A gem unlike most movies made today

Rating: 10/10 (21 May 2004)

Last night's packed opening gala for the Seattle International Film Festival featured The Notebook in its premier screening, an excellent choice for an audience of seasoned filmgoers, and clearly a big hit. From the opening scenes, you know you're witnessing breakout performances by Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams--the camera loves both, as they steal the lush, wistful, and often surreal scenes of youth from beginning to end. My companion and I were so moved by its impact that we could just look at each other in awe after leaving the theater, grateful that such beautiful films are made at all, however infrequently. Nick Cassavetes did a fantastic job here.