The Notebook

NZ release: 14 October 2004

Adult themes Rated on: 27 February 2025

the notebook

What’s it about?

The Notebook is a romantic drama about Noah and Allie, two young lovers from different backgrounds who are separated by circumstances but never stop loving each other.

The facts

  • Directed by Nick Cassavetes
  • Starring Ryan Gosling (La La Land) and Rachel McAdams (Mean Girls)
  • English language
  • Runtime: 124 minutes

Why did it get this rating?

This film game was cross-rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body. You can find out more about cross-rating here.

Adult themes

The Notebook contains a few intimate scenes that are passionate but not overly explicit. Scenes include an emotional, rain-soaked kiss, undressing and embracing, and a lot of sex is implied, like a typical romantic drama, but nothing is shown.

The film is deeply emotional, as it explores love, loss, and memory, and has a heartbreaking yet sweet ending.

When content stays with you:

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.  

Further information

Recent featured decisions

13 November 2025

Wicked: For Good

Wicked: Part 2

Violence & sexual references

Elphaba challenges the Wizard’s harsh rule and ends up being seen as the “Wicked Witch of the West.” The Wizard then makes Glinda “Glinda the Good” and presents her as Oz’s hero. In this sequel, both witches make choices that shape their futures.

Read more

07 November 2025

Pluribus

Plur1bus

Coarse language, dangerous behaviour, content that may disturb, drug use, horror, offensive language, nudity, sexual references, violence

In a world consumed by a strange surge of manufactured joy, Carol Sturka, immune to the effect, must uncover the truth and rescue humanity from its own bliss.

Read more