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Reviews
The Notebook (2004)
A gem unlike most movies made today
Last night's packed opening gala for the Seattle International Film Festival featured The Notebook in its premier screening, an excellent choice for an audience of seasoned filmgoers, and clearly a big hit. From the opening scenes, you know you're witnessing breakout performances by Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams--the camera loves both, as they steal the lush, wistful, and often surreal scenes of youth from beginning to end. My companion and I were so moved by its impact that we could just look at each other in awe after leaving the theater, grateful that such beautiful films are made at all, however infrequently. Nick Cassavetes did a fantastic job here.
Spirit: A Journey in Dance, Drums & Song (1998)
A moving homage to Native Americans
Ignore the crusty ill-informed remarks of "man in black529"; he must have this confused with some other film (and btw, Costner had nothing to do with this production but the opening narration).
I've seen this video several times, and have shared it with dozens of people, including Native Americans. Nearly everyone is moved to tears by the beauty of movement, the dramatic, invigorating score, and the revealing impact of Native American culture which will all-too-soon be forgotten.
Peter Buffett deserves a lot of credit for capturing and presenting the American Indian experience in dance, stories, and tradition. If you care about American tradition at all, you really must see this video.