We came across an article that suggested romance for the unromantics and we were deeply concerned since only one good film had found its way on there. We lament the fact that romance is regarded with such contempt in the public discourse (especially with film critics) and is considered second-class and something that only women can enjoy (which is incredibly offensive and sexist in and of itself). We can't lie though, most modern "romantic" movies have contributed to this stereotype and they are all pretty much shit. Also, they're creepy as hell, unbelievably sappy and emotionally manipulative (in a really bad and obvious way). We think that in order to call anything romantic, you need at least one genuine real life moment of love. In addition, the best romance movies always have more to them than just some love story. As far as we're concerned, most of the modern field's films haven't managed to do any of those things. Without further ado, our favourites and the moment that makes them so.
1. The Apartment. It's one of the best films ever made. It's highly unlikely that any movie could ever replace this masterpiece on any list. Everything in and about this film is realistically romantic, but our moment would have to be the final scene. The most romantic scene in the history of film.
1. The Apartment. It's one of the best films ever made. It's highly unlikely that any movie could ever replace this masterpiece on any list. Everything in and about this film is realistically romantic, but our moment would have to be the final scene. The most romantic scene in the history of film.
2. Beauty and the Beast. It's no surprise that our favourite Disney wound up here. It's the only film from Disney that manages to convey genuine romance and make it more than a children's animation. Our moment would have to be when the Beast lets Belle go and everything that ensues from that.
3. Love with the Proper Stranger. This film is as real as it can get. The subject matter might sound a bit bleak and unromantic on paper, but the execution really brings out both the romance and reality in this story. We'd have to pick the scene when Angela falls asleep on Rocky's shoulder in the taxi as it's the only palpably romantic moment in the film.
4. Much Ado About Nothing. Our uncontested favourite Shakespeare, and will probably remain as such. It is the original romantic comedy, and to this day, the one that works the best. Doing both romance and funny successfully is actually pretty damn hard. Here it's done to perfection. Our personal pick is the Branagh one, obviously. And the scene we'd choose, since this has many, is when Beatrice scolds Benedick about the hardship of being a woman and he, can you imagine, believes her and fully supports her. It's a pretty unconventional scene to think to be romantic maybe, but we'd say something like this is even tough to find from modern films. So it's pretty amazing that something this old can be incredibly topical even today.
5. Penelope. We've said this before, but stay the hell away from the atrocious American or 2008 edition or whatever the crap it was. We were traumatised because it turned this simple and sweet story into one of those terrible modern romantic chick flicks that we hate. How was that even possible?! Since this is more of a coming-of-age tale the romance is in the background, as it's supposed to be. We chose the ending because they avoided the Cinderella outcome and you feel that they're genuinely happy and that makes you, the viewer, happy too.
6. The Shop Around the Corner. So there's a pattern emerging; we like stories that are about ordinary people and situations to which we can easily relate. This is a small movie about people who struggle with everyday issues. They're worried about money, job security and where to live. Mundane problems sure, but you'd be surprised what a romantic platform they can build. This isn't a moment per se, but a quote: "If I'd only known how you felt about me in the beginning things would have been different. We wouldn't have been fighting all the time. If we quarrelled, it wouldn't have been over suitcases and handbags but over something like whether your aunt or grandmother should live with us or not." And it comes from the mouth of James Stewart. Duh!
7. Sabrina. Now this is a Cinderella tale, but it's so damn good!! Basically the only one that works. It's utter fluff, yet manages to stay classy. We'd wish that modern films could reach this level though, since this would suffice. Today it's all fluff and no class. This film's genuine moment of romance is without a doubt when Sabrina is singing La Vie en Rose to Linus in the car.
8. A Room with a View. Finally, a period drama! We figured that we wouldn't include series in this list because otherwise this would be infested by BBC. This however, is Merchant&Ivory. Not only is the book brilliant, but this is a very faithful adaptation of it. Anyway, this is our favourite non-miniseries period drama. Our choice for the moment might seem a little unconventional, but it's very effective, smart and subtle. After the tennis game Cecil is reading an extract to Lucy from Miss Lavish's novel where she's describing how Lucy and George kissed while in Florence.
9. The Goodbye Girl. We totally forgot how great this movie is! We first saw it as kids and really were not into romance back then. But now, having watched it again, not only is it hilarious but also quite sweet. Props to the original hipster, Richard Dreyfuss. This film is a continuation of the theme all over this list - people struggling to make a living. This aspect of reality has unfortunately almost completely vanished from modern romances. Our moment would definitely be the ending - it is funny and so cute at the same time.
10. City Lights. This film is just downright adorable. The Tramp might just be the cutest character in the history of cinema. There were a myriad of moments to choose from but we had to go with the obvious one, the ending. The expression on the Tramp's face when the Flower Girl tells him that she can see is priceless. It was hard not to bawl.
11. Howl's Moving Castle. There had to be at least one Miyazaki, right? You wouldn't necessarily connect romance to this guy, but it's not surprising that he delivers in that aspect as well. Although this isn't our favourite Miyazaki, as a romance it's truly heartwarming just as his films always are. Our moment in this movie would have to be when the black creatures attack the house and Hauru decides not to be a coward anymore and goes after them while Sophie tries to stop him.
