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For Valentine’s Day, here’s a list of films which over my thirty-something-so-called-life, have represented “romance.” Most are romantic comedies while a few are more studies on the idea of love, but all are movies where the concept of two people, drawn together, is the driving force.
Notting Hill
Directed by Roger Michell
Starring Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant
This film really brings out the hopeless romantic in me. Part of the appeal is how the traditional male-female roles are flipped - Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) is the famous, powerful one, while Will Thacker (Hugh Grant) basically waits around helplessly until she gets her head on straight, and admits she’s just a girl, standing there…
But there are plenty of additional, fun touches that make this film enjoyable - the shifty, perverted roommate, Will’s loyal friends, the culture clash between “average” and “famous,” and of course a great cover song by Elvis Costello, included in a film montage of changing seasons.
Annie Hall
Amazon Link
Directed by Woody Allen
Starring Woody Allen, Diane Keaton
I wrote a more substantial essay on Annie Hall which you can read here. It’s an exploration of how two people have a serious go at a relationship but it slowly crumbles. It’s a more realistic and sensible take on the stages a relationship can go through. You also get to see why Diane Keaton still gets to star in movies today - just her smiling, “la dee da” face sums up “romantic comedy” for an entire generation. Lastly, there’s Allen’s take on “needing the eggs” a comic update on Tennyson.
My Best Friend’s Wedding
Amazon Link
Directed by P.J. Hogan
Starring Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz
While Julia Roberts plays “evil” in this picture, it’s worthy of note as there’s some questioning as to how far love should go - when what’s best for the one you’re in love with means letting them go. Essentially, Julianne’s (Julia Roberts) best friend Michael (Dermot Mulroney) is getting married to someone who is nearly her complete opposite, the sunny, perpetually grinning Kimberly (Cameron Diaz). I guess that’s not a super-profound situation, but this movie isn’t either. It’s just fun, plus you get to see Chicago and enjoy some funny songs, and get to meet the terribly dashing George (Rupert Everett).
A Room With A View
Amazon Link
Directed by James Ivory
Starring Helena Bonham Carter, Julian Sands
My wife always sobs at the end of this movie, and I know why I’m married. Based on the book by E.M. Forster, it’s a beautifully filmed trip to Italy, and much of the film is someone - Lucy (Helena Bonham Carter) - resisting true love - George (Julian Sands) - when it’s right there in front of them. A bonus element is seeing scads of great British thespains in funny supporting roles (Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Daniel Day-Lewis, Denholm Elliott). There’s also a healthy dose of male full frontal nudity and last century’s version of an “uber-nerd” in the form of Cecil (Daniel Day-Lewis).
Roman Holiday
Amazon Link
Directed by William Wyler
Starring Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck
A reporter winds up babysitting a princess in the romantic location of Rome. Keeping it all a secret while still having a good time is the source of much entertainment. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and this film’s resolution is a masterpiece - of knowing what the audience might want, but going with what the plot and characters dictate, but ultimately, we love them more because they don’t act stupid and betray their natures.
Casablanca
Amazon Link
Directed by Michael Curtiz
Starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman
Here too, is a film where the situation brought up by the story means the two lovers can’t be together. But at the same time, we’re dealing with war, a seedy bar a dangerous location, and obligations and loyalties pulling the characters in directions far larger than their fickle emotions. The gravelly Humphrey Bogart is perfectly paired with the smoldering Ingrid Bergman. When someone says: “We’ll always have Paris,” it brings back everything the two lovers denied in order to make a small difference in the world.
Pride & Prejudice
Amazon Link
Directed by Joe Wright
Starring Keira Knightley, Rosamund Pike
A more recent period piece, where Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) is surprisingly strong-willed amongst a family where her and all her sisters are basically fodder for weddings. It’s based on a Jane Austen novel, and is all about the glorious, romantic settings, Knightley’s swan like neck, and the determined way Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen) stomps over a pasture that makes me get all weepy inside. Sigh.
The Story of Adele H
Amazon Link
Directed by Francois Truffaut
Starring Isabelle Adjani, Bruce Robinson
Adele H. is the daughter of Victor Hugo, the famous writer. She’s madly in love with Lt. Pinson, who wants nothing to do with her. Their consensual romance is in the past - left to the imagination - and the film documents what happens when one person refuses to let go. The period piece follows Adele on her obsessive, inane path until one crucial scene which to me anyhow, really represents the strange places a person may be taken when in love - where infatuation leads to obsession and insanity. (Note: please don’t rent this with the intent of a “date movie.” You might get in trouble!)
Disclosure: The above reference to “Paris” could be Paris the city, Paris Gellar from Gilmore Girls, ParisLemon the blogger, or Paris Hilton. I have no financial relationship with any of them.
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You just knew I would post my list in a comment: http://engtech.wordpress.com/2007/02/08/top-romance-movies-76-romantic-flicks-for-guys-and-girls/
I’m surprised we didn’t have more movies lining up. I think that might be because of my personal prejudice against Julia though.
Maybe I’ll watch Roman Holiday tonight.
My only strong disagreement was Room with a View, but I have a trouble with staying awake for all period movies other than Dangerous Liaisons.
Eng I definitely liked a lot of the films on your list - but because I couldn’t compete with your extensive-ness, I just narrowed films down to the handful I really love - these are ones I own or want to.
While I did find Julia Roberts appealing in the above two, I haven’t cared for much she’s been in since (Runaway Bride, Mona Lisa Smile).
Yeah I’m partial to period flicks. Pride and Prejudice was really affecting. I’ve watched many of the Merchant and Ivory deals but for me, Room With A View is still tops.
Can’t go wrong with Roman Holiday! I think it’s Audrey Hepburn’s best.
I’m going to have to see the P&P remake then as well.
If Pride and Prjudice gets dull for you, just focus on Kiera Knightley’s neck and pretend all the men are pirates
It’s a long story that I can’t go into, but that would get me into more trouble than if I fell asleep during the movie.
nice Paris Hilton disclaimer, btw
You have a good list of romantic movies! Here’s a couple of others, and my favorite quotes from them:
The Notebook - “I am no one special. Just a common man with common thoughts. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten. But in one respect I have succeeded as gloriously as anyone who has ever lived. I loved another with all my heart and soul and for me that has always been enough.”
When Harry Met Sally - “When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”