Sometimes, when the day of love rolls around, the chalky candy-hearts and the toothpaste chocolates just don’t cut it with setting the romantic mood. For those couples who want to avoid the hassle of making dinner reservations, sorting out an elaborate date or thinking of something extraordinary to do, sometimes the best thing is just to sit down, cuddle up on the couch and watch a movie.
Yes, yes, it is true; there are plenty of terrible romance movies out there. That is why we have done the choosing for you. Here are some lovely movie recommendations for that special lovely day.
“Love Actually”
The title says it all. Through irresistible British humor, “Love Actually” dives into the relationships of eight different couples, sometimes being brutally honest with the many forms that love can take. This movie features Alan Rickman (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”), Liam Neeson (“Taken”) and Hugh Grant (“Notting Hill”). “Love Actually” is a laugher and a crier, exploring lust, love, friendship and family.
“About Time”
Another classic, heart-warming British romcom, “About Time” takes a simple love story (awkward boy meets beautiful girl) and puts a bit of a twist on it. Not only does this movie speak about love, but it speaks about true happiness in general (who doesn’t want to hear about happiness?). Relationships flow throughout this movie; father and son, mother and son, brother and sister, husband and wife. It is a challenge not to weep tears of happiness (and a bit of sadness) when watching this movie.
“Lost In Translation”
No typical romance is found during the entirety of this movie. Sofia Coppola, the writer and director, did an incredible job creating a movie about an honest sort of love. The plot revolves around two unlikely people, an older, commercial actor (Bill Murray “St. Vincent”) and a young newly-wed (Scarlett Johansson “Lucy”). They find themselves both in Japan, lonely and searching for some sort of companionship. This movie is about a subtle love and it escapes all sorts of romantic stereotypes—absolutely worth a watch.
“Crazy Stupid Love”
This one is refreshing, funny, witty and absolutely honest when it comes to love. There is lost love, burnt-out love, secret love, odd love, Ryan Gosling love, lustful love, crazy love and stupid love. Love is transformed into a giant web of “he loves her but she loves someone else” and this is a rare romantic comedy that doesn’t fail to shock an audience.
“The Graduate”
Quite the peculiar romance, “The Graduate” is the story of a college graduate, Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman “Rain Man”), as he is given the opportunity to have an affair with Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft “Elephant Man”), the mother of Elaine, a peer love interest for Benjamin. This movie questions maturity, honesty and just how far one will go for their “true” love.
“Reservoir Dogs”
Sometimes, the aura of love and romance can be a bit overwhelming on Valentine’s Day. Certain couples would much rather just use Feb. 14 as a day to simply spend some quality time with one another. Thus, for those couples who just want to watch an excellent, sans-romance film—or for those who want to avoid the lovey-dovey day altogether—we have a recommendation for you as well.
Quentin Tarantino’s first film—and arguably his best—is a brilliantly written story of a heist gone wrong. Truly not for the faint-of-heart, this film is most definitely gory. With that said, it also has an amazing soundtrack, a talented cast, an outstanding director at the helm and a mysterious plot that will keep you engaged the entire time.
Sure, you could go ice skating or you could go out to a fancy dinner or you could go putt putt golfing (is that what couples do?). But in reality, sometimes it is best to just watch a movie with that special someone. Happy Valentine’s Day, and happy movie-watching.
