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The Notebook

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2:13

The Notebook

PG-13

Released Jun 25, 2004

2h 4m

Romance

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

54%

Tomatometer

183 Reviews

85%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

In 1940s South Carolina, mill worker Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) and rich girl Allie (Rachel McAdams) are desperately in love. But her parents don't approve. When Noah goes off to serve in World War II, it seems to mark the end of their love affair. In the interim, Allie becomes involved with another man (James Marsden). But when Noah returns to their small town years later, on the cusp of Allie's marriage, it soon becomes clear that their romance is anything but over.

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Critics Consensus

It's hard not to admire its unabashed sentimentality, but The Notebook is too clumsily manipulative to rise above its melodramatic clichés.

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Scott Tobias

AV Club

In a romance where paradise is a duck-filled pond, it helps to be mild-mannered.

Feb 2, 2019

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

Dentistry in the Renaissance could not have been more painful than watching this.

Rated: 1/5

Feb 2, 2019

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Leslie Felperin

Times (UK)

A honey-dipped love story with a surprisingly tart aftertaste, The Notebook is a better-than-you'd-expect adaptation of Nicholas Sparks's bestselling novel of the same name.

Feb 2, 2019

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Mary Kassel

Screen Rant

Romance might not be for everyone, but after more than 20 years, The Notebook holds an undeniable appeal that will convert every cynic.

Rated: 7/10

Apr 9, 2025

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Patricia Karounos

Refinery29

The Notebook is one of those movies that is so sad, you could break out into tears just thinking about it.

Oct 23, 2023

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Mark Jackson

Epoch Times

A tearjerker? It'll make you cry but it's not manipulative. A chick flick? It's just an inspiring love story that will touch your heart and make you believe true love can last a lifetime and conquer all. Isn't that what we all want?

Rated: 4/5

Apr 21, 2023

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Shayla

Your review will help others decide whether to watch.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/25/21

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Maxx M

The Notebook is one of the most romantic and sad movies I have ever seen. Released in 2004, staring Rachel McAdams as Allie Hamelton and Ryan Gosling as Noah Calhoun playing the young couple seen in the movie. The plot involves Aliie Hamelton coming from money and Noah Calhoun coming from rags fall in love during the 1940’s while Allie’s family is on vacation. After Allie leaves Noah tries to keep in contact by writing 360 letters never getting a response. Years later they reconnect and ensue one of the saddest, tear-jerking stories ever. Do they have a happy ending after all? The film is set in a range of places around America including Seabrook, Charleston, and Mount Pleasant in South Carolina, including a short spin in New York City. The soundtrack includes one of the most beautiful piano soundtracks called “The Notebook”, by Aaron Zigman. The acting being some of the best work in the actor’s careers. With Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams’ chemistry really showing through in the movie even with the melodramatic or sometimes cheesy story. I would highly recommend The Notebook if you like cheesy, romantic, but heartbreaking films that leaves you with tears in your eyes by the end of it I am positive you will enjoy watching this.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/19/25

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Aless D

Amazing movie. From start to finish the movie was amazing. It’s a must see and me and my partner were crying towards the end when it all comes together. Amazing movie about love and relationships

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/17/25

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Co D

YES yes yes, I still love it

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/17/25

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Viggo W

This movie really got to me. So good.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/15/25

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Griffith J

A predictable product of its time but that doesn’t diminish the power of love. No overdone drama, just a well acted story that’s realistic & tender. Some technical aspects are rough yet it’s all so emotional, charming, & timeless.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/12/25

Full Review

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Nick Cassavetes

Director

Ryan Gosling

Noah Calhoun

Rachel McAdams

Allie Hamilton

James Garner

Duke

Gena Rowlands

Allie Calhoun

James Marsden

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Synopsis

In 1940s South Carolina, mill worker Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) and rich girl Allie (Rachel McAdams) are desperately in love. But her parents don't approve. When Noah goes off to serve in World War II, it seems to mark the end of their love affair. In the interim, Allie becomes involved with another man (James Marsden). But when Noah returns to their small town years later, on the cusp of Allie's marriage, it soon becomes clear that their romance is anything but over.

Director: Nick Cassavetes
Producer: Mark Johnson, Lynn Harris
Screenwriter: Nick Cassavetes, Jeremy Leven, Nicholas Sparks, Jan Sardi
Distributor: New Line Cinema
Production Co: New Line Cinema, Avery Pix
Rating: PG-13 (Some Sexuality)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 25, 2004, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 18, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $81.0M
Runtime: 2h 4m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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