About Time:
About Time is directed by Richard Curtis and stars Domhnall Gleeson as Tim Lake and Rachel McAdams as Mary. It also features Bill Nightly, Tom Hollander, and Margot Robbie. Tim has a secret, he can time-travel. The films takes us on a journey through Tim’s love life and family life. We get to see how he grows as a person and how his gift helps him appreciate his life. Viewers experience grief, love, and acceptance. It brings up these big heart breaking topics while also capitalizing on the little things in life, making it a sweet movie to watch during Valentines.
The Proposal:
The Proposal is a very underrated rom-com. Directed by Anne Fletcher, the film follows Margaret Tate and Andrew Paxon, played by Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, as they are forced to fall in love with each other. Margaret plays the mean boss who seems to have no emotion. While her assistant Andrew has an aspiration to become a book editor like her. Margaret forces Andrew to marry her when she finds out she is soon to be deported. Their love journey is a roller coaster from the beginning making it a hilarious viewing experience. Betty White also does a fantastic job in the movie.
Pride and Prejudice:
One of the greatest movies of all time and most romantic love stories ever. Joe Wright’s Pride and Prejudice, in my opinion, grants us with the best adaptation of Jane Austen’s famous novel. This enemies to lovers trope follows Elizabeth Bennet, an independent, intelligent, and beautiful woman, played by Keira Knightley. Alongside Mr. Darcy, a reserved, arrogant, and handsome man, played by Matthew Macfadyen. As they learn they are in love with each other but must overcome their pride to show for it. This film is an emotional masterpiece that presents the yearning of love in a beautiful and enchanting way.
Your Name:
Your Name is regarded as one of the greatest animated movies of all time. Its magical plot, compelling characters, and pure love make this film the phenomenal production that it is. It is directed by Makoto Shinkai and focuses on the lives of strangers Taki Tachibana and Mitsuha Miyamizu, voiced by Rynosuke Kamiki and Mone Kamishiraishi. One day Taki and Mitsuha wake up in each other’s bodies and must learn to adjust their lives to the other. They realize there is a reason this is happening and become determined to find the other person. Through this process, the two find love within each other, despite having never met. This movie is truly a masterpiece and will have you crying by the end.
Before Sunrise:
Directed by Richard Linklater, Before Sunrise follows Jesse Wallace, played by Ethan Hawke and Celine, played by Julie Delpy, as they stroll about Vienna. After meeting on a train the two form a connection and don’t want it to end, so Jesse spontaneously hops off the train with Celine and they spend a night in the Vienna streets talking and forming a connection. Sadly, this is most likely the only time they will ever see each other. The film captures your heart with its pure love, beautiful monologues, and a bit of pretentiousness. In my opinion, it is the best love movie ever made. And if you like it, check out Before Sunset and Before Midnight, the sequels.
Crazy Rich Asians:
The cinematography, the colors, the message, and the love are all so beautiful throughout this movie. Directed by Jon M. Chu, Crazy Rich Asians features Constance Wu as Rachel Chu, Henry Golding as Nick Young, while also including Michelle Yeoh, Gemma Chan, and Ken Jeong. The film takes you on a crazy journey through the eyes of Rachel as she visits her boyfriend’s rich family for the first time. She has to fight for the approval of his mother which strains the relationship between her and Nick. It is an amazing rom-com and deserves your watch.
The Lobster:
Unlike the other films on this list, The Lobster has a very unique take on love. The director Yorgos Lanthimos is famous for his absurd dystopian movies and The Lobster fits right into that category. It stars Colin Farrel as David, Rachel Weisz as “Short Sighted Women” along with Oliva Coleman, John C. Reilly, and more. In this dystopian world, all single people must go to a hotel where they have to find themselves a partner, otherwise they will be turned into an animal. This film expresses love in an unconventional way while also questioning the societal standards of love.
The Princess Bride:
The Princess Bride is a classic. Directed by Rob Reiner, also known for directing When Harry Met Sally, Stand By Me, and many more, this film is a satire on fairy tales and their stereotypical characters. The film features actors Cary Elwes as Westley, Robin White and Princess Buttercup, Mandy Patinkin as Inigo Montoya, Chris Sarandon as Prince Humperdinck along with more popular names. The film shares the love story between Westley and Princess Buttercup as they have to fight to keep it. Its witty dialogue and unserious plot produce an amazingly hilarious movie.
