Most romantic movie ever seen

Rating: 10/10 (16 December 2005)

I have a macho friend who wouldn't be caught dead sitting through a chick flick such as "Message in a Bottle." However, this friend of mine told me that "The Notebook" was a movie he watched without any great expectations, yet when it was over he said it was the best movie he had seen in years.
My reaction was a little more typical. I cried more than once, but the most at the end. Lucky I was watching it on cable, so I wouldn't have to cry so much in public. But it wasn't such a bad cry. It was just having been blown away by this movie. I am not sure I can articulate clearly just how good this movie is. Yes, someone can always find flaws in movies if they want to get picky enough. But in the end, did the movie touch your heart? This one did for me in a way none other ever has.
This movie sets the standard on what romantic love is all about. Is it extremely difficult, with many arguments, separations, misunderstandings, and problems? Of course it is. And that is played out realistically here. Yet in the end, the good outweighs the bad by a landslide. Spontaneous fun, kisses and hugs, lying in each other's embrace, gazing into each other's eyes, slow dancing to no music, being in a boat or by the water, allowed to be yourself yet being together as one, never giving up, never stopping the flow of unconditional love, overcoming all obstacles. That kind of love is a miracle.
If you are reading through reviews of this movie, and have never seen the movie or read the book, just stop reading reviews, and see the movie. Forget the spoilers, the movie is better watched just fresh. Then, if you are not emotionally moved by this movie, you are either brain dead or something is really wrong with you.
Not trying to repeat too much of what others have said, but Rachel McAdams is not only cute and ravenously beautiful, but the whole movie is beautiful. Why it did not win the Oscar for best Cinematography is beyond me. But then I don't understand why it didn't result in several Oscar nominations and winners. Starting with Rachel McAdams, who to me made this movie as great as it is. However, that is not to undermine the other three main actors who were so perfectly cast in their roles. This is the love story for the ages. I didn't feel like I was watching actors. It felt like I was there, like I was any one of the four main characters. I was riveted to the screen.
I am a fan of old movies. Casablanca and the like. Which is a great romantic movie. However, The Notebook outdoes even that great classic in its portrayal of romantic love. I had become jaded over the years to believe that great movies were in the past. How refreshing to come across a masterpiece, and one made so recently! One last compliment. My hat is off to you, Nick Cassavetes, as no masterpiece of a movie becomes so without a fine director. Now I'll have to go and read the book.