I have had read the book so never find myself inclined to watch the movie, as most of the time when I know the story it doesn’t excite me much to watch its film version. This is probably, as I often become too critical after watching the movie comparing it with the narration in the book. Well, in that sense, DEAR JOHN is yet another adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ bestselling novel of the same name.
The story of DEAR JOHN follows the life of John (Channing Tatum), a US Army special soldier, who is on a two-week break in his seaside hometown, meets Savannah (Amanda Seyfried) when her purse falls off a pier and John dives into retrieving the same. As two beautiful people meet in this fashion, their friendship blossoms, and in those few precious days, they eventually fall in love with each other.
John is raised by his father (Richard Jenkins) who is a very quiet and reclusive person and who happens to have a very nice collection of coins. Savannah even meets John’s father and they both share a good bond over the interest in coins. Then comes the time when John had to leave for service although they remained committed to writing letters and sharing their feelings.
Over the years, when John was hoping to go back home the earliest and make a life with Savannah, the love letters from her kept him hopeful. However, that love at first sight which brought them so far ultimately had to take the test of time. The last ‘Dear John letter’ had all a different story to tell changing their lives struck by the importunity of time that they never had imagined. Yes, Savannah had informed John that she has been engaged with someone else.
As in every other story of Nicholas Sparks, sensibly there are not many weepy moments but in this one when John meets the reality of life that forces Savannah to take such a bold and life-changing decision, the story of love, romance, and heartbreaks just standstill. The story doesn’t bring you to those messy and depressing moments rather it gives you a few moments when you can smile sadly.
So, if you are a fan of Nicholas Sparks’ books then you must watch the film. At least, it lets you watch those characters as you had read in the book and imagined. Nevertheless, performance-wise DEAR JOHN gives another platform to both the lead actors to showcase their talent in a genre with which both Amanda and Channing are now recognized.
Watch the movie trailer – DEAR JOHN
Where to watch "Dear John" (2010)
