SYNOPSIS: Based on the bestselling novel by master storyteller Nicholas Sparks, THE LONGEST RIDE centers on the star-crossed love affair between Luke, a former champion bull rider looking to make a comeback, and Sophia, a college student who is about to embark upon her dream job in New York City’s art world. As conflicting paths and ideals test their relationship, Sophia and Luke make an unexpected and fateful connection with Ira, whose memories of his own decades-long romance with his beloved wife deeply inspire the young couple. Spanning generations and two intertwining love stories, THE LONGEST RIDE explores the challenges and infinite rewards of enduring love.

REVIEW: Love always requires sacrifice. That's the message of this film based on the New York Times bestseller 'The Longest Ride', written by famed author Nicholas Sparks (known for 'The Notebook' and 'Dear John'). As with the aforementioned romance films, the movie does not disappoint; Ira and Ruth's love story parallels that of Luke and Sophia, even though the couples are generations apart. That's the beauty of love! Its message is timeless. 

In order to be with her beloved, Ruth sacrifices her desire to have children, after Ira lost his ability to procreate as a result of his WWII injury. Though she tries to mask her pain by collecting more and more art pieces, Ruth cannot help but feel a deep anguish. Because Ira loves her so much, he later on agrees when she attempts to bow out of the situation by leaving. He wants her to be happy, even if the happiness does not include him. In the end, their sacrifices only served to strengthen their bond and deepen their love for each other.

Sophia, a college student aspiring to be part of New York City's art world, sacrifices her dream job to be with her Luke, a stubborn but charming former champion bull rider, after he injures himself gravely in a contest. Then Luke, after realizing his dream to be the number one ranked bull rider is near meaningless without his Sophia by his side, chooses to sacrifice all he knows just to be with her. Like Ira and Ruth, Luke and Sophia's sacrifices only deepened their love.

Yes, love requires sacrifice, but 'The Longest Ride' also teaches us another lesson. That is, faith equals sacrifice without knowing what comes next. For Luke, he sacrificed his career, not knowing how we would be able to support his mom and their ranch. He ended up with far more -- millions of dollars in art pieces left by Ira. And Sophia? She got to run her very own museum. Were the sacrifices worth it? Unequivocally and an absolute resounding YES!

Overall, this is a Nicholas Sparks story that is worth the watch. Scott Eastwood (Fury, 2014), Britt Robertson (Cake, 2014), Oona Chaplin (Game of Thrones, TV series) and Alan Alda (Tower Heist, 2011) lead the cast with flawless execution, scene after scene. It is a perfect date movie and certainly does not disappoint. It deserves a whopping five out of five stars for being such a great story that is well casted and well executed. 

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