Valentine’s Day is a great day to go out, spread the feeling of love, and embrace it. It can also simply be a day to cuddle up on the couch and binge-watch romantic films to keep up that spirit. Here are a few films that will be perfect for the special day, or any other day, really.
“The Choice” (2016) – Nicholas Sparks excels again with his love stories in the latest film adaptation of the book “The Choice”, directed by Ross Katz and starring Benjamin Walker and Teresa Palmer. It tells the story of the relationship between two neighbors and the choices they constantly have to make that test their strength over and over again. If you like young romantic films that will make you cry for every emotion, Travis’ charm, complimented by Gabby’s wit, will definitely make you do that!
“Brooklyn”(2016) -“Brooklyn” is a simple yet extraordinarily told love story, directed by John Crowley, that is set in 1952. It follows the life of the young and confident Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronon), who comes from Ireland to Brooklyn in search of a better future, but also finds love. When she goes back to her home, however, she then has to decide between two different paths and two different loves. The scenes between Eilis and the kind and loving Anthony “Tony” Florello (Emory Cohen), along with Eilis and the charming Jim Farrell (Domhnall Gleeson) are what make this Oscar nominated film magical. The main highlight, however, is Ronon’s acting, as Eilis, who delivers a truthful and realistic performance, making you root for her the entire time.
“The Age of Adaline” (2015) – Blake Lively really shines in “The Age of Adaline” as the ageless Adaline Bowman, along with the great talent Harrison Ford. This film encompasses various periods of time as it takes us through Adaline as she stops aging after a tragic car accident, and her struggles with hiding her feelings as she pursues love. Directed by Lee Toland Krieger, this romantic fantasy film, with an underlying theme of how true love conquers all, is really carried by the subtle and expressive performance of Bowman. If you like Sparks’ films and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, you will surely enjoy this one.
“Premam” (2015)- Malayalam director Alphonse Putharen proves that not only can he make an exciting comedy-thriller film (“Neram”), but he can also make the audience cry every emotion in the romantic drama “Premam”. This tear-jerking story, starring Nivin Pauly (George), Sai Pallavi (Malar), Madonna Sebastian (Celine), and Anupama Parameshwaran (Mary George), shows the story of a man, George, through his three stages of life as he goes through grade-school, college, and becomes a working man—and his three lovers throughout these stages.
The excellent cinematography, along with the emotional soundtrack, compliments the flawless acting of Pauly as he makes the audience feel at home when he bickers with his friends Koya (Krishna Shankar) and Shambu (Shabaraeesh Varma) or feel butterflies as he sees his woman pass by. Not only does this film make you cry, but it is also a riot with the performances from Vimal (Vinay Fort) and the Physical Education lecturer (Soubin Shahir) in George’s college phase.
The three leading ladies steal the show as well not only because of their beautiful smiles, but also because of their strong, confident characters. This emotional rollercoaster filled with unforgettable characters will leave you completely satisfied till the end.
“Trainwreck”(2015)- “Trainwreck”, is a refreshing film as we see flawed Amy (Amy Schumer) avoid relationships from charming men, as opposed to the flawed male character pursuing a “perfect” woman, in typical romantic comedies. Directed by Judd Apatow, the film takes us through the life of a party girl, Amy, who initially dismisses the principles of monogamy as her father emphasized that it isn’t realistic, but later understands the value of a relationship and strong career as she pursues Dr. Aaron Conners (Bill Hader).
Schumer flawlessly proves her experience as a comedian, making this a laugh-riot. One of the highlights of the film is the comedic sequence between LeBron James and Bill Hader, as James acts basically as a wingman to Hader. Schumer not only shows that comedy is her forte, but also brings depth into character through her transformation from the care-free girl to one who looks for growth in both her relationship and career. You can watch this one, if you simply want to have a few laughs, with an ending that will be sure to keep you smiling.
