perfect

Rating: 10/10 (17 July 2005)

This story combines young love with the reality of life as it nears its end. The Story of Allie and Noah contrasts with the friendship between Duke and Miss Calhoun and provides the background to understand their story. My favorite moment is when Allie returns to Noah and shrugs her shoulders. At that point Miss Calhoun's memory returns through the Alzheimer's haze and the young lovers are reunited. The realistic depiction of Alzheimer's as she loses those memories is heart wrenching. Without giving it away, the ending is "perfect". Kudo's to both set of actors. James Garner and Gena Rowlands are a wonderful combination. This is a breakout role for Rachel McAdams and the first time I have noticed Ryan Gosling.