves her but she also loves her fiancÃ©.
This is a movie that I recommend seeing with someone you love - but probably only once, because further watching may bring some of the flaws into clearer view.