a realistic and dramatic portrayal of love

Rating: 8/10 (27 August 2008)

In an adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' novel, Ryan Gosling (Half Nelson) stars as Noah, a young man who falls in love with rich girl Allie, and the two embark on life together.
Described by critics as one of the most romantic films in years, Nick Cassavetes romantic drama justifies the plaudits with a wonderful directed film about love and relationships, with heart-warming moments along with dramatic and humorous encounters.
The story of the young couple is very sweet, if somewhat corny. Though with imperfections and complications along the way, the plot drives itself away from the norm, to deliver a sweet and realistic approach to relationships.
The direction helps achieve a good realistic approach but also dives into a fantasy genre to, none more so than the rowing into the swan lake scene. This particular scene is really romantic and the direction and slow approach makes it feel like a complete romantic fantasy and will instantly make you smile, whatever age or gender you are.
The acting by Gosling and McAdams (Mean girls) is a beautiful on screen partnership, which will make you really associate with their characters, but the pairing of Garner (Murphy's romance) and Rowlands (a woman under the influence) is one of the main reasons to watch this film. Very soft and sentimental in their respective roles, the pair create a sadness but an excitement within their difficult environment, and the ending, though I didn't cry, is praised for its sentimental value, which is very understandable.
Too many current films are romantic comedies which run on clichés, but the Notebook focuses strongly upon the dramatic side of relationships, and is made as memorable as Titanic, with heart wrenching moments.
The plot is extremely slow moving, to capture the mood of the character's personalities, so if you're up for fast paced action as well as romance, put Titanic on. But if you are in the mood for a very dramatic realistic approach to relationships with a few clichés thrown in, then this is for you.