It’s February again, the season of Valentines Day … a time for romance. it’s about time I dedicate a month to the subject. All throughout February, I’ll be posting romantic themed posts, and It’ll all lead to a review of what I consider to be Shakespeare’s greatest adaption of “Romeo and Juliet” ... sort off. Lets start things off with the big one, a count down of my own personal top 10 favorite Romantic movies. Now, this has been a challenging list to assemble, as Romance isn’t in my wheel house of favorite genera’s … not that I have any animosity for it, but I’ve always preferred romance when parried with other movie categories like musicals, fantasies or animated films. I’ve probably only seen around twenty-five movies that are solely romantic pictures with no tie-ins to other categories. As such, a real favorite romantic movie countdown for me is mostly going to feature films that crossover into other genera’s. Still, it’s the Valentines season, and this is something I’ve always wanted to do. The only condition I’m setting for myself is a single animated picture, and a single romantic themed musical … otherwise this list would be comprised of nothing but films like “West Side Story” or Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” ... and that would just be too easy. With that said … let the romance begin.
#10 “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961)
Audrey Hepburn plays Holly Golightly, a “free spirited” young woman, who has a pen-chance for high-fashion, wild parties and is overly fond of Tiffany’s jewelry. Her high-spirited nature gets the attention of her neighbor, a lonely writer named Paul, who’s struggling to get anything off the ground.
As the two get close, Paul learns that for all her boasting of being a free spirit, she’s in fact living in a cage of her own making … as she’s terrified to form attachments to anyone or anything, even to the extent of referring to her cat as “cat” and nothing else. She even throws the poor thing out in the rain when she fears she’s getting too fond of it. Now, Paul has to encourage Holly to steer her life in a firm direction, and breakout of that mental box she’s sealed herself in. Director Black Edwards, famous for “The Pink Panther”, among other comedies, seemingly blends his trademark style of hummer, with a genuinely fulfilling romance in this classic piece of Hollywood cinema. While there are some faulty taboos of the time, and an inexcusable racial presentation from Mickey Rooney, the film still holds up … especially with Audrey Hepburn’s delightful portrayal lighting-up the screen. It really was a performance for the ages, and one that young female actors still draw inspiration from to this day. Plus, the final scene in the cab, followed by the romantic kiss in the rain … simply one of the greatest endings to ever come from the genera.
Audrey Hepburn plays Holly Golightly, a “free spirited” young woman, who has a pen-chance for high-fashion, wild parties and is overly fond of Tiffany’s jewelry. Her high-spirited nature gets the attention of her neighbor, a lonely writer named Paul, who’s struggling to get anything off the ground.
#9 “Titanic” (1997)
Like this movie even needs an introduction … while the tragic sinking of the Titanic has always been common knowledge, it became an inescapable part of our pop-culture thanks to the overwhelming popularity of this film.
Being honest for a moment, I’ve always fond this film a pinch overrated. James Cameron basically gave us a movie that crossed a traditional Hollywood romance with a heartbreaking historical drama, and a little too often I found the fictional elements overshadowed the significantly more important historical presentation. Still, I’m not going to pretend that I don’t like this movie either, as it’s consistently engaging to watch, the cast play their parts well, and the emotional horror and tragedy of the situation still hit home. Even the romance is done well, and there’s no shortage of memorable highlights ... including yet another excellent final scene, which is another one of my favorite moments from any romantic picture I’ve ever viewed. The film is likewise visually striking to look at, and James Honors music score is one of the great iconic film compositions that has yet to be surpassed in the realms of romantic cinema.
#8 “A Walk in the Clouds” (1995)
Just a reminder, I’m not making a list of most classic romantic titles, or the films that set best with the critics, these are just my own personal favorites … and for whatever reason, 1995’s “A Walk in the Clouds” has always stuck with me. Keanu Reeves plays a War Veteran named Paul Sutton, who is having difficulty forgetting the recent horrors of WWII.
One day, Paul meets a distraught pregnant woman whose boyfriend has abandoned her. To help out, Paul poses as her husband for her family, and finds himself in a difficult situation. However, the more time he spends in the families crop fields, the more he finds himself genuinely falling in love, as well as develops a sense of belonging, and the pains of war are getting less difficult to live with. This was one of those films that gained a lot of attention upon it’s release, but has sense disappeared with its decade. It didn’t help that the film was loathed by most critics, although there were sum that sang the films praise … namely my favorite movie critic ever Roger Ebert, who said of the film …“"A Walk in the Clouds" is a glorious romantic fantasy, aflame with passion and bittersweet longing. One needs perhaps to have a little of these qualities in one's soul to respond fully to the film, which to a jaundiced eye might look like overworked melodrama, but that to me sang with innocence and trust”. That in a nutshell is precisely how I feel, as there’s something magical to the films presentation and tone, that it genuinely conveys a sense of a sweeping period romance … regardless of the elements that some may quickly right off as “cheap melodrama”.
