Me Before You
Me Before You is a romantic novel written by Jojo Moyes, and published in 2012. It was later adapted into a film in 2016. The story revolves around two main characters: Louisa “Lou” Clark and Will Traynor.
Will used to be a successful and adventurous businessman, but his life dramatically changed after an accident, leaving him bitter and often depressed. He’s now confined to a wheelchair and requires assistance with daily activities. Initially, Will is resistant to Lou’s presence and her attempts to engage with him.
What makes Me Before You stand out is its impactful ending that left many, including myself, in tears. The film’s lesson is that love, while powerful, can’t always overcome inner struggles. Will’s internal conflict remains a central theme, showing that even his deep love for Lou isn’t enough to change his decision about life. The ending’s mix of emotions, from frustration to sorrow, underscores the complexity of human feelings. It challenges us to consider how love can’t always alter someone’s beliefs. Despite our frustration with Will’s choice, the story’s authenticity and emotional depth remains with us long after the movie ends.
500 Days of Summer
500 Days of Summer, directed by Marc Webb, is a romantic comedy-drama film that was released in 2009. The movie is presented in a nonlinear narrative and follows the ups and downs of a relationship between two characters, Tom Hansen and Summer Finn.
The film offers a refreshing take on modern relationships and love, defying traditional romantic comedy norms. The movie’s structure provides diverse perspectives on the relationship, making it emotionally resonant. Ultimately, 500 Days of Summer offers a bittersweet exploration of love’s complexities, highlighting personal growth through experiences that shape our understanding of ourselves.
In the film 500 Days of Summer, many can see themselves in Tom’s shoes as he grapples with infatuation and hope. The movie astutely portrays Tom’s idealized perceptions of Summer, reflecting the universal inclination to romanticize the person we are attracted to. Tom’s endeavor to seek closure through resentment resonates deeply, underscoring the film’s core lesson about healing through acceptance. Through a skillful interplay of fantasies and realities, 500 Days of Summer underscores the significance of embracing intricate emotions in order to grow as a person and move forward.
The Notebook
The Notebook is a romantic drama film released in 2004, directed by Nick Cassavetes. The story is based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel of the same name. The film follows the enduring love story of Noah Calhoun and Allie Hamilton.
Noah Calhoun, a young and passionate local worker, meets the wealthy and spirited Allie Hamilton at a carnival. Despite their differing backgrounds, they fall deeply in love over the summer. However, Allie’s parents disapprove of Noah’s lower social status, leading to their separation when Allie’s family moves away.
The Notebook truly resonates with me as a perfect movie. Allie’s genuine efforts to connect with Lon Hammond Jr. while secretly pining for Noah, who wrote her 365 heartfelt letters over a year, capture the depth of genuine love. The story beautifully portrays the concept of having the right person in your life but perhaps at the wrong time; a sentiment that tugs at the heartstrings. As someone who believes in romance, I’m truly touched by the mix of emotions in this story. Noah’s enduring devotion shines through; he even creates the house of Allie’s dreams, symbolizing their bond despite their separation.
This unwavering commitment reminds me of Taylor Swift’s “The Way I Loved You,” which perfectly encapsulates their journey.