This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UPR chapter.
Boy and Girl Meets. Boy and Girl fall in love. Blah blah blah. Film ends with a cinematic kiss.
If you’re tired of the same old, same old Nicholas Sparks post-The Notebook melodramas and the predictable rom-coms, here’s a list of alternative romantic films to watch this upcoming Valentine’s Day, ranging from the very best classics to the fantastic unknown:
When Harry Met Sally… (1989) – This beloved romantic comedy is centered around that burning question: can men and women be just friends? Not Harry and Sally, that’s for sure. This funny and realistic story shows the main characters developing a friendship throughout the years and slowly but surely falling in love. As opposed to most rom-coms, it truthfully portrays the complexity of adult romantic relationships while making you laugh out loud.
Silver Linings Playbook (2012) – Pat and Tiffany, both broken-hearted and very mentally ill, meet through mutual friends. Pat agrees to partner up with Tiffany for a dance competition, and in exchange Tiffany will deliver his letter to his estranged wife. This unpredictable and hilarious story shows two misunderstood people finding comfort and stability in each other, without implying that love is the cure to their ailments.
Amélie (2001) – This original and hilarious French film tells the story of Amélie Poulain, a sheltered and kind girl that decides to help others and finds love along the way. It’s beautifully shot and its quirky and fantastic characters are impossible not to love. Truly one-of-a-kind.
Obvious Child (2014) – Donna is a twenty-something comedienne who lost her job, got dumped by her boyfriend, and is pregnant after a one-night stand with charming nice guy Max. She decides to get an abortion on Valentine’s Day, but while the date arrives she keeps running into Max. This indie film is fantastic for combining an honest discussion on such a sensitive topic and a realistic and sweet romance.
Trainwreck (2015) – In this Golden Globe-nominated comedy, Amy Townsend is a successful journalist with a fear of commitment who has a change of heart when she meets Aaron Rogers, a renowned sport physician and surgeon. This movie is a breath of fresh air from the “will they or will they not” routine as we watch Amy and Aaron’s relationship blossom, and then wither as a result of Amy’s issues. It aptly balances romance, comedy, and family drama. Also, Amy Schumer’s character defies the norms of “femininity” and is far from the typical demure, neurotic, workaholic rom-com heroine. Amy is, in her own words, “a sexual girl”, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001) – Bridget Jones is an adorkable, flawed, relatable thirty-something who doesn’t quite have things figured out. She finds herself involved with her womanizing, egomaniac boss Daniel, and pursued by human rights lawyer and family friend Mark, who she finds absolutely unappealing, and learns along the way the difference between passion and love. What’s so great about this story is that Bridget’s story doesn’t just revolve around the men in her life. It shows Bridget’s relationship with her friends and her family, as well as her personal and professional growth. It’s also very refreshing that an (gasp) imperfect woman like Bridget receives so much attention from these two men.
A Single Man (2009) – Colin Firth plays depressed college professor George trying to get by after the tragic death of his longtime partner, Jim. Supporting actors Julianne Moore and Nicholas Hoult take the cake and complement Firth’s triumphant performance beautifully. The film is honest, heartbreaking, and portrays the struggles of same-sex couples in the 1960’s. It’s not exactly uplifting, but it is a great love story, nevertheless.
Elsa & Fred (2005) – This Spanish-Argentinian hit tells the story of Fred, a hypochondriac widower that after moving to a new building meets Elsa, an Argentinian, lively, compulsive liar. Elsa pushes Fred out of his comfort zone and teaches him to live again. This movie is greatly acted and written. The best thing about it is that the plot doesn’t revolve around the characters’ ages, but rather around how they make each other better and happier. It’s sweet, it’s sad, and most of all, it’s full of hope. There’s also a later American version.
Just Wright (2010) – Queen Latifah stars in this story about a physical therapist that falls in love with an NBA basketball player. Leslie Wright has problems finding the right man because of her one-of-the-guys attitude and being outshone by her attention-seeking, ambitious chameleon of a best friend, Morgan. It becomes evident when she meets NBA star Scott McKnight, and he promptly falls for Morgan. Is it formulaic? Very. But how many rom-coms have plus-size, crazy confident female leads whose weigh is not an issue in the plot?
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) – Joel and Clementine go through a rough patch in their relationship. After a heated altercation, he meets with her again and discovers that she has impulsively gone through a procedure that erased him from her memory. Destroyed, he decides to do the same but through his loss rediscovers his love for Clementine. Clementine and Joel are very real and vey complex characters, and not only is the movie incredibly original and has superb acting, writing, and directing, but also teaches that love doesn’t have to be perfect to be worth it. No matter how tough and complicated things are, it urges you not to give up on the person you love.
Other Recommendations:
Musicals – Grease (1978), Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Comedies – The Princess Bride (1987), The Proposal (2009), Hitch (2005), But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)
Dramas – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), Jane Eyre (2011)
A little bit of everything – Pride and Prejudice (2005), Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (2008)