 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Notebook
- Review Date: February 6, 2005
- PG-13
- Genre: Romance
- 2004
Common Sense Media says
More sexy stuff than you'd expect for a syrupy romance.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
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?
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.
What families can talk about
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?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
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...
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AGE
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.
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AGE
The BEST love story EVER... also the saddest... FANTASTIC but prepare a tissue box!! (:
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AGE
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.
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AGE
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!
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AGE
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!
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AGE
Excellent movie, book was Breyer
My MPAA Rating, PG-13: Sexuality, language, and brief war violence
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Kid, 9 years old
May 5, 2010
AGE
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
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| Studio: | New Line |
| Director: | Nick Cassavetes |
| Cast: | James Garner, Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling |
| Genre: | Romance |
| Run time: | 124 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | June 25, 2004 |
| DVD release date: | February 7, 2005 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | some sexuality |
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