#7 Baz Luhrmann’s “Romeo + Juliet” (1996)
Here it is, arguably the most famous romance title ever, adapted for film numerous times … including the great 1968 classic … but my favorite version by far is Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 hit sensation.
While this version remains the timeless story of love at first sight, and teenage romance ruined by family strife, there’s one major difference … it’s set in modern times. Actually, there’s a second difference, and that’s Baz Luhrmann’s distinct vision and style. Even when at their weakest, I’ve always loved watching Baz Luhrmann’s movies, as he’s a filmmaker who always brings a distinct look, vision and production to his films. All the iconic moments we recognize from “Romeo & Juliet” are all ingrained in my mind through this film’s presentation … the love at first sight moment in which the two first see each-other through a crowded fish tank … the balcony scene being set in a swimming pool … Romeo’s vengeful outburst leading into an exciting car chase … and of course the tragic ending, but this time featuring our two lovers locking eyes with one another just before they die. This is the version that seems to attract young teen viewers, and what a perfect way to be introduced to one of the greatest works of literature.
#6 “The Princess Bride” (1987)
A grandfather pays a visit to his sick grandson, played by Fred Savage, and reads him a bedtime story … which the boy in none too thrilled by.
The story takes place in a fantasy land, and revolves around a Princess, who’s kidnaped by villains, and yet is pursued by a mysterious masked man … who might just be her long-lost love coming to the rescue. There’s nothing too original about the premise, as it’s been done to death, and supper cliched … and yet, through its execution, charming tone, lovable cast, and inspiring sense of hummer … this film from start to finish is irresistibly delightful. In many respects, I really related to the boy played by Fred Savage, as I was a narrow-sighted kid that just wanted to play video games and had no interest in a mushy romance. Yet, the film draws you in with it’s fantasy charms, it’s creature effects, it’s swashbuckling action, it’s quotable lines, and by the end … I was fully on board with the romance. Cary Elwes was at the height of his carrier, and the remaining cast including Walace Shawn, Billy Crystal, Mandy Patinkin and all the others just so much warmth and joy to the film.
#5 “To Catch a Thief” (1955)
When it comes to the work of Alfred Hitchcock, he’s often associated with crime thrillers, murder mysteries, and on occasion … straight up horror. Still, he’s always had an eye for romance, and in this 50’s classic, he manages to combine a steamy infatuation, with a genuine “who done it mystery” that will leave you guessing to the end.
There’s a consistent charm factor that carries this film, largely thanks to its perfectly matched stars Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. Both had their experiences staring in Hitchcock classics prior to this, and both are dynamite together on screen. Cary Grant plays a retired Jewel thief on parole, and is the prime suspect for a string of thefts similar to one’s he performed years ago. Eager to clear his name, Cary uses a beautiful and wealthy playgirl as a means to bait out the real thief. However, the playgirl played by Grace Kelly knows of his past life, believes him guilty of all crimes, and likewise hates a plan to bait him in … not to serve justice, but simply for the excitement of hooking up with a famous criminal. The iconic night-time sequence in her penthouse, with the fireworks going off in the distance … is one of the most delicious seduction scenes ever put to film. Hitchcock also gives this movie a distinct look, with gorgeous set designs, colorful lighting, and extravagant costumes. Romance on its own is good, and it’s all the more exciting when at the center of a cat and mouse game.
#4 “Edward Scissorhands” (1990)
When a kind inventor sadly passes away, he leaves behind a synthetic youth named Edward, who’s burdened with razor sharp scissors for hands. Despite his threatening look and foreboding nature, Edward is in fact a kind, gentle creature who’s desperate to find love and affection.
His big heart works its way into a sympathetic young woman named Kim, who’s the only one capable of seeing past his goulash exterior. It’s the classic formula of a beautiful woman discovering the heart and soul in a deformed outcast, which is a tale preserved through the ages in stories like “Beauty and the Beast”, “The Phantom of the Opera”, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” … and even “King Kong”. Personally, “Edward Scissorhands” is my favorite of them all, and a true modern fairytale classic. For me, there’s a difference between a writer’s romantic story, and a filmmaker’s romantic experience, and Tim Burton is a master of conveying emotions through a visual media. All the romantic elements are captured through distinct moments, and the touching connections are made mostly through physical expressions, as opposed to straight on conversations. It’s a real art when properly executed, and it goes to show the talent involved in this project. Plus, this film contains one of the most heartbreaking exchanges ever … Kim: “Hold Me” … Edward: “I Can’t”. Both Johnny Depp and Winoda Ryder make for a terrific on-screen pair, Dany Elfman’s captivating musical score is downright entrancing, and Tim Burtons art direction is about as unique as they get.
