You can see it in his face at 1:45 that he KNOWS this is THE copy; his brow furrows ever so slightly with this knowledge. This may be the one time he almost wishes/hopes this isn't Sara's copy; but alas he just knows it in his gut. He almost fears it in a way, opening the cover, and when he has, at 1:52 (I feel) he almost is sorrowing at this moment. He does love Halle...but perhaps not "enough" or he has never completely let go of that magic he had with Sara. Imagine the perceived implications! His VERY OWN FIANCE "directs" him back to Sara. This scene is a superb example of irony.
The book Halle gives to John is, as she points out, "a first edition," a subliminal implication that Sara is Jonathan's "first edition" in his heart. He even compares his two relationships between Sara and Halle to the first and second Godfather movies. The book itself is about a (loosely) similar relationship of long-distance, denied love.
well the movie kind of fell away after this scene. They should taken it a bit slow from here but it rushed. This movie could have been a lot better. And this scene itself could have been handed better.
As a man, I watched this movie many years ago just once while going through a difficult time in my life...This scene in the film always got to me is what I remembered most...It was the look on his face when he saw the book....Women seem to think that most men are hard and stoic but fail to realize they do have a soft spot as well
I've always told girls and women over the years that when men fall in love we fall much harder. We don't veil our emotions with uncertainty or doubt or analyze them we just fall. You can see it in his face that for the first time he almost hopes it's not THAT copy. He almost fears it and yet you can see in his expression, he KNOWS it is before he even opens the cover.
I notice in this movie they don’t show the “break up” scene that is standard in most rom coms. I think they realized that Hallie was far too likeable and it would’ve been even more heartbreaking for a lot of people.
@@tommyl.dayandtherunaways820 agreed. the 2 opposite characters are never shown as I guess it would have been difficult to justify the end as they are portrayed as very sweet and likeable. I also feel that this scene would have been probably been been better closer to the end. Like just when Sara and John had completely given up hope they find the signs. The scene where John sees Sara's sister is also poorly handled. Everybody could see that she is not Sara. In that scene they have to give the impression that John cannot see her and assumes she is Sara. Also why did John not try the number first. The note scene is also placed at wrong time. It should have come like after Sara comes to know about John's wedding and decides to go back and then she gets the note. Like John seeing Sara's sister, mistaking her for Sara and goes back and just before the wedding receives the gift from his fiancée or somebody else. For the efforts put from the beginning to the end Serendipity deserved a far better ending that truly allowed its main theme to play to its full potential. The end seems somewhat forced. It lacks "Serendipity".
First time I saw this scene, I was absolutely floored. I never would’ve thought of having Hallie find the book and give it to John just as he had finally given up on finding Sara. It’s so uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time. Hallie was a good woman and I really believe she loved John, she didn’t deserve to have it end the way it did, but John and Sara were soul mates, and one way or the other, they were going to find each other again. Ultimately, no one can predict how fate will act
I remember seeing this in the movie theater when it came out, and there was such a reaction from the audience when he opened the book and her name appeared. It was like you could feel the audience rooting for him and feeling so relieved when he finally saw her name.
Beautifully said. I was fortunate to see this in the theater too, and like you said, took everyone’s breath away. I was with friends, and every so often, we talk about the night we saw this. The kind of moment that inspires.
At this moment he knew he had to leave his to be wife. Heartbreaking and joyous at the same time. I'm a man and when I first saw this scene it damn near made me cry
I like the longer clip that showed his friend's reaction in the taxi. It was priceless! It's a feel-good movie, came out in 2001, but for some reason never saw it all these years.
This is an awesome movie, and this is definitely the best scene ever! I know it sounds a little cheesy that she gets him the book, but it makes sense because she noticed he would always look for that book, John's face is priceless!
I don't think it's cheesy at all. This is brilliant writing. After he's given up (resigned) on ever finding Sara again, the VERY WOMAN he's about to marry basically directs him back to her.
This scene is genius, and honestly, it’s still way ahead of its time in terms of the romcom genre. Where most 90s and early 2000s rom coms go for a break up scene, this one lets it play out with subtle Shakespearean irony. Hallie has no idea of what’s going on, but we know, and John knows. It’s at once the height of hope and despair, the end of one destiny and the beginning of another. I was absolutely stunned when I first saw this part, I never would’ve thought of it myself, yet it made total sense somehow, especially given the theme of the movie being how fate guided John and Sara in unexpected ways.
