The Notebook (PG-13, 2004)

common sense media says

More sexy stuff than you'd expect for a syrupy romance.


parents & educators say
  • 29% say sexual content is an issue

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this three-hanky World War II-era romance has pretty steamy sexual content for a PG-13-rated movie, including very passionate kissing and a fairly graphic lovemaking scene (though only shoulders are shown). A teenage couple agrees to have sex, but then she becomes very flustered and anxious, and an engaged girl has sex with a man who isn't her fiance. Characters drink and smoke; there's also brief battle violence and some poignant deaths. Teens will be watching with rapt attention to pick up clues about what true, passionate love looks like, but this type of sensual story may not be appropriate for the youngest teenagers.

Positive messages: The movie's ultimate message is that true love conquers all. But there are also less-positive takeaways influenced by the time in which the movie takes place -- people of color are often portrayed as subservient, and both Ali and her mother say: "I am a stupid woman," as though repeating a truism that they have learned.
Positive role models: Though it's romantic to watch characters fall in love so wholly and stay devoted to each other, some of the choices that the lovers make -- like cheating on a relationship and lying to family members -- don't qualify as role model behavior.
Violence: Noah and Finn are engaged in active duty during World War II. There's a bomb raid that incurs heavy losses. Ali nurses soldiers who have lost limbs. Noah and Ali fight passionately -- so much so that she hits and slaps him. Some poignant deaths.
Sex: Steamy passion between the two young lovers. Lots of making out and heavy petting, and characters undress in front of each other (only their shoulders are shown). A fairly graphic lovemaking scene (again, just shoulders visible, plus a brief glimpse of breast from the side).
Language: Words/phrases used include "damn," "crap," "goddammit," "son of a bitch," and "pain in the ass."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: A 17-year-old smokes a cigar. Adults drink cocktails, wine, champagne, and beer. Noah goes on a 10-day drinking binge. Characters drink in excess to ease pain or to lessen their inhibitions. Most meals are accompanied by alcohol.

More on The Notebook

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about how the movie depicts love and romance. Is this what a relationship is "supposed" to be like? Why or why not?

  • How does the movie treat sex? Parents, talk to your kids about the real-life impact and consequences of sexual activity.

  • How do we know who we are meant to be with? Who should we listen to as we think about making that choice?

What's the story?

What's the story?

A man comes to read to a woman in a nursing home. It's a story about a summer romance between Allie (Rachel McAdams), the daughter of wealthy parents, and Noah (Ryan Gosling) a poor boy. They are crazy about each other. But her parents suddenly decide they have to break up, and they send her to school up north. He writes to her every day. She never responds. Then he goes off to fight in World War II and she falls in love with a handsome wounded officer named Lon (James Marsden) and agrees to marry him. But she sees Noah's picture in the newspaper. He is restoring the house he once told her he would make into a home for the two of them. Even though she has all but forgotten him and is perfectly happy being engaged to Lon, she has to see Noah once more. And after she sees him, she has to decide which man is the one she really loves.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

In THE NOTEBOOK, the details and dialog are a bit clumsy, but in the end romantics won't care. Also, it's hard to believe in Allie's feelings for Noah or Lon, partly because none of them ever come alive as characters. It's all description, not depiction.

We do care about the couple in the nursing home, but the connection to the other story is never strong enough to keep our attention. Gosling is one of the most talented actors of his generation, but he's not as good in this role. James Garner, Gena Rowlands, Sam Shepard as Noah's father and Joan Allen as Allie's mother give the material more than it deserves, and director Nick Cassavetes clearly wants this film to be a love letter to Rowlands, his mother. She is luminous, and we do believe she could inspire great love. Too bad the movie isn't a little bit better.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: New Line
Director: Nick Cassavetes
Cast: James Garner, Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling
Genre: Romance
Run time: 124 minutes
Theatrical release: June 25, 2004
DVD release: February 7, 2005
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: some sexuality

This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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What parents & educators say

14
Based on 49 parent & educator reviews:
  • 29% say sexual content is an issue

Most useful reviews by all members

Bishopberry
teen, 17 years old
 
Fabulous Love Story
This movie is a sweet depiction of two people from different social classes falling in love. They break up though they are still in love and your heart breaks along with theirs. Then the story becomes about their journey to find someone else they can love or to find each other again. It will make you laugh, cry, and smile. I think this movie is a good watch for almost anyone. I also really like Rachel McAdams.

grisso11
kid, 9 years old
 
7 and up great!
well it is when their are young then they die at same time i love rachel mcAdams i saw every movie she was in my best movie i love with her in it is notebook and the time travelers wife

cullenlovato81396
teen, 15 years old
 

hockeydude777
kid, 13 years old
 
The BEST love story EVER... also the saddest... FANTASTIC but prepare a tissue box!! (:

MrsOrlandoBloom14
teen, 16 years old
 
e.g. Perfect for romantic girls, but younger children may get bored...
I am a 14 year old girl, and I think this film is amazing. It makes you cry, because you really feel part of the story. It is even better if you have read the book, because you really understand what is going on, but I personally prefered the film anyway...One of my alltime favorites. Younger kids may find it boring, but girls aged 13+ who like a bit of romance will love it...

livvy314
teen, 15 years old
 
great movie!
great movie! really romantic. some sex scenes but it is rated pg-13 for a reason...not to bad though nothing graphic just passionite. kids 13+ should be mature enough to handle these scenes, and if they bother you that much then just fast foward them. great movie though!