#3 “Your Name” (2017)
Writer-Director Makoto Shinkai's has had quiet the filmography, and with the 2017 picture “Your Name”, he’s easily the next Hayao Miyazaki. We’re all familiar with the concept of body swapping films in the vain of “Freaky Friday” and so forth, but “Your Name” adds a very magical new ingredient to the formula.
A Japanese boy and girl from opposite sides of the country find themselves randomly exchanging bodies, and while it’s not a permanent swap, they find themselves frequently switching back and forth without warning. Neither can figure out why it’s happening, but it’s through this bizarre experience of spending time in each other’s shoes that they learn so much about one another, and subsequently do each other a favor by bringing out the best in themselves. Their only means of communication are though notes that one writes for the other while in their swapped bodies, and even though they don’t physically interact, they do still form a powerful bond though what they learn of one another. In short, it’s one of the most unique love stories I’ve ever experienced, and there’s an additional twist at the end which makes it all the more impactful. The emotional implications of the film are balanced out with some of the most stunning artistry I’ve ever seen in an animated picture. It’s because of movies like this that I love Japanese Anime, as they frequently tell stories, and share experiences that you just don’t get in common American movies. It’s just a beautiful masterpiece that interweaves themes of time, the thread of fate, and the hearts of two young souls in one deeply moving package.
#2 “Moulin Rouge!” (2001)
Baz Luhrmann returns to my list once again, and make no mistake … this is one of my all-time favorite movies, and could have easily been number one. However, my love for this movie is really for its musical implications, so I don’t feel right putting it at the number one spot.
Never the less, "Moulin Rouge!" takes the familiar formula of “love at first sight”, tilts it on its side, and crafts something that’s both wildly original in presentation and structure. In this film, Luhrmann presents his romantic story from three different perspectives … the grim reality of a tragic future … a stage production, in which fantasy is real, and a happy ending lasts forever … and present-day events that mix the elements of fantasy and reality together. Needless to say, the movie is one big love letter to theatrical musical productions … it knows it’s over the top … it knows it’s cliched … and it just has a blast going all out with its presentation. Even the songs aren’t original, but they’re still great classics given a new voice. Nicole Kidman shines in the lead role, and while the romance is very theatrical, it still fits with the film’s presentation, and is genuinely sweet. In all honesty, I just love looking at this movie, as there’s so much color, so much detail, so much atmosphere, and every time I watch this film I notice something new. It’s simply a big spectacle celebrating the art of theatrical musicals, with big song numbers, big cinematography, big emotions, big set designs … it’s completely over the top … and I love it.
Before I reveal my number one favorite, here are some quick Honorable Mentions …
“A Walk to Remember”
“Casablanca”
“The Quiet Man”
“The Time Travelers Wife”
“Pride and Prejudice”
#1“Ever After: A Cinderella Story” (1998)
Director Andy Tennant brings us a very special version of the well-known Cinderella fable, one that’s rooted in history, and with no fantasy elements of any sort. The result is a romance picture that I think can appeal to anyone, regardless if their genera fans or not. Even though it doesn’t have any fantasy elements, it still feels magical, and there’s just something about the overall experience that warms the heart.
The righting is clever, the characters are interesting, the villain is fun, there’s enough changes to keep it fresh, and yet it still stays true to the heart of the story. The girls get to show off their beautiful dresses, while also injecting the film with enough action and adventure. Yeah, even Cinderella gets to swing a sword, but in a cool way that doesn’t feel out of character. Leading the charge is Drew Barrymore, who absolutely shines in the lead role, portraying Cinderella as girl who’s fiercely independent, but still interesting, and vulnerable enough to make an emotional connection with. Anjelica Huston likewise delivers as the evil step-mother, who’s evil, but also kind of intriguing. Director Andy Tennant has had a mixed carrier, but this in my opinion was his absolute best work, with a distinct creative vision, as well as a great screen play to put on his resume. Finally, unlike any other version of Cinderella I’ve seen, this one really nails the romance. The relationship between Prince and Princess to be is bursting with chemistry, but it’s also well structured, and by the end, it just brings me joy to see them together. Even some of the side characters, like the old couple have some downright heartfelt moments. “Ever After: A Cinderella Story” is just plain sweet, smart, stylish, and it’s the one straight forward romance picture that I’m consistently drawn to re-watching the most.
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!
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