RomComs are a guilty pleasure of mine, and this is one of my favorites. I enjoy this scene the most, but I also like the following scene when Jonathan gets in the cab with Dean, revealing to Dean that he finally found Sara.
This is absolutely my favorite scene. I get those tears that burn the back of your eyes before they come out?? I was watching the DVD and it froze here I had to search it online..
I think that final skating rink scene with Sara is what I like to call the Perfect Movie Moment. The snow falling and just sound of the wind...it's like the World pauses in that moment just for them.
I love this moment so much. My friends and I have had extensive debates about this movie. They feel it's too shallow and unrealistic, but I think it's actually a very deep story that asks big life questions about our free will, fate, the effect our choices have, and if life really is one big story. As for the movie being unrealistic, Jonathan had her account number (on the receipt) the whole time, so even if this story happened in the real world (without extra luck) he *did* have the means of finding her.
You are correct in the debate, not your friends. ;) I think the depth of the film comes from the chemistry and journey. By the time we get to this moment, it’s sheer magic.
I've noticed it too. I think same could be said for the girls who don't care for romantic comedies in general. I for one am usually annoyed by them, but this one I love.
1:52 "Ahh, Halle. Why did you have to give me this?" I think he really would have had a great relationship/marriage with Halle. I think Jonathan had finally "come around, back to reality." He told Halle, "I think it's let go of me." He would have been okay. But then Fate was late...cruel and kind all at once. We never think about the residual damage in their surrounding relationships. Eve's relationship with Halle would have been made awkward, Eve being best friends with the woman who came between Halle and Jonathan. Dean and Courtney's friendship with Halle would be strained, too, because of Jonathan's choice and Dean standing by him as his best friend. All of the friendly connections between families would be damaged. If Fate were real, "IT" is not so very kind.
Charles Pruett I burst in tears in this scene each time . My Fav movie 🎥 3 yrs ago stayed at Waldorf and had ice cream 🍦 at serendipity and reconnected briefly with a long ago love it was real life unfortunately we had to go back with other partners.. There is still time though Life is so Wild... lovvvv your detailed posts on this gem 💎
This is really one of the only movies where i didn't want the "Happy Ending" to be a Happy Ending. Halle did nothing wrong but love Johnathan throughout the whole movie and Johhnathan has to leave her in the due to "Destiny". Put in the same position that is a heartbreaking decision to be made.
Notice she says, "everything is the way I want it except my fiance is....". Too many woman force men to try to feel, or be someone other than who they are. When he changes your tire, wipes your windshield off on a cold winters day, or covers you with his jacket. That is romance! He cares enough to want you comfortable! There's real beauty in that. The sense he wants to be your knight in shining armour, taking care of daily things. As a woman, there's something really sexy about a guy that takes care of such things.❤💪
Jon opened the gift Me: f*** no way! Jon opened the book Me: (goosebumps) awesome movie. should have included the scene when Jon gets in the cab & told his friend.
It might just be score, which was done by Alan Silvestri. The next scene's song is When You Know by Shawn Colvin, but I don't think that's what you're looking for. The score actually reminds me of Edward Elgar's "Nimrod."
Bu film sinemaya ilk geldiği zaman bir sürü kişi afişlere bakıp hangi filmi izleyeceklerini düşünüyorlardı. Ablama koş işte bu film dedim biletler tükenmeden alalım biraz sonra arkama döndüğümde herkes aynı film için kuyruğa girmişti. İzlediğim en mükemmel romantik komedi filmlerinin başında gelir. Kaç defa izlediğimi hatırlamıyorum. Muhteşem bir film
It's at 1:45 when you can see that he doesn't even have to open that book to know it's THE copy. Watch the almost fear...but mixed with slightly sad gratitude...register on his face. His brow furrows ever so slightly. Priceless.
This is the moment when, having abandoned hope for Kate already, Jonathan has to break up with innocent Halle -- because the Universe has sent him a decisive signal. It's heartbreaking and beautiful.
Yes I’m a normal Black Man, I’m almost crying here because the Bride is about to be stood up at the alter. Sure it’s a movie, it’s a really good movie. I say that I’m black for all of the other black romantics out there, there’s lots of us. We even have pretty good jobs and make a positive contribution to the world.
