What list of tearjerker movies would be complete without a Nicholas Sparks adaptation? OK, OK…give me a chance here…I know not everyone likes the multitude of books-turned-movies….however, I must admit there are some that aren’t bad. But, there is only one that I really find good, very good…and one that has me watching through tears every single time. A Walk to Remember (2002).
The story seems very cliché…bad boy falls in love with good girl…but so what? It’s the emotional experience that counts. The fact that you end up caring so much for these two characters that you cry! And, for the readers amongst you, the book achieves the same…I remember reading from beginning to end one night and going to bed in the early hours of the morning with bloodshot eyes from crying. I barely managed to see the last few chapters so teary-eyed was I. Three guesses as to what I looked like the next morning…
The story is very simple yet sweet. Due to some silly teenage initiation/prank gone wrong, Landon Carter (Shane West), the school’s bad boy and cool dude is forced to join the drama club, give extra lessons and other community services rather than get expelled from the school. Jamie Sullivan (Mandy Moore), the school’s good girl who doesn’t care that she gets teased, is voluntarily and happily part of these extra-curricular activities. Through these circumstances, Landon is forced to set aside his pride (or arrogance) and interact with Jamie. Gradually, his preconceived ideas and perceptions of her start changing and he becomes a more likeable guy by being around a positive influence. Of course our two characters are jinxed when she says “You have to promise you won’t fall in love with me” when Landon asks her for help. His arrogant reply is “That’s not a problem”…but need I go further with this? Of course they will! And how lovely their love is. It is so tender and sweet. Genuine. Heart-breaking. Beautiful. True. I get all emotional just thinking of some of the beautiful scenes and dialogue they share. My favourite being one where he is there to “catch” her as his former cool friends play a nasty joke on her.
These two people are perfect for each other. Each one having a profound and everlasting effect on the other, present and future.
So, if you want a good cry…put your judgement of Nicholas Sparks adaptions away and give this one a go.
I love All of Nicholas Sparks’ stories.
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This one, Safe Haven, The Lucky One and The Last Ride are my favourite movies. I also enjoy the books that haven’t (yet) been made into movies. My favourite there (after A Walk to Remember) is See Me.
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I also like Bend in a Road , not sure if there was a movie about it but this is a good read. ahhggg.. cant get enough of Nick.
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Oh yes…that was lovely. The Guardian too…actually, all of them, on the whole.
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I’ve never read a Nicholas Sparks novel or seen a movie version of his work. Maybe I need to give this a chance! Like Patricia says, I await the proper mood… 🙂
Thanks so much for contributing to the blogathon!
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Hope you enjoy the books or the movies when the mood does strike. I must admit, they are a bit “hit and miss” – some are good, others horrid. You’ll need to chance it. Avoid “The Best of Me” though – you’ll give up on Mr Sparks straight away.
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Love love love A Walk to Remember! Absolutely a tear-jerker every single time. This book was also the first to make me cry as well.
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I watched a snippet again last night and had tears! Like you, I cry every time – even though I know the story 😉
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I’ve been feeling like a cold-hearted monster for not crying at 13 Reasons Why so I might just see if this will do the trick!
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🙂
Good luck.
How’s the baby bump coming along?
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Well thank you! I’m in that wonderful stage now where I don’t quite look pregnant but I’ve clearly put on more than a few pounds, cue all the ‘you’ve put on weight’ comments! Ah, pregnancy is wonderful 😛
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ha ha! I remember that. When I eventually told my boss I was 6 months pregnant she told me she just thought I’d gotten fat! He he!
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I’ve only seen part of this film, but I do remember thinking Many Moore is utterly charming in this role. You’ve persuaded me to go back and watch it all the way through…with tissues handy, this time! 🙂
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Ah, so glad I could convince you. I really enjoy her in this role too. Shane West is also great.
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I once watched this and Fifty Shades of Grey in the space of 48 hours. I nominated myself for Husband of the Year!
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I’m impressed. Fifty Shades any good?
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It was appalling!
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Well, award to you for watching it and being man enough to admit it 😉
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Haha! What is it that makes us love a good cry? I shall bear this one in mind next time I need to weep…
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And if you want a double-cry…read the book. I could hardly see the words anymore when I got around to the last few chapters.
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LOL, do have a major aversion to Nicolas Sparks, I will try – had originally thought on reading the title on Twitter it was a Keanu Reeves film lol x
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🙂
But…Shane West is soooo nice in this one. He balances the “cool dude” with the “I want to be myself” so well. Oh, and he’s soooo nice…did I mention that?
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I must admit sometimes I do think maybe I should watch The Notebook. as . Love Rachel McAdams so one day, just one day this film might be a guilty pleasure.
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Another Sparks Guilty Pleasure of mine is Safe Haven
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Hasn’t that got a plotline similar to Sleeping with the Enemy?
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Not sure…maybe – also has a lady trying to run from her controlling husband. Haven’t seen Sleeping with the Enemy.
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Okay. I don’t believe I have any prejudice against Sparks, it is just that I have yet to read/watch any of his work. On that day when the mood strikes, I shall certainly heed your advice.
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🙂
When you do, have the tissues ready…
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