The Notebook
Seen it?2004 | 123 min | Romance, Drama
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Audiences adore it (7.9 out of 10) and people are still talking about it, though it had middling reviews (54% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Our take: The quintessential modern weepie romance. Sentimental by design, and a sleepover staple for a reason.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics. Audiences love it more than critics do: a crowd-pleaser first.
- The mood
- Warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 3 min.
- What might put you off
- Critics were cooler on it than audiences.
An epic love story centered around an older man who reads aloud to a woman with Alzheimer's. From a faded notebook, the old man's words bring to life the story about a couple who is separated by World War II, and is then passionately reunited, seven years later, after they have taken different paths.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
54% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesVery strong
7.9 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 1 SAG Award.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$116 million worldwide on a $29 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactVery strong
About 1.2 million people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Nick Cassavetes
- Ryan GoslingNoah Calhoun
- Rachel McAdamsAllie Hamilton
- Gena RowlandsOlder Allie
- James GarnerOlder Noah 'Duke'
- Joan AllenAnne Hamilton
- David ThorntonJohn Hamilton
- James MarsdenLon Hammond
- Kevin ConnollyFin
- Sam ShepardFrank Calhoun
- Starletta DuPoisNurse Esther