This being Valentine's Day, I saw a list of the 10 Most Romantic Movies and as a confirmed Romance Reader, I gotta say I disagree with just about every one that was chosen!!
10. The Age of Innocence (1993)
Newland Archer (Daniel Day-Lewis) and Ellen Olenska (Michelle Pfeiffer) have a serious problem: they’re deeply in love, but family loyalty and fear of social ostracism stand in the way of their union. Martin Scorsese directs this adaptation of Edith Wharton’s novel about love in 19th century New York society. It’s a genuine heartbreaker.
They didn't end up together - what's romantic about that???
If we are talking DDL movies, Last of the Mohicans was ever so much better when it came to a romance movie.
9. When Harry Met Sally
When Harry Met Sally is Annie Hall in reverse. Rather than meet, fall in love, and break up, Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) are friends first and then realize they’re in love. Their New Year’s Eve reconciliation is pure fantasy—and what’s a celebration of love without a little glamour?
Billy Crystal is just not my idea of a romantic type hero
8. Say Anything (1989)
No film has captured the awkward wonder of first love as well as Say Anything. Neither smarmy nor clever—even stars John Cusack and Ione Skye are average-looking by Hollywood standards—it’s an earnest look at teenagers in love for the very first time. Dig up the old boom box.
I've never even heard of this one!!
7. Annie Hall (1977)
This tribute to a relationship that turned into a friendship is Woody Allen’s funniest and most heartfelt film. Diane Keaton plays Annie, the one who got away. Allen plays her boyfriend, Alvy Singer, a serial monogamist and hopelessly idealistic misanthrope.
Woody Allen *shudder* 'nough said
6. Remains of the Day (1973)
You wouldn’t think that an entirely unconsummated love affair between an English butler (Anthony Hopkins) and a housekeeper (Emma Thompson) would be so compelling. The surprise: it’s riveting. Remains of the Day is what happens when you find love but don’t have the courage to act on it.
I'm not saying no to this one - as I haven't seen it
5. Moonstruck (1987)
Moonstruck is a true romantic comedy: it’s funny and tender. Directed by Norman Jewison, Moonstruck sees Cher and Nicolas Cage play two eccentric lovelorn Italian Americans. He’s an opera-loving baker, she’s a widowed bookkeeper engaged to his brother. It’s an unlikely chemistry, but it works.
Nicolas Cage gives me headaches
4. Atonement (2007)
War and romance go together like peanut butter and jelly—that is if you like tears and bombs with your PB&J. This 2007 film, starring Keira Knightley and James McAvoy as young lovers separated by deception and the tides of history will break your heart.
Without giving TMI - I'm pretty sure one of the lovers in this movie dies. When that happens, it's crossed off my romantic movie to see list
3. Doctor Zhivago (1965)
If you have a few hours to spare—basically half a day—then Doctor Zhivago is the flick for you. Based on Boris Pasternak’s novel of the same name, the epic romance, directed by David Lean, takes place in the lead-up to and aftermath of the Russian Revolution. Omar Sharif and Julie Christie play doomed lovers Yuri and Lara. It doesn’t end well. But you’ll love it all the more.
See my answer to 4
2. Gone with the Wind (1939)
There’s nothing more satisfying than a love story gone wrong—or in the case of spoiled Southern belle Scarlett O’Hara (Vivien Leigh) and dashing rogue Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) a love story that never went quite right. Set that affair within the tumult of the American Civil War, and you’ve got what’s popularly known as Hollywood magic, baby.
A blockbuster - no question - a great movie for it's time - again no question - but I don't really see is as romantic as Scarlett rejects Rhett throughout the whole story in favour of Ashley and then when she finally 'sees the light' Rhett takes off!
1. Casablanca (1942)
Casablanca is about love with a capital “L.” It’s not a casual-affair rom-com; this is the big league. Featuring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman as star-crossed lovers torn apart by WWII—saving the world from Nazism will get in the way of a good thing sometimes—it’s an unforgettable love story with a powerful ending. Kleenex is mandatory.
Now this is where I make a terrible confession. I've never seen this movie. But I do know that Rick and Ilsa don't end up together - though they will always have Paris.
So - out of this list of the Top Ten Romantic Movies, at least five of the couples don't end up together for one reason or another. Being a Romance Reader who demands the HEA, this list just doesn't cut it for me!!
Now because I'm still pretty much brain dead and can't think of any at the moment, who has a Romantic Movie where they DO end up together at the end??
