Verdict: Fire.
You may be asking yourself, “As a romance fanatic, how have you never watched The Notebook??”
Valid question. After all, it is a classic that people of all ages widely enjoy. And honestly, I had to ask myself the same question. Regardless, I have my reasons.
As someone who has been emotionally traumatized by plenty of movies on Netflix, you must understand my hesitancy. I had watched scenes from the movie on TikTok and seen plenty of people sobbing about The Notebook. So for the longest time, I did what was good for me. I knew that I was not mentally strong enough to bear the pain of cinematic heartbreak, so I just didn’t watch it.
Until a few weeks ago, when my little sister decided to watch The Notebook and shortly after told me that I “had to watch it.”
I was still hesitant, however.
But for this week, I knew I needed a short movie that would keep my attention and that I would hopefully enjoy. So I took off my mascara, put on my big boy pants, and decided to watch it.
There is not much I can say without spoiling. So I will attempt to convey my emotions accurately while refraining from spoiling.
If you haven’t watched it, then it is YOUR turn to experience it for the first time. I promise you will not be disappointed. If you are like me and are afraid of an ending that will wreck you, please learn from my mistakes. Do not let your fear hold you back from this masterpiece of cinema. Yes, you will be in pain. Yes, you will probably cry. But it is worth it.
This movie is more than a “Romance/Comedy.” In fact, it is not a comedy, AT ALL. So please do not go into this movie thinking you will giggle and laugh, because that is incorrect. The best adjective I can use to describe this movie is life-changing. It isn’t just a love story. The growth of the characters and the love they share is something that is beyond just being on-screen. It is about the pain of growth and the sacrifices that we make for those we love. It is about love despite all circumstances. It is about who we choose to be, regardless of who others want us to be.
I think that this movie is one that everyone should watch at least once in their lives. If you haven’t watched it yet, then please, go experience Ryan Gosling as Noah and your life will be changed forever (I am so serious right now).
If I haven’t convinced you yet, let me leave you with this quote (in hopes of changing your mind):
“The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds, and that’s what you’ve given me.”
-Noah Calhoun
With love that awakens your soul,
Savanna
