Nicholas Sparks’ novels have provided the greatest love stories for many fan-favourite rom-coms of the 2000s, including the adaptation of The Notebook, and in turn created some real-life romances behind the scenes.
That was certainly the case for this famous couple, who met as teenagers, playing two people falling in love, all while experiencing the real thing. Pop star Miley Cyrus and actor Liam Hemsworth first met while starring in the heartbreaking film The Last Song.
First released in 2010, the movie follows a coming-of-age story as a rebellious teen called Ronnie moves in with her father, played by Greg Kinnear, whom she has given the cold shoulder to after her parents divorce. This requires both her and her brother to move away from the big city to the quiet beach town where he lives.
In the process, she reconnects with her parents and rediscovers her true self, all while falling in love with a local boy. Her passion and talents for playing the piano shine through, as her father is an ex-Juilliard music teacher, and Ronnie begins to rebuild her relationship with him, although it might just be too late.
A Rotten Tomatoes review praised the film, stating: “An emotional and romantic coming-of-age story, Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth make a couple with great chemistry, and the credits song When I Look At You is one to cry to. A great adaptation.”
What seemed like movie magic on screen was less of a reality off-screen, as the couple’s 10-year-long relationship saw a number of splits. In 2012, it was confirmed that the young stars were engaged, but a year later, the wedding plans were postponed, and by 2013, it seemed off the cards completely.
Many viewers were drawn to the film for this electric chemistry between the two, and some even claim to be pleasantly surprised by Cyrus’s young acting performance. A review reads: “I’m not a big fan of Miley Cyrus, but I have to say she did an outstanding job in this.”
Another viewer warns others that the film is set to make you cry, writing: “The Last Song tugged at my heartstrings and drained my eyes of tears. I just don’t get why a lot of people don’t like this movie when it’s got such a beautiful and heart-wrenching story.
“I cried when I read the book two years ago, and so did I when I watched the movie two minutes ago. Hands down, this movie is amazing.”
In 2018, Cyrus and Hemsworth tied the knot in a secret ceremony after relaunching their relationship once more. This time, when they split, it seemed to be for good, as the two divorced in 2019 and have both moved on to have separate relationships in and out of the limelight.
Fans of the singer love to reminisce on those early days and watch what we all now know as a budding romance in the film that led to a long love affair. Others still seem clueless as to what they were watching unfold before them.
A film fan wrote: “I’m not a fan of Miley Cyrus, but in the film I was enchanted by her character. The Last Song is a very romantic and emotive film, which I like to watch. The plot of the film has a great reflection of real life.”
For those wanting to watch the young lovers on screen, The Last Song is available to watch now on Disney+