The Notebook (2004)

The Notebook is a 2004 romantic drama film based on the novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks. The film stars Ryan Gosling as Noah Calhoun and Rachel McAdams as Allie Hamilton. The story is narrated by a present-day nursing home resident named Duke, who reads a romance story to a fellow resident who has senile dementia with memory loss.

Set during the early 1940s in South Carolina, Noah, a local country boy, is attracted to the seventeen-year-old Allie, who is spending her summer vacation in Seabrook, after seeing her at a carnival. They soon fall in love and share a summer love affair. Allie’s parents do not approve of their relationship and ban them from seeing each other because of their differences in social class. After having no choice, they move on with their lives and after several years meet each other again.

For a few years, I have heard my friends tell me how this is such a beautiful film and always makes them cry, which is why avoided watching it for so long. Finally I caved in and watched it and it never fails to bring me to tears every time. The film will make you feel all warm and fuzzy and will make you wish you had someone like Noah.

Trailer

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Notebook_(2004_film)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0332280/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M7LIcH8C9U

http://www.larysubero.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/600full-the-notebook-poster.jpg

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https://33.media.tumblr.com/1646f1479c112dc975422e4f827519ec/tumblr_ncyyojUTnU1rp9joxo1_500.gif

Ivy

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2008)

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a 2008 British-Irish historical-drama buddy film based on the novel of the same name by John Boyne. The film stars Asa Butterfield as Bruno and Jack Scanlon as Shmuel. Set during World War II, the story is seen through the eyes of Bruno, the eight-year old son of the extermination camp’s Nazi commandant. It unfolds after Bruno’s family relocates from Germany to Poland after his father is promoted. At the new home, he hates that there is nobody to play with and that there is little to explore. He one day disobeys his parents by sneaking off beyond the house and eventually arrives at the fence of the camp where he befriends a Jewish boy, Shmuel, who asks for food on the other side of the fence.

If you ever decide to watch this film (which I recommend you do), bring the tissues. The film is so much more devastating and intense as compared to the novel. The characters of the two innocent boys are well played and had me in tears at the end of the film, even though I knew what was coming. The Holocaust is an emotionally demanding subject and having this told through two young boys is powerful.

Trailer

References

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0914798/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Boy_in_the_Striped_Pyjamas_(film)

http://www.impawards.com/2008/boy_in_the_striped_pajamas.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ypMp0s5Hiw

https://38.media.tumblr.com/7f3229fa1d7b50f46b387bd58a41f39a/tumblr_nc7mbom9M51t8o96vo1_500.gif

https://38.media.tumblr.com/f7d27d5346c8579c013a5931007779de/tumblr_nc26u6WeuA1t8o96vo1_500.gif

Ivy

The Lion King (1994)

The Lion King is a 1994 animated musical adventure film produced by Disney. The film tells the story of Simba, a young lion born in a kingdom of lions in Africa, who is to succeed his father, Mufasa. This makes his uncle Scar the second in line to the throne so he plots with the Hyenas to kill his brother and nephew. Simba is tricked into thinking he was responsible for his father’s death so he flees the kingdom. After years, he is persuaded to return home to challenge Scar and overthrow him.

Many argue that this is Disney’s best-animated film of all time and I agree. The animation is beautiful and moving, the characters are wonderful and the songs are incredible. The songs were written by composer Elton John and lyricist Tim Rice with an original score by Hans Zimmer, and deserved the awards received – two Academy Awards for its achievement in music.

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to watch The Lion King Musical at the Capitol Theatre and that was a phenomenal experience. Two seconds into “Circle of Life” and I had shivers. If the musical returns, I recommend everyone to watch it. The musical just makes me fall in love with the film all over again. I have a soft spot for musical films.

References

http://www.impawards.com/1994/lion_king_ver1.html

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110357/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lion_King

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https://38.media.tumblr.com/64217c5854bddce6ccc4ddfa0259b0eb/tumblr_nb34hqpF3T1qgwefso3_500.gif

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sj1MT05lAA

Ivy

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

David Fincher’s The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a 2008 fantasy drama film loosely based on the 1922 short story of the same name by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The film stars Brad Pitt as the title character, Benjamin Button, who lives his life aging in reverse and Cate Blanchett as Daisy Fuller.

The story is unfolded through a diary read by the daughter of Daisy. It follows a boy born with an appearance and physical problems of an elderly man in his eighties in New Orleans just after World War 1. The film proceeds into Benjamin Button’s unusual and intriguing life as he experiences and discovers life from a different angle from us. The romance between Benjamin and Daisy is beautiful and special, as they love regardless of their age, time and place even though he only gets a few years really loving her.

This visually incredible, emotionally evoking film is a graceful depiction of life, love, and the things we lose. Even though this movie may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it is a magical piece. It makes one wonder and appreciate the love we receive and to not take it for granted.

References

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0421715/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Curious_Case_of_Benjamin_Button_(film)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7d/Curious_case_of_benjamin_button_ver3.jpg

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6wP_LKA0DE

Ivy

Pretty Woman (1990)

Pretty Woman is a 1990 romantic comedy film set in Los Angeles and stars Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. 

Edward Lewis, a wealthy businessman from New York, encounters Vivian Ward, a Los Angeles prostitute who is struggling to pay her rent, who helps him find his destination only if he pays her to do so. After spending the night together, Edward hires Vivian to be his girlfriend for the week for $3,000. Their love blossoms over the week and have them question if their arrangement should continue.

This charming modern day fairytale has a lovely blend of humour and romance and had earned Julia Roberts her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. This is a romance-filled film that I cannot resist watching when it is shown on television and a song that is never forgotten.

Trailer

References

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100405/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pretty_Woman

http://images.moviepostershop.com/pretty-woman-movie-poster-1990-1020196139.jpg

https://38.media.tumblr.com/b3bc4c40d66bb0759df6a60f6750dd20/tumblr_n7n2rbtdW01sy9gheo1_500.gif

https://33.media.tumblr.com/690d7f5954ff264fd75bd6a0df6f7ce5/tumblr_n6zmu27lE31s9816mo4_r1_500.gif

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wzii8IuL8lk

Ivy