MyRating: YYYDirector: Lasse Hallstrom
Cast: Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried, Richard Jenkins, Henry Thomas
MPAA: Rated PG-13 for some sensuality and violence
A soldier, John Tyree (Tatum), falls in love with Savannah Curtis (Seyfried), a college student who visits his hometown for a holiday while he is on leave from his duty. They both fall in love at first sight and shortly get into a romantic relationship. John was raised by his father (Jenkins), a very quiet and solitary man, who seems to have interest only in coins collection. And John grew up with a distant relationship with his father, since as two men leave under one roof, they cannot understand and touch each other by heart. But the appearance of Savannah seems to slowly dissolve the awkward relationship between them, as she can win his father's heart by understanding and befriends with him.
John and Savannah could spend their time together only for two weeks, since he has to return to the army. But they say goodbyes with hopes because it will be the last year of John's enlistment in the army and soon they will be together again. And they promise to maintain their long distant relationship by writing letters to each other no matter what. So, as time goes by, letters and letters keep flowing while they are on the two different parts of the world. However, the situation changes after the 9/11 attacks, as John has to re-enlist for another two years for duty in Afghanistan. And on that time, their relationship is on a big test, as the longer they stay apart from each other, the bigger the chance it will damage their relationship.
This movie was adapted from a novel by Nicholas Sparks, a writer who is popular with his romantic fiction genre. I found myself enjoying the movie due to the very romantic story and the two charming leads, Channing Tatum & Amanda Seyfried. They both have a sweet and good chemistry together. And what is more romantic than watching two young and beautiful people falling in love.
From the acting side, I think both of the actors gave quite decent performances. Amanda is a rising young star, who starts to get many important roles since her breakthrough appearance in Mamma Mia! I like this actress more and more as I see more of her movies, as I think she has a good acting skill. While Channing... is Channing, a new Hollywood heartthrob that will win the hearts of many women. A bit lack in his expressions as usual, but who cares about that in this kind of movie. Both of them were just lovable to watch, especially the scenes when they are together. And I also felt sympathy with John's father's character, played by Richard Jenkins, whose part of his character is somewhat similar to a person I know and close to me.
This movie is to be loved for what it is, a melodrama. You just need to enjoy the love story and the lovebirds inside. Anyway, what love story can offer more than the excitement and the beauty of the love itself. And I like this melodrama. (MJ)
