Plot Summary: 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.
*Recognition: SAG Award Nomination for Supporting Actor (James Garner), Pretty much swept the Teen Choice Awards (2005)
What is this movie is about?: What does it mean to really love someone paired with the backdrop of crippling loss; he wasn't going to let her get away a second time.
Best Performance: Rachel McAdams/Ryan Gosling
Best Secondary Performance: Joan Allen/James Garner/Sam Shepard/Rachel McAdams
Most Charismatic Award: James Marsden/Ryan Gosling/Rachel McAdams
Best Scene: Getting Caught in the Rain/It's Still Not Over/Momma Shows Her Her Lost Love
Favorite Scene: Allie Remembers and then Forgets/Momma Shows Her Her Lost Love/It's Over-But Not Really
Most Indelible Moment: Getting Caught in the Rain/It's Still Not Over/The Ending
Best Line:
Noah: So it’s not gonna be easy. It’s going to be really hard; we’re gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, everyday.
Duke: I am nothing special. But in one respect I have succeeded as gloriously as anyone who’s ever lived: I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul; and to me, this has always been enough.
Duke: That's my sweetheart in there. Wherever she is, that's where my home is.
Honorable Mention:
Noah: 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. That's what I'd hoped to give to you forever. I love you. I'll be seeing you.
Funniest Line:
N/A
The Stanley Rubric:
Legacy: 7.67
Impact/Significance: 8
Novelty: 7
Classic-ness: 5.83
Rewatchability: 5
Audience Score: 8.5
Total: 42
Remaining Questions:
What happens in the intervening years?
Why aren't the kids introduced as hers also?
How have we not found a better way to collectively deal with dementia/Alzheimer's?