[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXx-x5gdZmk[/youtube]
ONTD points us to this list in the Calgary Herald – romantic films since 2000 (important since all of the most romantic films occurred earlier). The article talks about why the films are so bad for us:
Dr. Bjarne Holmes and Kimberly Johnson at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh examined 40 popular romantic comedies from the six biggest Hollywood movie studios — including Notting Hill, How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days and You’ve Got Mail — and suggested they portray relationships with “both highly idealistic and undesirable qualities.” When problems or transgressions arise in these relationships (i.e. the third act of the film), they “have no real negative long-term impact on relationship functioning.”
I will offer up my favorites after theirs:
10) Love Actually (2003) — A predominantly British cast carries this Richard Curtis film through a series of different stories showing the different aspects of love. Despite the presence of both Hugh Grant and Colin Firth, it’s not as twee as you’d think.
9) The 40-Year Old Virgin (2005) — Writer/director Judd Apatow could have easily taken the raunchy route with his tale of a middle-aged virgin looking to “deflower,” but instead, this is a sweet, funny and insightful film. Steve Carell is likable as always, and Catherine Keener plays his perfect match.
8) Brokeback Mountain (2005) — The most romantic movies are about the subtle gestures, the moments in between intimacy, and Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain captures them against a vibrant Alberta landscape. Jake Gyllenhaal and the late Heath Ledger are amazing as ranch hands who fall in love.
7) Punch-Drunk Love (2002) — Punch-Drunk Love finds an unlikely Adam Sandler playing Barry Egan, a desperately lonely man prone to fits of rage. He finds the adorable Lena Leonard (Emily Watson) who somehow accepts him for who he is. P.T. Anderson (There Will Be Blood) directs.
6) Slumdog Millionaire (2008) — A young, uneducated boy from Mumbai’s slums appears on the Indian version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire not to win money, but because he thinks the love of his life might be watching. A great movie, on your own or with a loved one.
5) Once (2007) — A Dublin busker (Glen Hansard of The Frames) and a Czech immigrant (Marketa Iglova) meet on the street and soon start to make beautiful music together. Little but flirtation happens, but it happens with such a gorgeous soundtrack that you’re quickly swooned.
4) Wall-E (2008) — It’s almost sad that two animated robots floating in space can say more about love and romance than most real-life actors, but that’s what Pixar manages with the amazing Wall-E. Destined to become an animation classic.
3) Before Sunset (2004) — In 1995’s Before Sunrise, Ethan Hawk is Jesse, an American who spends a day in Vienna with a Parisian named Celine (Julie Delphy). Nine years later they reunite in Paris and spend the day walking and talking, and nothing more. Amazingly effective in its simplicity.
2) Amelie (2001) — This charming French film stars Audrey Tautou as Amelie Poulin, a young Parisian waitress who falls for a boy and sends him a series of photographs and riddles in order to make their first kiss the most romantic moment of her life.
1) Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) — Michel Gondry directs this beautiful film about a young couple (Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet) who fall out of love and decide to erase the other from their memory. Wonderfully shot and edited, this brilliant film leaves you guessing until the end.
I would keep Brokeback, Wall-E, Slumdog Millionaire, Eternal Sunshine, and Once and add:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
King Kong
Moulin Rouge
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaqYgWc8-vs[/youtube]
Lost in Translation:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZA5aRDjwmM[/youtube
The Lives of Others
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaqYgWc8-vs[/youtube]