Returning to the Old Home with The Last Song

The latest film starring teen sensation Miley Cyrus takes viewers through various emotional highs and lows, from father-daughter relationships to young love, and even life’s inevitable process of growing up.

The Last Song is Miley Cyrus’ second feature film after Hannah Montana: The Movie, marking the opening of the fall movie season in Vietnam. Based on the novel of the same name by American author Nicholas Sparks, The Last Song is Miley’s second film, following Hannah Montana: The Movie from the previous summer. This movie, blending romance, family bonds, and personal growth, was one of the most highly anticipated psychological dramas of the first half of the year.

Set in a peaceful coastal town in Georgia, USA, the story follows teen girl Ronnie (Miley Cyrus) and her younger brother Jonah (Bobby Coleman) spending the summer with their estranged father (Greg Kinnear). With a rebellious and difficult nature, Ronnie resents her father for abandoning her and her brother, leading her to live a closed-off and irritable life. She wants nothing more than to return to New York and express her disapproval of her parents’ decisions. Ronnie’s father attempts to reconnect with her through their shared passion for music.

One day, Ronnie meets the handsome Will (Liam Hemsworth), and the two bond over protecting sea turtle eggs Ronnie discovers in the sand. As they spend time together, love blossoms between them. Ronnie starts to enjoy life in the new town more than she expected. She begins to understand more about the world around her, reconnects with her father, and enjoys the experiences of a first love. She even rediscovers her passion for music, something she had long since abandoned.

“There are many things conveyed in The Last Song. Faith, forgiveness, family – these are things that touch the audience’s hearts because they can relate to them in their own lives,” said author Nicholas Sparks about the film. The Last Song was his 15th novel and became a bestseller upon its release in September 2009, appearing on both The New York Times and USA Today’s bestseller lists. The film adaptation was completed even before the novel was officially released. Like many of Nicholas Sparks’ previous works adapted to film, such as The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, and Dear John, The Last Song delves deeply into the emotions of its characters, exploring universal psychological themes. Ronnie is a character that the audience might recognize from real life—a young girl emotionally scarred by her parents’ divorce, who becomes rebellious, indifferent, and difficult to relate to. Once she moves to a new place, Ronnie encounters new experiences and begins to explore and discover things like any other girl her age. By the end of the journey, Ronnie matures, grows up, and opens her heart to the world.

However, it seems that the role may have been a bit too much for a TV and music star like Miley Cyrus. Many viewers still see traces of her Hannah Montana character in her portrayal of Ronnie. Miley’s acting, particularly her facial expressions, lack the depth and soul of the character compared to the novel. Some secondary characters, like Ronnie’s mother and new friend, are also quite underdeveloped. Will, played by Liam Hemsworth, is the typical “prince charming” in romance films—handsome, rich, and deeply in love.

Despite the shortcomings in the performances of the cast, The Last Song still scores points in many other areas. The film was shot in the serene countryside of Georgia, showcasing stunning natural landscapes. Director Julie Anne Robinson utilized sweeping wide-angle shots to create a sense of vastness and beauty. The romantic beach scenes, with swaying reeds, are particularly engaging to younger audiences. The soft yellow tone throughout the film, the carefully constructed lighting, and the way the actors’ outfits complement their surroundings all contribute to visually stunning shots.

The music in the film starts out vibrant and enthusiastic, reflecting Ronnie’s rebellious side, but as the story progresses, it becomes more soothing and gentle, mirroring her true nature. Miley Cyrus sings two songs, I Hope You Find It and When I Look At You. The audience also hears the familiar tune She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5. Interestingly, Kelly Preston, who plays Ronnie’s mother, was the lead actress in the 2004 music video for She Will Be Loved.

As with many of Sparks’ adaptations, The Last Song features a slow, gentle pace, romantic moments, and a bittersweet emotional journey. The film emphasizes the sacred father-daughter bond. In a family, the father is often the pillar who provides warmth, trust, and security. When a family breaks apart, it’s usually the daughters in their teenage years who are most affected. Ronnie is no longer herself since her father left her and her brother, but after a journey of seeking forgiveness, father and daughter reconnect.

Their father-daughter relationship is like a fragile thread, which, even when broken, can still be mended. The film teaches viewers to cherish valuable emotions, open their hearts to love, and learn the art of forgiveness. Family is always the safest place for each individual, where parents are always watching over their children and will stretch out their arms to protect them whenever they stumble on life’s path. These are lessons that only become truly meaningful after one matures and experiences parenthood.

The film’s gentle, profound story, beautiful and romantic cinematography, and a touch of sadness make The Last Song a fitting romantic film for the fall season.