Achingly Touching

Rating: 10/10 (13 May 2008)

The Notebook would have to be the most beautiful, touching romance film to be released in modern times. I was a skeptic at first, feeling it could not possibly be that good, but it is. It is unusual for a movie released after 1980 to make it in to my top ten films of all time, but this film has slotted right on in to the top of my list. What is so special about this film? Everything. The casting is perfect, I couldn't imagine any other girl being able to play Allie and do a performance as realistic and adorable as Rachel McAdams. Most women in romance films are extremely irritating and annoying, yet even in her indecisiveness in the film Allie is still totally lovable, and you can understand Noah's infatuation with her. Noah, likewise, is perfectly cast, not the typical smooth, suave lead male - he also is realistic and highly appealing. The older actors playing Noah and Allie are also sensational, they make the film so much more special with their achingly beautiful scenes. The romance in this film is perfectly crafted, not overdone, just exactly right. It is powerful and passionate, and something everyone can relate to in regards to your first love. There is a scene where Allie's boyfriend proposes to her, and she accepts, and the voice-over says that in the moment Allie said yes, "Noah's face came into her mind." It just is such a sad, nostalgic moment that I cry every time at this line. The film is also humorous in parts, and the conflicts are perfectly acted. I really think it is having the couple as elderly people looking back on the past that really makes the film that much more special than other romances. The only teeny tiny problem I had with this film was in the way Noah and Allie first meet. The "love-at-first-sight" that Noah shows, to me, is silly and pretty unrealistic as he hasn't even spoken to her. But when they get together, everything is beautiful and really easy to relate to. The notion of time in this film also sets it apart - years pass, and it just makes their reunion that much sweeter. And the final scene? Devastatingly beautiful, could not be any sweeter or more touching. I also love the use of I'll Be Seeing You, the song played a few times in the movie. It is so appropriate and so, so touching. Absolutely gorgeous movie, one of the best I've ever seen and extremely hard to contend with. If you haven't seen it, do it. It is not just a girly romance - men also love this film. Definite 10 out of 10. Perfect.