Dear John

While Sergeant John Tyree is home on two weeks leave from Germany, he meets Savannah after he dives into the ocean to retrieve Savannah's purse that had fallen off a pier. John eventually falls in love with Savannah, who promises to write to him until he returns from overseas.

Critics broadly regarded the film as a clichéd Nicholas Sparks tearjerker weakened by detached direction.

• 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.

• The NotebookShared sentimental romance, military separation, sacrifice, and melodramatic emotional stakes.
• The Best of MeShared Nicholas Sparks adaptation style, romantic longing, illness, and tearjerker drama.
• The Last Letter from Your LoverShared wartime romance, correspondence, separation, and bittersweet emotional conflict.

Director

Lasse Hallström

Release Date

2010-02-04

Runtime

108 min

Rating

6.8 / 10 (4360)

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 streams on Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel, YouTube Free.