Common Sense Media Review
More sex than you'd expect for a syrupy romance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
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The Notebook
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 30 parent reviews
Parents say this movie is a touching love story that captures young love, but it has significant content warnings including explicit sexual scenes and depictions of toxic relationships, leading to mixed recommendations on age appropriateness, particularly for younger viewers under 15. While many enjoyed its romance and emotional depth, others criticized the portrayal of relationships as problematic and felt it is mostly suited for older teens or adults due to its mature themes.
- sweet love story
- explicit content
- toxic relationships
- age suitability
- emotional depth
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 113 kid reviews
Kids say it’s an emotional roller coaster filled with romance and a few controversial themes, such as infidelity and more extensive depictions of intimacy than expected for its rating. Many feel the film has strong lessons about love, but caution is advised for younger audiences due to its scenes with passionate kissing, sexual situations, and imperfect relationship dynamics.
- emotional journey
- relationship issues
- sexual content
- mature themes
- suitable for older teens
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE NOTEBOOK is a story about a 1940s summer romance between Allie (Rachel McAdams), the daughter of wealthy parents, and Noah (Ryan Gosling), a working-class boy. They're crazy about each other, but her parents disapprove. When Allie goes to college, Noah writes to her every day, but Allie's mother (Joan Allen) withholds his letters. Believing neither have wanted to stay in touch, Allie and Noah go their separate ways as World War II ensues. When newly engaged Allie returns to their small town and sees Noah again, they soon realize their romance is far from over.
Is It Any Good?
In this sweeping drama, the details and dialogue are a bit clumsy, but romantics likely won't care. McAdams and Gosling are talented actors of their generation. James Garner, Gena Rowlands, Sam Shepard (as Noah's father), and Allen (as Allie's mother) also give the material more than it deserves, and director Nick Cassavetes clearly wants this film to be a love letter to Rowlands, his mother, who's luminous in this film. In the end, Noah's enduring love for Allie wins hearts.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Notebook depicts love and romance. Is this what a relationship is "supposed" to be like? Why, or why not?
How does the movie treat sex? What are the real-life impacts and consequences of sexual activity?
How do we know who we're meant to be with? Who should we listen to as we think about making that choice?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 25, 2004
- On DVD or streaming : February 7, 2005
- Cast : James Garner , Rachel McAdams , Ryan Gosling
- Director : Nick Cassavetes
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : New Line
- Genre : Romance
- Run time : 124 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some sexuality
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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