Movie Adaptation Review: The Best of Me

.

image source: here. edited by me.

MOVIE ADAPTATION of The Best of Me
read my book review on The Best of Me

"You are my dearest friend, my deepest love. You are the best of me."

I'm so happy that I finally get to watch the movie adaptation of The Best of Me, because I really enjoyed the book last year. And oh my gosh, I love James Marsden in this movie! I know I'm supposed to feel sad after watching this movie, but since I have already knew the story beforehand and experienced the sadness then, I guess it wasn't so bad the second time around. Even so, watching the movie is a different kind of experience; especially because there are a lot of changes in the plot—which I will discuss further later on. So here's my non-spoiling review for the movie adaptation of The Best of Me. *Also don't forget check out the movie soundtrack by Colbie Caillat below, because I love it so much :')) The song and lyrics is perfect for the movie as well. ↓↓↓↓

Introducing our two main characters, Dawson Cole, who works as a mechanic in a rig. And whilst looking at the stars, there's another person who's doing exactly the same thing: Amanda Collier, who's now married and had children. An explosion happened at the rig and it was a miracle that Dawson survived. Soon after, a call arrived to the both of them, declaring the death of their friend, Tuck. Dawson and Amanda finally met each other again after 20 years, and old memories instantly came flooding back. Even though their situations made things difficult, it was indeed a destiny for them to be reunited once again.

"Dawson, what would you risk for me?"
"Everything."
"Then let me love you like that. Please."

As I've said earlier, there are a lot of major changes in the movie adaptation, because they have to fit a long-detailed story into a 2-hour movie. Even when there are changes in the movie plot, I think it still stayed true to the original story in the most important aspects. The biggest change that I realized instantly is that Dawson has another best friend called Bobby in the movie; when in the book his only friend was Amanda (and Tuck)—because no one wants anything to do with Dawson's family. The appearance of Bobby is to replace a very important part in the story, which will intertwine with the rest of the main plot. Of course, there are other smaller changes in the movie and also additional scenes to emphasize emotions. But in the end, the movie still gives a great picture about destiny and fate through this heartbreaking story.

"I wanted to do something good. And I wanted to save you from some of the pain."
"You didn't save me from anything. I lived with the pain every day of my life, Dawson, and I blame you. I blame you for thinking you knew what was best for me, when it was you that was the best for me."

The most important thing in the story for me is building the sweet-loving relationship between Amanda and Dawson, and I think the movie succeeded in doing that part. The movie goes back and forth between the past and present to add more depth in their relationship. The younger-version of Amanda (Liana Liberato) and Dawson (Luke Bracey) did an excellent job at chemistry—although I do think Luke Bracey looks a little bit too old for the role. Their love is believable and sweet, and they seem to genuinely care about each other. I absolutely love Amanda and Dawson's relationship in the book because they're always very comfortable with each other, and never have to pretend to be someone they're not. Which I think is just very very adorable.

Amanda (Michelle Monaghan) and Dawson (James Marsden) in the present time starts off a little bit rocky, because it seems Amanda is holding herself back. However, Dawson is really happy to finally be reunited with his first (and possibly forever) love. Amanda's character has changed a lot because of what she had gone through the past 20 years. But after she opened up herself to Dawson, it feels like their chemistry returned to their teenage days. They laughed together, understand each others' thoughts and flaws, and just be themselves again. My favorite scene is when Amanda declared how much she hates Dawson for not giving her any choice. When Dawson said it's for what's best and that he doesn't deserve her, it made her angrier because she would've always chosen him if given the chance ㅠㅠ 

*If I remember correctly, Amanda's final decision on their relationship (and her marriage) in the movie is a little bit different from the book. The ending that's also a little bit different leads to no character development for Amanda's husband, Frank (Sebastian Arcelus). But I guess the movie doesn't really focus in that part, so it doesn't really affect the story much.

"These past few days have been so good. A chance to see you and to talk to you. To heal a little. To love you again. People spend their whole life looking for that and they never find it. But we did. We're the lucky ones."

In the end, I'm really glad the major changes in the movie adaptation gave me a new and different experience from the book—because there are times when I was utterly shocked by what happened in the movie. Even though this might not be my favorite Nicholas Sparks movie (because my all-time favorite is still A Walk to Remember), I still enjoyed watching it nevertheless. For those of you who love romance movies, I think you're going to love this one because it's a really sweet and beautiful love story. I really want to know the opinion from people who watched the movie first, what do you think about it? Because I feel like I'm pretty biased since I already read the book and loved it :)) Are you interested to watch this movie?

"No matter what happens, Amanda, I want you to know how grateful I am. 'Cause at the end of it all.... I get to say I know what it's like to have loved someone. Truly love someone, because I've loved you."

  by.stefaniesugia♥ .