The Notebook

The Notebook (2004)

  • 52% of critics liked it
    (154 reviews)

  • 85% of users liked it
    (30,145,501 ratings)

Directed by Nick Cassavetes, this adaptation of author Nicholas Sparks' bestselling novel revolves around Noah Calhoun's (James Garner) regular visits to a female patron (Gena Rowlands) of an area nursing home. Rather than bore her with the inanities of everyday life, Calhoun reads from an… More

Play Trailer

PG-13,
Directed By
Written By
Jeremy Leven, Jan Sardi
Genres
Drama, Romance
In Theaters
Jun 25, 2004 Wide
New Line Cinema

Critic Reviews

  • J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader

    The connection between the two narratives is supposed to be a big, heartbreaking surprise, though I figured it out well in advance and spent the interim unfavorably comparing this greatest-generation hanky wringer to the British drama Iris.

  • Rex Reed, New York Observer

    How rare to see a film that says there is still a value system out there, that being thoughtful and caring is not uncool.

  • Charles Taylor, Salon.com

    The movie not only approaches a level of shamelessness you have to see to disbelieve, it does it in a manner that's both inept and crass.

  • Desson Thomson, Washington Post

    May be one hundred percent sap, but its spirit is anything but cloying, thanks to persuasive performances, most notably from Rachel McAdams.

  • Ann Hornaday, Washington Post

    This is a movie that isn't ashamed to wring each teardrop by any means necessary.

Read all 21 critic reviews

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Candy R


    I'm not one for soppy romantic movies but this one pulls at the heart strings. An older gentlemen reads a story to an elderly lady in a nursing home. The story is about two teenagers Noah and Allie who meet one summer and fall in love. Allie's parents are well to do and Noah… More

  • Eugene B


    The adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' novel is possibly the best interpretation of all. Gosling and McAdams really make the film better than anyone expected. The visualization from Nick Cassavetes places this film atop one of the most memorable, cult-like, romance films of all time.… More

  • Red L


    I think the way you rate this movie depends on how much of a romantic you are. Unfortunately, I am a hopeless romantic, so it gets a 3 1/2 stars - even though it overplays on the viewer's emotions. I believe this was the first time I saw Rachel McAdams, and to me, she is the… More

  • Jason R


    Finally saw this movie, and I have to say: I get it. The plot was about as formulaic as you can get for a "star-crossed lovers from two different worlds" story, but there's an irresistible charm about the setting, the direction, and, of course, the acting. My cynicism… More

  • Saskia D


    I'm not really a fan of romantic movies, but for Ryan I will make an exception of course. Were it any other actor I would probably be bored to tears. McAdams was OK, but not convincing. Gena Rowlands is so cute with James Garner. A happy-sad story.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

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Cast

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