I'm a little out of my element with romantic films, so we decided to ask you "What's your favourite romantic movie and why do you love it?" Based on your responses, and our own feedback we have compiled a list of 6 essential Valentine's Day movies. There's a little bit of everything on our list.
1: Staple
The Notebook (2004)
You know The Notebook is an essential valentine movie when 22% of our entries named it their favourite. This story follows a poor yet passionate young man who falls in love with a rich young woman. They are soon separated because of their social differences.
Critics gave The Notebook a bit of a hard time when it was released, but that hasn't stopped audiences from loving this modern-day romantic classic.
It's stated time and time again how this movie doesn't lose steam on repeated viewings. With strong lead actors in Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling (good Canadian kid) I can see why it's so popular.
2: Classic
Ghost (1990)
After a young man is murdered, his spirit comes back to warn his lover of impending danger, with help from a reluctant psychic. Ghost takes elements from the drama, fantasy, and romance genres to create this film about absolute true love. And just like Tina Ryan of Prince Rupert described Ghost, "It's a classic."
I will admit, this is the only film on our list that I haven't watched. In lieu of a personal, heart-felt review, I will leave you with a fun fact related to the film.
Whoopi Goldberg won an Oscar for her supporting role in Ghost. When she shipped her Oscar in 2002 to be cleaned by the manufacturing company, it mysteriously disappeared from its package. The working theory is that during the shipping process someone opened the package and stole the Oscar before resealing it. Afterward they got cold feet and tossed it away. It was found in Ontario, California and returned to Goldberg, where she says it will never leave her house again.
3: Something (Very) Different
True Romance (1993)
From writer Quentin Tarantino, True Romance is not your average romantic movie. This film follows a lonely pop culture geek who marries a call girl and subsequently steals a valuable briefcase from her "employer", and tries to sell it in Hollywood. This results in the Mob trying to track the young couple down and reclaim their stolen goods.
As Daryl Adams of Prince Rupert says that True Romance falls "outside of the norm" for romantic films, but that's part of what makes it so memorable. The script is a wild blend of action and dark comedy wrapped around an unconventional love story.
Lead by Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette, and with a supporting cast comprised of Gary Oldman, Brad Pitt and Samuel L. Jackson, True Romance proves that romantic movies can still be fun.
4: Rom-Com
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
A lot of men tend to stay away from romantic movies, but I don't think that's the case with Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Jason Segel's writing debut is a hit I've watched too many times to count.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall follows a devastated Peter (Segel) on his Hawaiian vacation he takes to escape his recent break-up with TV star, Sarah Marshall. Of course she's at the same resort with her new celebrity boyfriend.
I think Wade Grant of Kitimat said it best when he described the film saying, "It's funny as hell." There is tons of humour throughout this movie and the cast keeps you laughing even in the film's darkest moments. This movie is funny as hell, and if you haven't watched it do yourself a favour.
5: I'm just hear to see who won the contest, but I don't like romantic movies
Gladiator (2000)
Are you not entertained (by romantic movies)? Then snuggle up with Gladiator this Valentine's Day. The winner of 5 Academy Awards, including best picture, follows a former Roman General who sets out to exact vengeance against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family and sent him into slavery.
Gladiator isn't just a routine action film. It is on an epic scale, but doesn't skimp on the essentials. Yes it is thrilling with fantastic editing and visual effects, but it's still emotionally powerful.
Ridley Scott's epic has no shortage of action and violence, without sacrificing substance. Along with top-tier performances from Russel Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, this film is a must watch this Valentine's Day, or really any day.
6: Editor's Choice
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
From the mind of Charlie Kaufman, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind follows a couple who's relationship goes sour and choose to undergo a medical procedure to have each other erased from their memories.
Even though this film is a bit out there and wacky, it still sticks the landing on all of the serious elements within the story. You'll still get a tearjerker, but it's a fun ride the whole way through. I'm not much for romantic movies, but a great movie is a great movie. Especially when it doubles as a sci-fi film.
It also comes with all-star cast composed of Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Elijah Wood, Mark Ruffalo, Kirsten Dunst, and Tom Wilkinson. Did I mention that film won best original screenplay at the 2005 Academy Awards? Definitely worth a watch.
Also not one person voted for this movie, what gives?
Thank you to everyone who entered our Valentine's Day promotion. And congratulations to our winner, Wade Grant of Kitimat.
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