Annaboebanna
teen, 17 years old
 
Very Heartfelt Romance
This movie is a total chick flick. But it's also a fantastic movie. It's easily my favorite movie and I would favor it strongly! The sexual scene is not graphic, the nudity does not exhibit anything rather than Alli Hamilton's (Rachel McAdam) back. It probably will make you cry. Watch this if you like romantic movies!

TWIHARD12
teen, 15 years old
 
Perfect for teens and adults
I absolutely LOVE this movie!!!!!!! And It's not really all that inappropriate. Breif WWII scenes, and the men are seen after fighting with some blood on their faces, arms, and shoulders. One scene where Ally and Noah take their clothes off in front of eachother, but nothing is seen except their shoulders. They do try to make love (sort of). Ally talks during most of it, and then someone walks in and they have to go back to her parents. There are a few scenes where they kiss very passionately. But if your younger teens are mature, I highly recommend this movie.

 
PG-13 says it all. Ages 13 and up!
The Notebook was, perhaps, the best romance film I have ever watched. The acting was incredible, and it did Nicholas Sparks's book justice. After reading the book, I was worried that the movie would not live up to it. I was totally wrong. This movie is rated PG-13 because of it's sexual content. There are a couple of sex scenes, however, there isn't any nudity. There is passionate love-making. At the age of 13, children should know what sex is. I feel that 13 is a mature enough age for children to watch this movie.

Dripping love
teen, 16 years old
 
i hate it
its stuped

 
Wow. Graphic sex scenes. This film is for mid teens and up

a10d38
teen, 14 years old
 
Perfect for Teens and mature Tweens
I think it's the best movie I've ever seen it's so sweet and real it also has some things that make u wonder and surprising things but a lot of people say on the sex stuff Its only shoulders shown it's not it's pretty intense but not full body parts are shown u don't see much but toy do see more than shoulders so I think it's ok for mature 12 year olds and I watched it today and 13 so I thing it's best for 13+ but I did cry twice it really. Is shocking and different from what you'd expect and I'm one that don't crie a lot lol but the story is basicaly about a poor boy and a rich girl that fall in love the boy meets her at a carnival and she don't like him at first but he finds a way to get to her and bring out her inner self by doing crazy things like laying In the middle of the road at night watching the lights change and then Noah (the boy) makes a promise to Allie (the girl) not gonn say what it is so I wount ruin it but they get torn apart by allies parents and Allie gets engaged in the time and Noah goes to war but layer she sees in the news paper Noah picture and the promise to he was fulfiled. I'm not gonna tell you anymore though to ruin it but I think you'll love it(: but make sure u bring tissues because I can almost garuntee u will probaly cry(:

jjacobs343
teen, 14 years old
 
Good for 12+

 
This film has female nudity in, contrary to the above review

Seminolefreak
teen, 14 years old
 
Excellent movie, book was Breyer
My MPAA Rating, PG-13: Sexuality, language, and brief war violence

Hethurrr
teen, 14 years old
 
So romantic.... It was a little awkward though watching this with my grandma. Lots and lots of kissing/making out. But by far the best romantic movie there is!

tenishawk4
teen, 15 years old
 
Beautiful
Best. Love. Story. Ever. Obviously if it's a love movie, there's going to be sex. It is part of a healthy relationship! Kids shouldn't watch it, but I guarantee if they do, they will still love it. Definitely for teens and adults. This movie changed the entire way I look at true love. This movie is guaranteed to make you cry at the end, but I promise you will love it. BEAUTIFUL!

TheSuperman765
teen, 16 years old
 
check out my page for more awesome recommendations
The good stuff * Messages: The movie's ultimate message is that true love conquers all. But there are also less-positive takeaways influenced by the time in which the movie takes place -- people of color are often portrayed as subservient, and both Ali and her mother say: "I am a stupid woman," as though repeating a truism that they have learned. * Role models: Though it's romantic to watch characters fall in love so wholly and stay devoted to each other, some of the choices that the lovers make -- like cheating on a relationship and lying to family members -- don't qualify as role model behavior. What to watch out for * Violence: Noah and Finn are engaged in active duty during World War II. There's a bomb raid that incurs heavy losses. Ali nurses soldiers who have lost limbs. Noah and Ali fight passionately -- so much so that she hits and slaps him. Some poignant deaths. * Sex: Steamy passion between the two young lovers. Lots of making out and heavy petting, and characters undress in front of each other (only their shoulders are shown). A fairly graphic lovemaking scene (again, just shoulders visible, plus a brief glimpse of breast from the side). * Language: Words/phrases used include "d--n," "crap," "godd--mit," "son of a bi-ch," and "pain in the a-s." * Consumerism: Not an issue. * Drinking, drugs, & smoking: A 17-year-old smokes a cigar. Adults drink cocktails, wine, champagne, and beer. Noah goes on a 10-day drinking binge. Characters drink in excess to ease pain or to lessen their inhibitions. Most meals are accompanied by alcohol.

A Girl Who ...
teen, 17 years old
 
Its sooooooooooo good
I loved this movie! it makes me cry every time i watch it! it was really good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HappyIce12
teen, 15 years old
 
perfect for teens who like romance
This movie was absolutely amazing. When I started watching it, I hadnt been really planning to get into it, but a few minutes in and I was hooked. The story is amazing, and I could not believe how much I was crying. SO GOOD!!

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