Guest Blogger: Rachel L2

The Notebook is debatably one of the best romantic films of all time, following closely to the Titanic and even the Romeo and Juliet classic. This romance is a movie based off one of Nicholas Spark’s bestselling novels. The whole story is about an elderly man reading a story to an old woman in a nursing home whose memory is quickly slipping away from her. The story he reads everyday focuses on two young lovers named Allie Hamilton (Rachel McAdams) and Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) who meet one evening at a carnival and instantly fall in love. Set in the 1940s, the story is told through flashbacks. At first Allie is skeptic about Noah, but finally agrees to go on a date with the poor peasant working boy. Despite coming from two different worlds, Allie and Noah spend the summer together and unconsciously fall in love. Allie and Noah’s love faced many challenges; Allie’s parents were not fond of Noah due to their different social classes. After the summer, Allie got shipped off to school very far away and Noah was left heartbroken. While Allie is away, Noah is persistent about writing her letters until she finally returns with a new handsome, rich finance. The film is a story about growing love, challenges, and fate. Critics have been raving about this romance for years, calling it one of the best love stories of all time. McAdams and Gosling bring a unique and fresh twist to their roles. The love portrayed onscreen makes you feel some type of connection with the characters. One of the letters from Noah while Allie was in school shows that his love for her will never die, he stated “the best love is the kind that weakens the soul, and makes us reach for more, puts pints of fire in our hearts and rings peace to our minds.” Some critics label The Notebook as a “chick flick”, but I’d have to disagree. The Notebook is for men and women of all ages. I highly recommend watching this movie. It’s a great movie for anyone who wants to get lost in a beautiful story. The Notebook is an intense romantic drama that will lure you in minute by minute and leave you pleading for more.