Its interesting cuz he presumably checked every bookstore, on two separate occasions with his close friend, and could never find that book. She aimlessly finds it and hands it to him. Wow
No...Halle bought it after she noticed Jonathan looking through copies over however many times. THAT'S why Jonathan couldn't find it in the montage with Dean.
I think he couldn’t find it because he was looking for it. Hallie found it when it was the “right” time. Call it a cruel twist of fate, but I think it was always going to happen that way.
Even though you're (technically) right. But you see? He hadn't REALLY gotten Sara out of his mind/heart. I think his quest to find Sara "yet again" might have been as much about gaining closure or peace with not having her in his life from then on. Notice how Sara switches to faith in "Fate" to cynicism and Jonathan becomes the "believer in Fate?" They were each something to the other they just couldn't get of their hearts and heads. The both tried, and were doing fairly well at (on the surface), but that gnawing wouldn't go away. I think it's good they both at least stopped themselves from marrying without truly loving their respective fiances as they should have to justify marriage. Besides...it's a MOVIE! "Fate" is just a romantic notion, not a real thing.
Technically they never cheated. The first time they met, they just hung out together as friends, even though there were some obvious undertones, however nothing actually happened that would constitute cheating unless your definition is very broad. After that, they didn’t meet again until the end, when they were both single again. In between, they did things that might be called into question, however unless we are going into “thought crime”, the fact remains that there was no actual cheating involved since they literally had no contact of any kind from the opening scene until the end.
John Cusack's reaction in this scene is so brilliant, such a heartbreaking scene.
Definitely one of the best reactions ever. Imo best scene of the movie, and in my personal top scenes all time.
@@stormy7722 mine too
@@amariebloom mine too :)
You can see it in his face at 1:45 that he KNOWS this is THE copy; his brow furrows ever so slightly with this knowledge. This may be the one time he almost wishes/hopes this isn't Sara's copy; but alas he just knows it in his gut. He almost fears it in a way, opening the cover, and when he has, at 1:52 (I feel) he almost is sorrowing at this moment. He does love Halle...but perhaps not "enough" or he has never completely let go of that magic he had with Sara. Imagine the perceived implications! His VERY OWN FIANCE "directs" him back to Sara. This scene is a superb example of irony.
Charles Pruett Fate intervened. Higher power at work
Greatly said
And like he said....."its perfect"
Superb example of serendipity, don'tcha mean?
The book Halle gives to John is, as she points out, "a first edition," a subliminal implication that Sara is Jonathan's "first edition" in his heart. He even compares his two relationships between Sara and Halle to the first and second Godfather movies. The book itself is about a (loosely) similar relationship of long-distance, denied love.
Charles Pruett wow! I never picked on that, really good catch. There's a chance that there could be more hidden messages and hints.
Also, when she says he floated off to Never Never Land. The London reference. Of course, Sara is British.
@@cristianhcm1914 wow I love this analysis too!!
This is the best and worst scene. Worst because she's about to have her heart broken by the very gift she just gave him.
well the movie kind of fell away after this scene. They should taken it a bit slow from here but it rushed. This movie could have been a lot better. And this scene itself could have been handed better.
thought the same
As a man, I watched this movie many years ago just once while going through a difficult time in my life...This scene in the film always got to me is what I remembered most...It was the look on his face when he saw the book....Women seem to think that most men are hard and stoic but fail to realize they do have a soft spot as well
I've always told girls and women over the years that when men fall in love we fall much harder. We don't veil our emotions with uncertainty or doubt or analyze them we just fall. You can see it in his face that for the first time he almost hopes it's not THAT copy. He almost fears it and yet you can see in his expression, he KNOWS it is before he even opens the cover.
Poor Halle. She's completely innocent and without fault of any kind in this.
I notice in this movie they don’t show the “break up” scene that is standard in most rom coms. I think they realized that Hallie was far too likeable and it would’ve been even more heartbreaking for a lot of people.
