The Notebook had a completely different ending on Netflix

Viewers have been left confused after watching The Notebook on Netflix, as the beloved romantic drama has a completely different ending.

Even if you aren’t a fan of the classic period drama, it’s pretty likely that you’ve heard about the film’s tear-jerking conclusion, which left audiences devastated in 2004.

However, this didn’t stop Netflix UK from uploading an alternative version to the streaming site.

Given that The Notebook is nearly 20 years old, you should already know the story but here’s a quick run down for those who’ve yet to watch it. (Spoilers ahead!)

As the film opens, we are introduced to an old man named Duke as he reads a story to another patient at a nursing home.

The romantic story tells the tale of star-crossed lovers Allie (Rachel McAdams) and Noah (Ryan Gosling), who meet just before the outbreak of WWII.

Disproving of their daughter’s match, Allie’s wealthy parents move the family away, leaving the then-teenage girl heartbroken.

Desperate to move on, she volunteers as a nurse and quickly gets engaged to wealthy lawyer Captain Lon Hammond (James Marsden).

Upon learning that Noah never gave up on their relationship and sent letters from the front line, Allie abandons her fiancé to reunite with her first love.

It’s then revealed that the older couple are Noah and Allie, with the heiress now being treated for dementia at the care home.

In the final scene, a nurse finds that they’ve passed away peacefully holding each other’s hands, in a moment that would make even the steeliest of us break down and cry.

New Line Cinema

Despite this ending being pretty iconic, Netflix have uploaded an alternative version to the UK streaming platform – much to the annoyance of fans.

Instead of the heartbreaking original ending, viewers will now watch a rather awkward shot of seagulls flying across the lake.

Whilst most of us will understand the metaphor, it’s not nearly as impactful as the original.

So, why change it?

New Line Cinema

Well, it turns out it’s pretty common for big Hollywood studios to have multiple endings for different regions – especially for countries where English isn’t the first language.

In fact, director Joe Wright changed the ending of Pride and Prejudice for US viewers as he felt that stateside audiences would expect a bigger romantic gesture.

Rather than ending with Mr Bennet giving his blessing to Darcey and Elizabeth, the film ends with a sickly-sweet scene of the couple kissing under a star-filled sky.

The more you know, eh?