Most Romantic Movie of the Year - maybe Decade

Rating: 10/10 (29 June 2004)

I saw this movie TWICE before it was even released. I saw it at a sneak preview on June 12 and then I loved it so much that I went back to another sneak screening on the 22nd. Everything about this movie is wonderful.
The movie is based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks. It's the story of a couple (Noah & Allie) who meet when they are teenagers and fall in love and have a summer romance. Different backgrounds tear them apart from each other but they never forget each other. Reunited after 8 years, they must decide if their love is still there or if Allie should go ahead and marry her fiancé, Lon. The story of the young lovers is being told by an older gentleman as he reads the story to Allie. Allie is suffering from Alzheimer's and Duke reads her the story to help her remember the love she had when she was younger.
First off, the cinematography of this movie is simply breathtaking. Some of the scenery is just absolutely beautiful. The scene with all the swans (as you see in the trailer) is just amazing. It's so romantic and helps you feel the romance of the movie.
Secondly, the music makes you feel the emotions. I now have the soundtrack and while I don't normally like soundtracks that are mostly "scores", I find myself reliving scenes in my head when I hear the music. It makes me remember how emotional the scene was - in part because of the emotional music.
Then of course, I have to mention the acting. James Garner and Gena Rowlands were amazing. They bring such emotion to the characters. You really feel for them and you can feel the love that Duke (James Garner) has for Allie (Gena Rowlands). Then there is the young lovers portrayed by Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. Both of them are stars that we have not seen the last of yet. They were both amazing. The rest of the cast (Joan Allen, Sam Shepherd, James Marsden, and Kevin Connolly) were all outstanding support.
This was a feel good movie. While there was conflict amongst the characters, there was also deep emotion and love there as well.
10 stars! Go see this movie!