@@tommyl.dayandtherunaways820 agreed. the 2 opposite characters are never shown as I guess it would have been difficult to justify the end as they are portrayed as very sweet and likeable. I also feel that this scene would have been probably been been better closer to the end. Like just when Sara and John had completely given up hope they find the signs. The scene where John sees Sara's sister is also poorly handled. Everybody could see that she is not Sara. In that scene they have to give the impression that John cannot see her and assumes she is Sara. Also why did John not try the number first. The note scene is also placed at wrong time. It should have come like after Sara comes to know about John's wedding and decides to go back and then she gets the note. Like John seeing Sara's sister, mistaking her for Sara and goes back and just before the wedding receives the gift from his fiancée or somebody else. For the efforts put from the beginning to the end Serendipity deserved a far better ending that truly allowed its main theme to play to its full potential. The end seems somewhat forced. It lacks "Serendipity".
@@brajeshsingh2391 i didn't think the " musician" was that likable. Not compared to Cusack anyway
"Its perfect"
That moment was perfect
First time I saw this scene, I was absolutely floored. I never would’ve thought of having Hallie find the book and give it to John just as he had finally given up on finding Sara. It’s so uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time. Hallie was a good woman and I really believe she loved John, she didn’t deserve to have it end the way it did, but John and Sara were soul mates, and one way or the other, they were going to find each other again. Ultimately, no one can predict how fate will act
I remember seeing this in the movie theater when it came out, and there was such a reaction from the audience when he opened the book and her name appeared. It was like you could feel the audience rooting for him and feeling so relieved when he finally saw her name.
Thank you for sharing this. I didn’t see this in the theater, but always wondered what this moment must have been like in there.
@@maxxt3916 I remember it vividly. It was one of those moments where you could feel everyone in the room suddenly become breathless.
Beautifully said. I was fortunate to see this in the theater too, and like you said, took everyone’s breath away. I was with friends, and every so often, we talk about the night we saw this. The kind of moment that inspires.
John Cusack's eyes and the music make this scene. It's my favorite movie scene.
Classic
One of the best movies and one of the best scenes
At this moment he knew he had to leave his to be wife. Heartbreaking and joyous at the same time. I'm a man and when I first saw this scene it damn near made me cry
This scene is money
I like the longer clip that showed his friend's reaction in the taxi. It was priceless! It's a feel-good movie, came out in 2001, but for some reason never saw it all these years.
I agree. Watching Dean's reaction only moments later MUST be included as part of this scene. Greatness.
TitoTheThird it came out right around the time of 9/11, so it got lost in the madness.
How I wish my love story could play out step by step like this film depicted it.
Damn why did I chop onions while watching this scene?!
It sends chills down my spine
This is an awesome movie, and this is definitely the best scene ever! I know it sounds a little cheesy that she gets him the book, but it makes sense because she noticed he would always look for that book, John's face is priceless!
I don't think it's cheesy at all. This is brilliant writing. After he's given up (resigned) on ever finding Sara again, the VERY WOMAN he's about to marry basically directs him back to her.
Charles Pruett exactly 👉🏻👉🏻❤️
This scene is genius, and honestly, it’s still way ahead of its time in terms of the romcom genre. Where most 90s and early 2000s rom coms go for a break up scene, this one lets it play out with subtle Shakespearean irony. Hallie has no idea of what’s going on, but we know, and John knows. It’s at once the height of hope and despair, the end of one destiny and the beginning of another. I was absolutely stunned when I first saw this part, I never would’ve thought of it myself, yet it made total sense somehow, especially given the theme of the movie being how fate guided John and Sara in unexpected ways.
RomComs are a guilty pleasure of mine, and this is one of my favorites. I enjoy this scene the most, but I also like the following scene when Jonathan gets in the cab with Dean, revealing to Dean that he finally found Sara.
Just love Bridget Moynahan with this longer hair style
Law of attraction at work... The moment he lets it go... It comes to him ❤️
yes. exactly .❤
Heartbreaking ...but magestical....he is allowing her now to find the man to look at her ...the way he looks at Sarah...
This is absolutely my favorite scene. I get those tears that burn the back of your eyes before they come out?? I was watching the DVD and it froze here I had to search it online..
I think that final skating rink scene with Sara is what I like to call the Perfect Movie Moment. The snow falling and just sound of the wind...it's like the World pauses in that moment just for them.
