Film: The Notebook (2004)

One of the best and most beautiful romance stories ever written, Nick Cassevetes, director, portrays the characters perfectly and sentiment oozes from every scene in this film. Rachel mcAdams and the gorgeous Ryan Gosling are perfect in their roles.
Equally lovely is the telling of the story in a style reminisent of the 'Titanic' in which the old lady recalls her love story. An old man reads this story from a notebook to an elderly lady in a care home. The story has not been made cliched or overly lovey-dovey but maintains the emotive deep compassion between the two characters right to the end. I defy you not to cry... Forget teenage vampire romances, chick flicks and romcoms this is the love story that little girls dream of (although perhaps without the tragedy...)

Related Links:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0332280/

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/notebook/

http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/newline/the_notebook/

Book: The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

This is my favourite book without a doubt. I was captivated by the time I had read the name of the first chapter 'The Cemetery of Forgotten Books'.
The novel tells the tale of another book called 'The Shadow of the Wind' and a boy named Daniel who upon reading the book is drawn to the mystery of the author, Julian Carax. Upon searching for more of Carax's books Daniel can find none. The only clue left behind them is a man who has named himself Lain Coubert after a character from one of the books who happens to be the devil. Daniel enters dangerous situations and trails the mystery in the search of the elusive author.
There is romance and tension in this spine tingling thriller. This book is all about the chase and the search, which sews together a beautiful texture of characters and unpeels the lies of a post - spanish civil war society.

Related Links:

http://www.carlosruizzafon.co.uk/shadowofthewind.html

http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?hl=en&q=the+shadow+of+the+Wind&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=17962991993306742753&sa=X&ei=3EUpTv-fIpOo8AO4qvD8Cw&ved=0CHUQ8wIwCg

Film: Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

This film, with Dev Patel from 'Skins' taking the lead, is truely unique in its subject matter. The story immediately captures the interest of the audience and the careful switching between the present and memories of the past are skillfully interwoven. This is guided story telling at its best and the suspence of what the future may hold is built until the last possible moment.
The plot although with elements of tragedy, betrayal and romance is at heart a clear and popular tale - a character, set apart from others achieves greatness unexpectedly. The fantasticly compelling directors style is clearly visible and adds depth and intrigue to the film.
So, a slumdog given the chance to appear on the indian "Who wants to be a millionaire?" captures so much more than the screen - this is a film of pure genius!

Related Links:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1010048/

http://www.slumdogmillionairemovie.co.uk/

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/slumdog_millionaire/

Film: Marley and Me (2008)

Made from the book (with the same title) and starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston who bring warmth and depth, as well as the laughs to american columist John Grogan and his wife Jennifer.
Marley and Me is the heartwarming biography of John Grogan spanning the years of the life of Marley, the Grogans energetic and destructive golden labrador. The book is fantastically written and the film is one of the few movies that has, for me, captured the essence of the book it is made from. The classic comedy moments provided by the real star of the film, Marley, and interjected with emotive scenes as the Grogans marriage is tested and they experience the highs and lows of life.
Knowing from the beginning that the film will start with the arrival of the puppy and end when Marley has gone does not make the blow any easier. The final few scenes will melt the coldest of hearts and will require waterproof mascara and tissues!
Related Links:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0822832/

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/marley_and_me/

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Marley-Me-Life-Worlds-Worst/dp/0340922095

Book: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

For my first book review I have chosen 'Pride and Prejudice' - how could I not when my blog is names after it. Pride and Prejudice was originally titled First Impressions before publishers changed it after the success of Sense and Sensibility.
Many of you will have seen the film or the TV series' that have been made and will therefore know the story and the delights of Mr Darcy. I was, before reading the novel for GCSE, fully prepared to loath the experience, but to my delight I loved it. If you have not read an Austen book it is quite easy to assume that it is written in the stuffy and proper manner of, for example, Charles Dickens (who although great is not known for writing succinctly).
I was releived but also stunned to find Jane Austen's style very contemporary and fascinating. She is witty and her wide variety of funny and engaging characters makes the story a joy to read.

Related Links:

http://www.pemberley.com/janeinfo/pridprej.html

http://www.austen.com/pride/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414387/

Film: The Duchess (2008)

Starring Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes (in a role scarier than even Lord Voldemort), The Duchess is based on the true story of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. This film is shot so as to show, not only the richly extravagant sets of period dramas and the glamour of Georgiana's character both in and out of the public eyes, but it also provides an intimate view of her life. The story reveals heartbreak and effortless emotion on the part of Keira Knightley and the story unfolds at a fast but not rushed pace. This film provides a unique strong female lead wrapped in turmoil that is engaging and thought provoking. Highly enjoyable but may not leave the viewer feeling happy.
Warning* There are a few sexual scenes during this film and maybe uncomfortable if viewed with parents!

Related Links:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0864761/

http://www.theduchessmovie.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Duchess_(film)

Film: Yes Man (2008)

Starring Jim Carrey and Zooey Daschanel this film presents a story packed full of fun as one man is set the challenge of saying 'Yes' to everything. Although never to be a classic, this film contains moments from the ludicrous to the (almost) heartwarming! Jim Carrey shines as the leading role, Carl, bringing his energetic enthusiasm to the role, complemented by Zooey Deschanel's charm, this comedy is perfect for a stay at home, feel good film, full of brilliant characters and a lot of sniggers.

Related Links:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1068680/

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/yes_man/

http://wwws.warnerbros.co.uk/yesman/