Grab your popcorn (and/or chocolate), favorite drink to sip on, a box of tissues, and pop a squat in a cozy seat because today's post is all about the romantic films that top my list.
Before I get into it, let's breakdown what actually makes a great "romantic movie" in the first place! As a true #romantic, I am solely basing my opinion on what makes a great love story. Feel free to chime in by leaving your thoughts in the comments section below.
SCRIPT:
People don’t give screenwriters any credit. They are the ones putting in the time, sweat, tears, and heart into each line. Their words are the foundation that movies stands upon! To structure a story is hard work and especially when the constant task is to avoid coming off as cliche; being romantic in an innovative and refreshing way as if you’re planning to sweep the one you love off their feet or make up for lost time. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: The characters must be thoroughly developed possessing an originality that is relatable. They also must be established at the start of the movie so, we the audience, can connect with them causing us to care about their journey. ACTING: In this category, chemistry, must be ever present. The actors playing the lovers have to bring their “A game” convincing the audience of the magnitude of their characters ‘ attraction for each other. If they can’t accomplish this task then we can’t buy what they’re selling and we’re just counting the minutes the movie will be over! CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sharp shots, vibrant color, and unique angles come to my mind when I think of movies that really captivated my attention solely on how it was shot! In my opinion, when the acting is horrid and the script is weak, the cinematography, is the only hope left for that film. If it’s done right then it can save the day or otherwise the whole movie is a total bomb. SOUNDTRACK:
Music sets the tone establishing the mood of the scene. It is influential as it evokes our emotions bringing them to the surface. The perfect words and beat are the Greek choir to every romantic film!
FUN FACT:
I’m a sucker for montages: when I write a screenplay and when I watch a movie. Movies are “moving pictures”; nothing conveys that more perfectly than a well shot and well acted montage scene with a song that speaks the words the actors are embodying in their actions!
(Disclaimer: 4 out of the 10 on my list are #NicholasSparks...I couldn't resist! Some may consider him a "sappy writer", but I'm a dreamer and I find his novels and movies to be touching. Also, I will not be slating the synopsis for the movies, but I have provided links to IMDB for your consideration especially as you make your next selections on #netflix!)
10. "The Best of Me", 2014
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1972779/
Personally, "Rotten Tomatoes" is not to be trusted all of the time. They gave this film a mere 8%! I'm not sure if we watched the same movie but...I was balling like a teething baby. When a movie is done right, it has the power to resonate with the viewer in such away that hidden emotions have no choice but to become exposed. Stories of lovers being apart, having some unresolved situation standing in their way, gets me every time. To be honest, my favorite part of this movie was the air play of the song "Hold On" by Shel and Gareth Dunlop.
The lyrics resonated with me and it was my first time hearing the lovely tune via this film.
9. "Safe Haven", 2013
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1702439/?ref_=nv_sr_1
A misunderstood woman and a lonely widower make for one passionate combination. This movie is one of my favorites by Mr. Sparks and I don't know why! I enjoyed watching how the two strangers's relationship evolved into a friendship then ultimately lovers; becoming each other's "Safe Haven" when the waves of life came crashing in.
8. "The Time Traveler's Wife", 2009
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0452694/?ref_=nv_sr_1
She must really love her husband to put up with his episodes of constantly disappearing and reappearing days later; through some type of wormhole that enabled him to unexpectedly gallivant between the past and the future. The beauty of this film is watching the wife to this time traveler become stronger through every scene even though it was obvious that the circumstances of their relationship was wearing her down; she held on nonetheless because her husband knew that every time he returns she would be there!
7. "The Notebook", 2004
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0332280/?ref_=nv_sr_1
The thing about Nicholas Sparks is that you don't even have to read his novels to become immersed in the stories of his characters as they are being played out on screen. Even though I did read (and highlight and underline my favorite lines) the book of the same name when I was in high school, I felt that what I had imagined when reading was well captured in the movie. It's a classic romantic film that demonstrates the tenancity of love and how that same love may go through some trials, but it never gives up. "The Notebook" also exudes the powerful truth that every couple has their own unique story to tell!
6. "Message in a Bottle", 1999
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0139462/?ref_=nv_sr_2
A man's undying love for his deceased wife is admired by a stranger's empathy that ultimately enables him to let go. Recalling scenes from this movie warms my heart and sends the message to us all that there is love after loss.
5. "Titanic", 1997
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120338/?ref_=nv_sr_3
I saw this when I was a kid (had no business watching it then) and immediately got swept away by Jack and Rose's chemistry. The iconic scenes are burned in everyone's mind as they have become Pop Culture classics in our society. The actual ship and movie went down in history as unforgettable, breathtaking, and astounding.
4. "Shakespeare In Love", 1998
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0138097/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_23
I was an avid Shakespeare fanatic until I came across some research that may very well prove the reality of the acclaimed "greatest writer of all time". Either way, the plays are great pieces of work and thrilling for serious actors to dig into. This film is just as romantic as one of his plays as it shares the fictional story of the greatest romantic falling in love himself!
3. "Nights In Rodanthe", 2008
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0956038/?ref_=nv_sr_1
This movie strays away from cliches of casting youthful actors to play the love interests. The actors are mature yet exude their sexiness that is effortless captivating. This flick is an encouragement for those who think it's too late for them because of their age and/or their mistakes in life!
2. "Spellbound", 1945
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038109/?ref_=nv_sr_1
This Alfred Hitchcock showstopper will become a definite favorite of those romantics who enjoy a good "black and white flick" now and again. I actually watched this film in it's entirety on YouTube which provided great quality to my surprise as some of the uploads can be a hit or miss (more so a miss). Gregory Peck and Ingrid Bergman are electric. My favorite scene (of all time) is when the two first lay eyes on each other. I have butterflies just thinking about it #sigh!
1. "The Lake House", 2006
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0410297/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Even though it didn't make sense how the two lovers in this movie were able to make contact in such a supernatural way; "The Lake House" takes the cake in my book as thee most romantic film I've seen. I'm not saying that it is thee most romantic movie ever, but my eyes can't stay dry whenever I watch it (or even watch a scene of it on Youtube)! It tells the story of Destiny and how a powerful connection is worth fighting for; worth the wait!
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