I love this moment so much. My friends and I have had extensive debates about this movie. They feel it's too shallow and unrealistic, but I think it's actually a very deep story that asks big life questions about our free will, fate, the effect our choices have, and if life really is one big story. As for the movie being unrealistic, Jonathan had her account number (on the receipt) the whole time, so even if this story happened in the real world (without extra luck) he *did* have the means of finding her.
You are correct in the debate, not your friends. ;) I think the depth of the film comes from the chemistry and journey. By the time we get to this moment, it’s sheer magic.
Now he will allways love her, for giving her Sara.
This scene makes me cry! I love it!
Curious I notice alot of guys love this movie.
+RUdigitized a more realistic depiction of men and women in this film. It's got bite and plenty of heart and humor.
I've noticed it too. I think same could be said for the girls who don't care for romantic comedies in general. I for one am usually annoyed by them, but this one I love.
@Kevin Justin Man...sorry brother.
It’s very sweet. Plus I’m very in touch with my emotions so...there’s that.
I am. 👌🤙👋❤🤭
One of the most romantic movie 🍿😍
My favorite scene from any movie. And now I find myself in this situation
1:52 "Ahh, Halle. Why did you have to give me this?"
I think he really would have had a great relationship/marriage with Halle. I think Jonathan had finally "come around, back to reality." He told Halle, "I think it's let go of me." He would have been okay. But then Fate was late...cruel and kind all at once. We never think about the residual damage in their surrounding relationships. Eve's relationship with Halle would have been made awkward, Eve being best friends with the woman who came between Halle and Jonathan. Dean and Courtney's friendship with Halle would be strained, too, because of Jonathan's choice and Dean standing by him as his best friend. All of the friendly connections between families would be damaged. If Fate were real, "IT" is not so very kind.
Charles Pruett I burst in tears in this scene each time . My Fav movie 🎥 3 yrs ago stayed at Waldorf and had ice cream 🍦 at serendipity and reconnected briefly with a long ago love it was real life unfortunately we had to go back with other partners.. There is still time though Life is so Wild... lovvvv your detailed posts on this gem 💎
You just knew even before he opened it.
I believe he was my heart dropped when I saw him open that gift...
Best part of the movie for me.
This is really one of the only movies where i didn't want the "Happy Ending" to be a Happy Ending. Halle did nothing wrong but love Johnathan throughout the whole movie and Johhnathan has to leave her in the due to "Destiny". Put in the same position that is a heartbreaking decision to be made.
same in teh notebook. noah had the women he was sleeping with but had no emotion. she was really pretty and was just the "other woman".
I can't attend his expression, I want to cry 😭😭😭😭😭💙
I keep watching this scene again and again . The facial expression was fantastic.
when his eyes turn red for he is about to cry because he knows what he is about to do, and it's to break his fiancée's heart.
that is powerful faith in what the ancients used to call "fatum", what we currently refer to as destiny
That was so strong still after all these yrs. Great movie.
he knows its the right book immediately. so sad.
That’s because he read it in the script.
I love this movie soooo much ❤️
@Kevin Justin for sure! 😊
STILL AWESOME AF
It's almost like he knew it was the one with the number 😭
He did know. They rehearsed it after he read it in the script.
@@rickpidcock7094 thanks for reminding me to rewatch this! Great scene!!
@@deepchillasmr6319 Thanks for looking past my smart alecky comment. 😂
In my 52 years of living/surviving I’ve never imagined my wedding.......I guess that’s why I’m single.......proudly
Well said dear
Love this scene so much 💕
Gets me everytime I love this movie
Notice she says, "everything is the way I want it except my fiance is....". Too many woman force men to try to feel, or be someone other than who they are.
When he changes your tire, wipes your windshield off on a cold winters day, or covers you with his jacket. That is romance! He cares enough to want you comfortable! There's real beauty in that. The sense he wants to be your knight in shining armour, taking care of daily things. As a woman, there's something really sexy about a guy that takes care of such things.❤💪
Excellent reply. I hadn't looked at it that way before: "...everything's exactly the way I want it EXCEPT for my fiance..."
Perfectly magical
Jon opened the gift
Me: f*** no way!
Jon opened the book
Me: (goosebumps)
awesome movie. should have included the scene when Jon gets in the cab & told his friend.
