Nights in Rodanthe Reviewed

Magical Realism

The magic of love is often in the small gestures. That's the power held in some of the scenes that will stay with you long after the closing credits of "Night in Rodanthe," the cinema adaptation of the novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks, have rolled on by. Truly mature and rich love is hard to portray on screen. It's easier to get across that sort of passion in a novel, where pages can be devoted to beautiful stories and histories that explain a connection so deep that time and all forces connect two souls. However, on the screen, it's hard to put into visuals that sort of back story. The reality of a found, belated haven in the arms of your soulmate is difficult--at best--to reveal on the silver screen.

George C. Wolfe, a director who you may know as an actor for his great portrayal of Paul in "A Devil Wears Prada," directs this movie with a light touch and an intelligence of understanding how much a part of the story the place is. Set in Rodanthe, North Carolina, the setting is a character in and of itself, cradling and upending the characters until they cannot help but see what is right in front of their loving hearts. The warmth of falling in love is captured to perfection in the sweeping shots and intense close ups.