It’s the month of hearts once again and many people are likely planning a movie marathon with their loved ones for that day. But with all the romantic movies available, it can be hard to choose which to watch. So, here are some of the best movies that will make your hearts race again this Valentine’s.
Romantic movie no. 1: The Notebook
Starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, The Notebook is considered as a modern-day classic romantics should watch. It follows two young sweethearts Noah (Gosling) and Allie (McAdams). They soon face a hurdle in their relationship when Allie’s mother says that she doesn’t want him for her daughter. The two are then separated for several years, eventually meeting again and trying to rekindle their relationship despite having separate lives.
The movie has all the trappings of a typical romance story, such as the Romeo and Juliet-esque plot and second chances. But it goes beyond these tropes to craft a truly engaging story.
Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams also shine in their performances. Gosling channels his good looks and onscreen charm just enough to make Noah feel more relatable. On the other hand, McAdams effectively portrays all the pain that Allie had to go through. You will also love the final act of the film as it gives an emotional sendoff to the characters.
Romantic movies no. 2: 500 Days of Summer
Most romantic movies end on a happy note, with the couple living happily ever after. 500 Days of Summer tells you outright that it doesn’t go that way. The story follows architect Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) as he reminisces about a failed relationship with Summer (Zooey Deschanel).
While it does have a foregone conclusion right from the start, the movie doesn’t wallow on the not-so-happy ending. Instead, it candidly explores what made Tom fall for Summer and why the relationship eventually fell apart. The movie also chronicles Tom’s efforts to move on with life.
Despite already being an established character actor, Gordon-Levitt shows that he also has a knack for portraying more down to earth romantic leads. Deschanel also shines as the eponymous Summer, giving her the charm befitting the character’s portrayal as a dream girl. You might be a bit confused about the events due to the non-linear storytelling but the lighthearted way the movie presents them will make everything easier to grasp for you and your partner.
Romantic movie no. 3: Norwegian Wood
Many couples would often think of Hollywood films first when looking for romantic movies to marathon. However, Japanese cinema also has some great gems to offer. One of these is Norwegian Wood, a 2010 adaptation of the novel by prolific writer Haruki Murakami.
The film is set in 1960’s Japan and focuses on college student Toru Watanabe (Kenichi Matsuyama). After losing his best friend to suicide, Toru soon meets his deceased pal’s girlfriend Naoko (Rinko Kikuchi). The two form a relationship as they try to cope with their loss but Naoko eventually can’t take it anymore and withdraws from society. Devastated, Toru soon finds solace in the company of Midori (Kiko Mizuhara).
While the plot is similar to a lot of “one man, two lovers” movies, it distinguishes itself by exploring the themes of young love, despair, and lost love deeper. If you are not familiar with Japanese cinema’s more relaxed attitude towards sensuality or Murakami’s stories, you might find it a bit uneasy when this is discussed in the context of the young characters. While it isn’t required, reading the novel as a companion piece will give you a better appreciation of the movie version.
Romantic movies no. 4: Castaway on the Moon
With the popularity of K-dramas, you might also wonder what good Korean romantic movies to include in your Valentine’s watchlist. While there are a lot of titles to choose from, 2009’s Castaway on the Moon is a must-see. This underrated film tackles how love can help people overcome depression and addiction.
In the film, Kim Seong-geun (Jung Jae-young) tries to commit suicide by jumping off a bridge to escape his debts. Instead, he ends up washing ashore an uninhabited island where he attempts to live by while sending messages asking for help. Photographer Kim Jung-yeon (Jung Ryeo-won) sees one of these messages one night while taking pictures of the moon and decides to respond to and help him. The two soon start communicating with each other through messages in a bottle.
With all the serious themes, you would expect the film to take a melancholic route but it doesn’t. Instead, the film works out a nice balance between comedy and slight drama to get audiences invested in the two character’s story. The fantasy sequence also adds to the charm of the movie while still highlighting its themes of romance and self-discovery effectively.
Make your Valentine’s Day more heart-pounding with these movies
The above romance movies all have something for any viewer, whether you want to relive the thrills of young romance or looking forward to more mature love stories. And there are more great titles you can check out. So what are you waiting for? Get the popcorn ready and have a wonderful Valentine’s date with your love.