
The Notebook (2013)
In a village on the Hungarian border, two young brothers grow up during war time with their cruel grandmother and must learn every trick of evil to survive in the absurd world of adults.
Details
Budget
$0
Rating
7/10 (68 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Hunnia Filmstúdió, Amour Fou Filmproduktion, Filmfonds Wien, Hungarian Motion Picture Fund, CNC, MEDIA Programme of the European Union, Mitteldeutsche Medienförderung
About The Notebook
Set during World War II, "The Notebook" follows two young brothers navigating a harsh existence in a Hungarian border village. Their survival depends on adapting to the cruel environment fostered by their grandmother and the broader wartime setting. The narrative explores themes of resourcefulness and the bond between siblings as they face severe mistreatment and abuse.
The film delves into the brutal realities of childhood during conflict, focusing on how the brothers learn to cope with their surroundings. Elements like child abuse, separation from their mother, and the constant threat of violence from both their grandmother and German officers shape their development. The story examines the extreme measures children might take to endure in an absurd world, highlighting their struggle for survival.
"The Notebook" is a drama that uses its war setting to intensify the personal journey of these two children. It touches on keywords such as brotherhood, death, and the specifics of their environment like the countryside and their village. The film's critical reception, with a 66% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.0 IMDb rating, suggests a mixed but generally appreciative audience response.
Why you might be searching for The Notebook
People are likely searching for "The Notebook" due to its intense dramatic themes, particularly the survival story of two brothers during wartime. The film's focus on child abuse, the harsh realities of conflict, and the complex relationship between the siblings are distinguishing elements. Searches might also be driven by its unique portrayal of children forced to adapt to extreme circumstances, including instances of stealing and mistreatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "The Notebook" on Amazon Prime Video with a subscription, or rent it in HD from Amazon Video, Fandango At Home, YouTube, and Google Play Movies for $5.99. [plotexplained.com](https://www.plotexplained.com/movie/the-notebook/)
Nicholas Sparks' novel, which the movie is based on, was inspired by the story of his then-wife Cathy's grandparents, who had been faithfully in love for 60 years. While parts of their relationship made their way into the book, Sparks never confirmed which specific elements were factual. [ew.com](https://ew.com/the-notebook-true-story-real-noah-and-allie-8668781)
The film concludes with an elderly Noah reading their love story to Allie, who has Alzheimer's, in a nursing home. During a moment of lucidity, Allie recognizes Noah and they share a tender moment before she forgets him again. Later, Noah sneaks into Allie's room, and they die in their sleep holding hands. [people.com](https://people.com/the-notebook-ending-explained-11760148)
Critics have mixed opinions on "The Notebook," with some finding its sentimentality and lead actors (Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams) compelling, while others view it as manipulative or clichéd. It holds a 55% Tomatometer score from critics and an 85% Popcornmeter score from over 250,000 audience ratings, suggesting many viewers find it an inspiring and touching love story. [rottentomatoes.com](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/notebook)