Nicholas Sparks’ heart-tugging novelshave been the blueprint for some of the most beloved romanticcomedies of the 2000s, not least the cinematicrendition of The Notebook, sparking off-screen romances along the way.
This was certainly true for a certain high-profile pair who crossed paths as youngstersportraying a blossoming romance on screen, simultaneously kindling their own. Chart-topping sensation Miley Cyrus and silver screen heartthrob Liam Hemsworth first locked eyes on the set of the poignant drama The Last Song.
Debuting in 2010, the film charts the turbulent journey of a defiant young woman named Ronnie, who relocates to live with her estranged father, portrayed by Greg Kinnear, following her parents’ split. The move takes her and her brother from the hustle of city life to the serene coastal town where her dad resides.
READ MORE: Kate Beckinsale’s heartbreak as beloved mum Judy Loe dies after stage 4 cancer battle
READ MORE: Jo Bacon dead: Love Actually and EastEnders star dies as tributes flood in
Throughout the story, Ronnie mends fences with her family and rediscovers herself, all while falling head over heels for a local lad. Her innate piano skills come to the fore, encouraged by her father’s past as a Juilliard-trained musician, as she strives to mend their fractured bond, despite time running short.
A Rotten Tomatoes critiqueapplauded the movie, saying: “An emotional and romantic coming-of-age story, Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth make a couple with great chemistry, and the credits song When I Look At You is one to cry to. A great adaptation.”
The on-screen romance that captivated audiences wasn’t quite the fairytale behind the scenes, reports the Express, with the couple experiencing several break-ups over their decade-long relationship. In 2012, fans were thrilled to hear about the engagement of the young stars, but by 2013, wedding bells had been silenced, and it looked like it was all over.
The film’s allure was undoubtedly boosted by the palpable chemistry between the leads, surprising many viewers with Cyrus’s commendable acting chops. One review admitted: “I’m not a big fan of Miley Cyrus, but I have to say she did an outstanding job in this.”
Tear-jerking warnings accompany mentions of the film, as one viewer shared: “The Last Song tugged at my heartstrings and drained my eyes of tears. I just don’t get why a lot of people don’t like this movie when it’s got such a beautiful and heart-wrenching story.” Emotions ran high for another fan who confessed: “I cried when I read the book two years ago, and so did I when I watched the movie two minutes ago. Hands down, this movie is amazing.”