A Walk to Remember

Renee K. Orgeron

“Don't you care what people think of you?” “No.”

Such is the motto of mousy Jamie Sullivan, the minister's misfit daughter who tackles faith, redemption, and love, in the film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ novel, A Walk to Remember.

In A Walk to Remember, Jamie, played by pop star Mandy Moore, is not your typical high-school outcast. She's undeniably pretty, and a little too unaffected by the snide remarks of people around her. The same goes for her leading man, Landon Carter, played by Shane West. He's the popular, handsome underachiever who runs with the fast crowd — a clique that has little consideration for others.

After Landon participates in a hazing ritual that ends up with a boy in the hospital, the principal sentences him to tutoring on the weekends and participating in the high-school play — two embarrassing tasks for the popular Landon. The predictable happens when Landon asks Jamie for help; they fall in love and stand together against the “in” crowd, causing Landon to forfeit everything he once thought brought him happiness.

What starts out as a transparent movie about acceptance and peer pressure, develops into a love story about faith in God and humanity. Jamie teaches Landon to believe in himself; he teaches her that people can change. The two begin a journey of self-discovery, and Landon finds himself defending his new love from his so-called friends, who enjoy belittling and insulting her and anyone who doesn't wear the right clothes, or fit in. In spite of all this, Jamie maintains her composure and stands up to their taunts.

Jamie has the strength to withstand the teasing and not worry about what people think of her clothes or hairstyle, because she understands that she has something more significant in her life — her relationship with God. She doesn't need the approval of others; she realizes that God is her best friend. This higher understanding Jamie has of God enables her to develop a friendship with Landon on a strong foundation — one of trust and good morals — and it becomes the best relationship either of them has ever had.

Although A Walk to Remember gives an exaggerated view of how love and a willingness to change can overcome obstacles, it delivers a heartfelt message about the power of faith, which is the backbone of real love. Above all else, Jamie believes that God is always present in her life, loving, and caring for her. In the face of adversity, she remarks, “Maybe God has a bigger plan for me than I had for myself.” It's this humility and unselfishness that make it a movie worth watching.

by Renee K. Orgeron Quincy, Massachusetts

About the author

Renee is Merchandising Coordinator for the Web site spirituality.com.

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