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’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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I watched a snippet again last night and had tears! Like you, I cry every time – even though I know the story 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
Good luck.
How’s the baby bump coming along?
LikeLiked by 1 person
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 😛
LikeLike
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!
LikeLike
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! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, so glad I could convince you. I really enjoy her in this role too. Shane West is also great.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I once watched this and Fifty Shades of Grey in the space of 48 hours. I nominated myself for Husband of the Year!
LikeLike
I’m impressed. Fifty Shades any good?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was appalling!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, award to you for watching it and being man enough to admit it 😉
LikeLike
Haha! What is it that makes us love a good cry? I shall bear this one in mind next time I need to weep…
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
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?
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another Sparks Guilty Pleasure of mine is Safe Haven
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hasn’t that got a plotline similar to Sleeping with the Enemy?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not sure…maybe – also has a lady trying to run from her controlling husband. Haven’t seen Sleeping with the Enemy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
When you do, have the tissues ready…
LikeLike