Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- sentimental
- wistful
- melancholic
- romantic movie night
- tearjerker evening
What critics said
Critics broadly regarded the film as a clichéd Nicholas Sparks tearjerker weakened by detached direction.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
John's service and repeated deployments keep him and Savannah apart while their relationship depends on letters and brief reunions.
The September 11 attacks alter John's decision about reenlisting and redirect the couple's future.
John's desire to build a civilian life with Savannah conflicts with his commitment to soldiers and friends in danger.
John and Savannah's correspondence sustains their bond during military separation and organizes the film's emotional perspective.
Films like Dear John, and why
The Notebook
Shared sentimental romance, military separation, sacrifice, and melodramatic emotional stakes.
The Best of Me
Shared Nicholas Sparks adaptation style, romantic longing, illness, and tearjerker drama.
The Last Letter from Your Lover
Shared wartime romance, correspondence, separation, and bittersweet emotional conflict.
Movie Details
- Director
- Lasse Hallström
- Release Date
- 2010-02-04
- Runtime
- 108 min
- Rating
- 6.8 / 10 (4351)
Cast
- Amanda Seyfried
- Channing Tatum
- Richard Jenkins
- Henry Thomas
- D.J. Cotrona
- Cullen Moss
- Gavin McCulley
- Jose Lucena Jr.
- Keith D. Robinson
- Scott Porter
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Dear John about?
- A devoted soldier and an idealistic college student struggle to preserve their love as military duty, national trauma, and family responsibilities pull them apart.
- What is Dear John like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Dear John as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Dear John violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Dear John as mild.
- What did critics think of Dear John?
- Critics broadly regarded the film as a clichéd Nicholas Sparks tearjerker weakened by detached direction.
- Which films are like Dear John?
- Films with a similar feel include The Notebook, The Best of Me, and The Last Letter from Your Lover.
- How long is Dear John?
- Dear John runs 108 minutes.
- Where can I watch Dear John?
- In United States, Dear John is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex.
