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A Walk to Remember

A Walk to Remember is a 2002 American coming-of-age romantic drama film directed by Adam Shankman and written by Karen Janszen.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A Walk to Remember is a 2002 American coming-of-age romantic drama film directed by Adam Shankman and written by Karen Janszen. It is based on Nicholas Sparks's 1999 novel of the same name and stars Shane West and Mandy Moore. The film follows two North Carolina teenagers whose relationship develops after a disciplinary assignment brings them together.

Plot

The film follows Landon Carter, a popular high school student in North Carolina, after disciplinary trouble leads him to spend time with Jamie Sullivan, the minister's daughter. Their relationship develops into romance as Jamie's serious illness becomes part of the story.

Cast

The principal cast includes Shane West as Landon Carter, Mandy Moore as Jamie Sullivan, Peter Coyote as Jamie's father, and Daryl Hannah in a supporting role.

Production

A Walk to Remember was directed by Adam Shankman and adapted for the screen by Karen Janszen from Nicholas Sparks's novel. The film was produced for Warner Bros. Pictures.

Release and reception

The film was released in the United States on January 25, 2002. It became known as a romantic tearjerker and received generally positive recognition from reviewers and audiences.

Key facts

  • The film is a 2002 American romantic drama and coming-of-age story.
  • It is adapted from Nicholas Sparks's 1999 novel.
  • Adam Shankman directed the film, and Karen Janszen wrote the screenplay.
  • Shane West plays Landon Carter and Mandy Moore plays Jamie Sullivan.
  • The story is set in North Carolina and centers on a relationship that begins after Landon is assigned community service.
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Canadian context

The film is part of the wider North American teen-romance genre and has had long-running popularity in English-language home video and streaming markets that include Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is A Walk to Remember?
A Walk to Remember is a 2002 American romantic drama film based on Nicholas Sparks's novel.
Who directed A Walk to Remember?
The film was directed by Adam Shankman.
Who stars in A Walk to Remember?
The film stars Shane West and Mandy Moore, with Peter Coyote and Daryl Hannah in supporting roles.
What is A Walk to Remember about?
It follows two North Carolina teens whose relationship develops after they are brought together through a school disciplinary assignment.
Is A Walk to Remember based on a book?
Yes. It is based on Nicholas Sparks's 1999 novel of the same name.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Walk_to_Remember
    Supports: Basic film identification, year, director, writer, source novel, cast, and production company.
  2. Nicholas Sparks — https://nicholassparks.com/work/a-walk-to-remember/
    Supports: Author-confirmed adaptation details, director, screenplay, cast, and runtime.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0281358/
    Supports: Plot premise, cast, and setting in North Carolina.
  4. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/a-walk-to-remember
    Supports: Release date, runtime, MPAA rating, genre, and family-oriented reception context.
  5. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/a-walk-to-remember-2002
    Supports: Critical description of the film's tone and romantic-drama characterization.