It might just be score, which was done by Alan Silvestri. The next scene's song is When You Know by Shawn Colvin, but I don't think that's what you're looking for. The score actually reminds me of Edward Elgar's "Nimrod."
Bu film sinemaya ilk geldiği zaman bir sürü kişi afişlere bakıp hangi filmi izleyeceklerini düşünüyorlardı. Ablama koş işte bu film dedim biletler tükenmeden alalım biraz sonra arkama döndüğümde herkes aynı film için kuyruğa girmişti. İzlediğim en mükemmel romantik komedi filmlerinin başında gelir. Kaç defa izlediğimi hatırlamıyorum. Muhteşem bir film
Very touching .. I cried. Starting at about 1:25 it really gets you
+Debbie Detmer true
It's at 1:45 when you can see that he doesn't even have to open that book to know it's THE copy. Watch the almost fear...but mixed with slightly sad gratitude...register on his face. His brow furrows ever so slightly. Priceless.
And poor Halley. She hasn't done anything wrong. But you can't make the ❤ change just like that. The heart wants what it wants.
Fate to Jonathan is like you idiot, the signs were there all along and you ignored them. Well here, the day before your wedding, YOUR SIGN!
This is the moment when, having abandoned hope for Kate already, Jonathan has to break up with innocent Halle -- because the Universe has sent him a decisive signal. It's heartbreaking and beautiful.
Great movie
Me too!!! The next best scene..
I’ll find my serendipity someday. 🙏💫✨❤️
Awesome movie.
wicked movie
Where i can find the music score from this scene that starts from 1:25 , what is the title? Not the song when you know. Please , thankz
SIMpLE NaD not sure if its on the soundtrack it is beautiful 🎼
1:25😭😭😭
It's okey.. Halley and Johnwick ended each other.. 🤣🤣🤣
onions :'(
This scene is similar to Charlie finding the golden ticket
holy shit
Yes I’m a normal Black Man, I’m almost crying here because the Bride is about to be stood up at the alter. Sure it’s a movie, it’s a really good movie. I say that I’m black for all of the other black romantics out there, there’s lots of us.
We even have pretty good jobs and make a positive contribution to the world.
What's that piece of music at 1:27?
Its interesting cuz he presumably checked every bookstore, on two separate occasions with his close friend, and could never find that book. She aimlessly finds it and hands it to him.
Wow
No...Halle bought it after she noticed Jonathan looking through copies over however many times. THAT'S why Jonathan couldn't find it in the montage with Dean.
I think he couldn’t find it because he was looking for it. Hallie found it when it was the “right” time. Call it a cruel twist of fate, but I think it was always going to happen that way.
I agree
Me matooo!!! So sad!!
Music starting at 1:38... Any one know what that piece is ??
thxmoo I’m also curious about what it is, look all over in all soundtracks
Soundtrack... there it is
Why would you give your fiancé a gift with another girls phone number on the front page? 😂
she probably just bought the book and didnt notice it?
@@corsicanlulu If I had bought a book that I knew was used I would have flipped through it first. 😂
oh yeah.. it's December 2020.
This is so cruel.
Oh man - this is worse than losing Tom Brady.
What's song 1:25?
When you know
Get the soundtrack dear 😁
is she the helen wife of john wick?
Seems odd too me that people are ok with cheating......as long as fate's involved. Lol
Even though you're (technically) right. But you see? He hadn't REALLY gotten Sara out of his mind/heart. I think his quest to find Sara "yet again" might have been as much about gaining closure or peace with not having her in his life from then on. Notice how Sara switches to faith in "Fate" to cynicism and Jonathan becomes the "believer in Fate?" They were each something to the other they just couldn't get of their hearts and heads. The both tried, and were doing fairly well at (on the surface), but that gnawing wouldn't go away. I think it's good they both at least stopped themselves from marrying without truly loving their respective fiances as they should have to justify marriage. Besides...it's a MOVIE! "Fate" is just a romantic notion, not a real thing.
Technically they never cheated. The first time they met, they just hung out together as friends, even though there were some obvious undertones, however nothing actually happened that would constitute cheating unless your definition is very broad. After that, they didn’t meet again until the end, when they were both single again. In between, they did things that might be called into question, however unless we are going into “thought crime”, the fact remains that there was no actual cheating involved since they literally had no contact of any kind from the opening scene until the end.