The Notebook is a romantic story about a young couple told by an elderly man in a nursing home. Twists and turns along the way make it a fantastic movie.

Rating: 9/10 (24 September 2013)

The Notebook is compelling movie about an older man named Duke (James Garner) who reads the life story of a young couple to a patient who has Alzheimer's disease (Gena Rowlands). The movie is based on the whimsical tale by Nicholas Sparks that reached number one best seller. In film version, The Notebook is still worth the hype. It takes a classic love story and fills the in the lines with a little added spice. Making a series of events in the young couple's life a little more dramatic or humorous, the director (Nick Cassavetes) takes a simple novel and transforms it into a motion picture that will not be forgotten. What truly makes the movie a memorable experience is the terrific, developed plot that is enhanced by the extremely talented and animated actors, and the convincing nature of the film. The picture goes in and out from the perspective of Duke and the charming elderly patient to the story of Allie and Noah. While focusing on the nursing home, Garner really shows his talent, taking an upbeat and dedicated role. He shows his versatility as he goes from a fun loving man who narrates to a man sobbing, pouring out heartfelt emotion. On the other half of the movie, the story of Allie Nelson (Rachel McAdams) and Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) follows the romantic journey of this young couple. The chemistry between these two actors brings the movie up to a new caliber. Through various stages in their relationship the audience experiences the emotional connection of the two. Even in a simple scene where the Allie and Noah just lie in the middle of the road together, McAdams and Gosling show the humor, romance, and differences in their relationship. The quote that sums up the scene is Allie asking Noah a question, "What happens if a car comes?" and Noah responds with the humorous answer, "We die." McAdams and Gosling put on such a fantastic show that the viewer cannot help but feel as if he or she were right there with them in the road as well as with the rest of the film.
The authentic feeling is carried out by the impressive scenery and brilliant camera-work. Director and cinematographer (Robert Fraisse) create an atmosphere that welcomes movie goers to be a part of Allie and Noah's life. Their talent is clearly shown in the lake scene where trees and swans surround the couple to bring a sense of peace and calm- a much needed with the growing tension from the two being apart for so long. Zooming in, switching between the characters at just the right moments to create an intimate feeling, the audience is drawn in at this critical moment in the lovers' lives.
The tale of Allie and Noah is not constant romance however, which is part of why it is such a good movie. Yes, there are plenty of moments that hit the heartstrings of women and men all over, but there are also rich dynamics to the film. The two struggle with staying together with various outside influences trying to tear them apart, and some do! Just as a crucial decision Allie is about to make, the director switches the focus back onto Duke and the elderly patient to reveal of twist in the story, keeping the movie intriguing and fresh. The Notebook is a phenomenal movie that makes the audience laugh, cry, and wish they had something like the complex and beautiful relationship of Allie and Noah.