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The Notebook

Play trailer 2:13 Poster for The Notebook PG-13 2004 2h 4m Romance Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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The Notebook

The Notebook

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review Peter Bradshaw Guardian Dentistry in the Renaissance could not have been more painful than watching this. Rated: 1/5 Feb 2, 2019 Full Review Leslie Felperin The 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Shayla Your review will help others decide whether to watch. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/25/21 Full Review ArtrRand 7 It's Really tahe best romantic movie I've ever seen, i myself not a big fan of romantic movies at all but this changed my mind, and i literally cried during the movie ending Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/06/25 Full Review Bobby E Film critics don't know good movie makeing . If the audience keeps watching a movie over and over , then its a good movie . Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/01/25 Full Review Matthew L. Iconic love story that inspires real emotions Rated 4 out of 5 stars 10/28/25 Full Review Alan V Definitivamente la mejor pelicula q vi en mi vida nunca dejare de creer que td lo q pasa es por algo y q en algun momento el destino me volvera a juntar tal como allie y noah con la q fue y es el amor de mi vida Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/27/25 Full Review Kendall M The Notebook is one of those rare movies that captures the heart of what it means to love someone deeply, selflessly, and for a lifetime. Directed by Nick Cassavetes and based on Nicholas Sparks novel, this 2004 romance is a timeless masterpiece that beautifully blends heartbreak and devotion in a way that feels like your predictable romance movie but still deeply human. From the very first scene, I was completely drawn into the world of Noah and Allie, played flawlessly by Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. Their chemistry is undeniable. You can feel their connection in every glance, every argument, every tear. What makes The Notebook stand out from other romantic films is that it doesn’t present love as something “easy.” Instead, it shows the struggles, heartbreak, and hard choices that real love often demands. Their relationship faces countless obstacles, from class differences to disapproving parents and years of separation. Yet the bond between them never truly fades. Its the kind of love story that sticks with you long after the credits roll. Knowing that the film was inspired by a true story makes it even more touching. It’s not just a fantasy, it’s a reflection of real, imperfect love that survives through time and memory. The setting plays a huge role in the movie’s charming Southern background, the sweeping lake scenes, and the nostalgic 1940s atmosphere all come together to create the perfect atmoshpere. Every detail, from the costumes to the lighting, adds to the story and makes it more pulling to watch. The film’s timeline is another strength. The way the story moves between the past and present keeps viewers emotionally invested, revealing just enough at each stage to keep you guessing and feeling deeply for the characters. The ending, without giving away too much is one of the most emotional, tear-jerking finales I’ve ever seen. It’s heartbreaking yet beautiful, and it leaves you reflecting on the meaning of true love and memory. The acting deserves a perfect 10/10. Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams bring so much honesty and intensity to their roles that you can’t help but believe in their love story. Even the older versions of Noah and Allie, played by James Garner and Gena Rowlands, capture that same chemistry decades later. The emotional weight of their performances is unforgettable. The Notebook is more than a romance movie it’s an emotional experience. It makes you laugh, cry, and think about what love really means. It reminds us that real love isn’t always simple, but it’s worth fighting for. For anyone who loves heartfelt stories that tug at your emotions and leave you both broken and hopeful, this movie is a must-watch. I’d give it a solid 10/10 and recommend it to absolutely everyone. Whether you’re a romantic or not The Notebook will move you in ways you didn’t expect and leave its mark on your heart. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 10/24/25 Full Review Read all reviews
The Notebook

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Movie Info

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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