If I Stay

A life crossroads in the true sense of the word. But only for devout sentimental dreamers who are no strangers to nostalgia. The story of a wandering soul who remembers a kiss with a boy from the band and evenings with freethinking parents, cannot (nor does it try to) offer a dense plot, shocking twists, or anything that the local one-star critics probably expected. It simply offers that crossroads, that indecision, and a few warm memories, and the sadder consequences, which at the age of seventeen seem so significant that you cannot imagine anything greater in your life. For those who can remember themselves at this age, some emotional questions can be burdensome. Love can actually mean Life. (17.08.2015)

I was looking forward to a movie with Chloë Grace Moretz, but I got a movie with Chloë Grace Mortetz instead. Nothing more. It's an emotional story about how it's possible to lose everything and maybe still gain something. I found the scene with Stacy Keach as the grandpa truly touching, showing that he still has it in him. Otherwise, it's just a typical Hollywood emotional attack that I don't enjoy. (07.01.2015)

Another of those teen life dramas that any of us might experience at some point. However, I must admit that I really liked the idea itself, which seemed very original to me. But as original as it is, it is also quite a tear-jerker, and I believe that the more emotional of viewers will cry here and there. Especially at the end, which seems like a pretty harsh wake-up call in this sad story. I didn’t even breathe. For some, the pathos might be too much. The Americans know how to push with these emotional stories. Anyway, I didn’t mind it. I got exactly what I wanted from this. (13.10.2015)

A romantic drama with lots of great music, which I'd have to be crazy not to like. The attempt to wring emotions out of the audience is quite noticeable, but as long as I don't get bored with it and the story draws me in, I'll happily forgive it. (75%) (07.08.2020)