After hits such as “The Notebook” and “A Walk to Remember,” Nicholas Sparks’ novel-based films have become the epitome for great tragic love stories. “Dear John,” which was released in theaters Feb. 5, is no exception. “Dear John” follows the story of John Tyree, (played by Channing Tatum) a soldier, and Savannah Curtis, (played by Amanda Seyfried) a college student, who fall in love with each other over a short period of time while he is on leave and she is on break from school. After a short time together, they vow to keep in touch via letters while John is away during service.

However as the couple find out, the relationship proves stressful. Especially after Sept. 11, which prompts John to re-enlist in the service.

The love story itself is a touching one, and I found myself tearing up while reading the novel as a teenager.

Besides the couple being so in love that they form the commitment to each other with only the promise of seeing each other for a very limited time, the book features many trials of life including the hardships of those in the service and loved ones left behind. It also tells the story of a young man who had a troubling youth growing up with a single parent, an autistic dad who didn’t always have the best communicated relationship. The parallel of the young autistic boy in the story and the less autistic father is also very moving, and Curtis’ realization and patience with autistic people helps the couple’s love grow stronger.

The film was directed by Lasse HallstrÓm, and followed the book very well in the beginning between the way they met and the character’s personas. In the conclusion however, the book had large differences from the movie.

The only downside is that in practical terms, I personally can’t understand a relationship lasting so long after only two short weeks together as a couple. Though it has been a couple years since I’ve read the novel, it seemed more plausible in the book than it was portrayed in the movie.

Whether this is due to the fact that I have become more cynical in the past couple of years or because the movie didn’t quite capture the love story as well as the novel I’m not sure.

Even so, “Dear John” the movie, like the book, will most likely leave you feeling a little misty-eyed. The acting was up to par and Nicholas Sparks certainly knows how to tug on the heart strings.

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