Remembering Love

Fifteen years ago, I watched a movie called “The Notebook”.

It was in English, and although I could barely understand the words, I understood completely the language of eyes and bodies: the language the writer, actors and director wanted us to understand no matter what language we spoke… It was the language of high stakes, the language of love. This movie made me realize how important and life-changing love can be, how heartbreaking a movie can be, and how powerful a story can be.

“The Notebook” is about two characters: Noah Calhoun and Allie Hamilton.

It showcases the power of love over the love of power, social class, teenage love, family dynamics, status, societal pressure, dreams, rules, passion, and even Alzheimer’s.

This movie is a life lesson. A reminder that nothing is guaranteed; that life can stop at any moment;and that love is worth pursuing.

Of all the movies I’ve seen, “The Notebook” holds a very special place in my heart. Its bittersweet depiction of love is imprinted on my soul. The way Noah and Allie’s love endures through time, distance, and even illness resonates deeply within me. Their story is a reminder that true love is not always perfect. What moves me most is the film’s portrayal of memory and loss, and the fragility of time as we watch Allie lose herself to Alzheimer’s.

There is a haunting beauty in the way Noah never gives up on her, reading their story over and over again to her in the hope that Allie will remember him, even if just for a few minutes. It’s a testament to the power of love in the face of death or profound change. The final scene is both tragic and comforting, as if love were the only thing that can challenge death. The vulnerability of these moments scares me, yet leaves me hopeful.

“The Notebook” isn’t just a love story; it’s a poignant reflection of the joy and pain of two people finding love, loosing it, and then, “when lucky”, finding it again even in memory.

I often take many pictures and write many notes in my journal, phone, or on a piece of paper, because I want to “remember”.

If, one day, I get Alzheimer’s, I hope to look at those pictures and “remember”, read those notes and “remember” my journey. 

I also want to make movies, tell stories, see myself playing characters, and remember just to remember.

What would I be without my memories? In my opinion, the most powerful jobs in the world are that of an actor, a director, and a writer. You gather a group of people, and you get to “speak” to them for two hours in a dark room. 

All they can do is watch and listen. It's called Cinéma. 

The Notebook made me fall in love with movies, and it’s the reason I love acting.

I feel powerful telling stories. Stories for everyone to remember.

After all, making art is just another way of keeping a diary.