Love requires sacrifice

Sparks returns to the flashback structure of The Notebook – only this time with two separate love stories interwoven into one. In the present day, we have the story of famed bull rider Luke Collins (Scott Eastwood) and art student Sophia Danko (Britt Robertson). Not only are the two visually appealing, but they share great chemistry. This helps set the tone for the film.

The young and inspiring Sophia has accepted an internship in New York (her dream job) and is set to move within two months of her meeting Luke, eliminating any chance of a flourishing relationship.

On their first date, the couple rescue an elderly gentleman, Ira Levinson (Alan Alda), along with a basket full of love letters, from a burning car. The man takes a liking to the young Sophia and shares memories of his own decades-long romance with his beloved wife Ruth (Oona Chaplin).

Having recovered from a serious injury one night while riding, Luke refuses to give up the only thing he’s ever known, despite building tension between the women in his life and the risk of getting hurt again.

As their conflicting paths and ideals test their relationship, Sophia makes an unexpected and fateful connection with Ira, who inspires the young couple’s blossoming and inevitable romance.

What would typically be written off as a “chick-flick” – and yes, it is a tearjerker – The Longest Ride earns points for its action-filled bull riding sequences – equally intense.

The Longest Ride explores the challenges and infinite rewards of enduring love – despite its dramatisation.

Moreover, there’s an exciting twist at the end that will surely leave a smile on your face.