"Behind every great love is a great story."
The Notebook - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
If you're a bird, I'm a bird.
— Noah Calhoun
Context:
During one of their early dates, Allie playfully tells Noah she wishes she were a bird so she could fly away. Noah responds with this line, affirming his desire to be with her no matter what. The line is recalled later in the film as a touchstone of their connection.
Meaning:
This quote encapsulates the idea of total commitment and shared identity between Noah and Allie. It signifies that whatever she is, wherever she goes, he will be the same and go with her. It's a simple, poetic declaration of their inseparable bond and shared destiny.
The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. And that's what you've given me. That's what I'd hoped to give you forever.
— Noah Calhoun (in a letter)
Context:
This is part of the final letter Noah wrote to Allie, which she reads years later after her mother finally gives her the hidden letters. The words articulate the depth of his feelings and the ideal he held onto during their entire separation.
Meaning:
This quote defines the film's concept of ideal love. It's not just about simple romance but about a transformative connection that inspires personal growth, passion, and inner tranquility. It speaks to the profound, life-altering impact Allie has had on Noah.
It wasn't over. It still isn't over.
— Noah Calhoun
Context:
Noah shouts this line at Allie during their argument in the rain, just before their iconic kiss. Allie has accused him of not writing to her, and he reveals he wrote her every day for a year, proving his love never died.
Meaning:
This is a powerful declaration of Noah's undying love and refusal to accept that their story has ended. It's the emotional climax of their reunion, where he finally confronts Allie with the truth that for him, the feelings never faded, despite years of silence and separation.
What do you want? What do you want?
— Noah Calhoun
Context:
Noah shouts this at Allie during a heated argument as she struggles to decide between him and Lon. This line was famously improvised by Ryan Gosling and became one of the film's most iconic moments.
Meaning:
This repeated question is a raw, desperate plea from Noah, forcing Allie to stop thinking about her parents, her fiancé, or societal expectations, and to finally confront her own true desires. It is a pivotal moment that pushes her toward making the most important decision of her life.