I'm not the romantic type, I don't like cheesy pick-up lines, romantic gestures, sobby couples. But a little romance in a movie doesn't hurt. And the ones I like, are most often not the most conventional ones. Here are my personal favorite romance movies of the decade.
Crazy Stupid Love (2011)
Friendly forty-year-old Cal is devastated when his wife Emily cheats on him after more than twenty years of marriage. In a bar he is noticed by playboy Jacob, who turns him into a tight ladies man. "Crazy, Stupid, Love". is a somewhat sentimental family drama and a witty sex comedy. That split is fortunately compensated by a catchy cast.
Jane Eyre (2011)
The classic Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë appeared in 1847 and was first filmed in 1910. This is already the tenth cinema version of this romantic costume drama. American director Cary Fukunaga delivers an atmospheric interpretation in which nineteenth-century England is always shrouded in rain or fog. The crazy orphan girl Jane Eyre is performed superbly by Mia Wasikowska. The use of language from Brontë's classic is left intact, resulting in exceptionally beautiful dialogues.
The Artist (2011)
Fantastic homage to the silent movie. When the 'talkies' arrive in Hollywood, flamboyant star George Valentin smiles warmly and remains stubbornly silent. His inevitable decline coincides with the stock market crash of 1929. At the same time, the star of furious actress Peppy Miller, aided by charmer Valentin in her first role, is rising rapidly. Jean Dujardin excels in every register. The music of Ludovic Bource puts the finishing touches to this timeless film jewel.
Midnight in Paris (2011)
Successful writer of soapseries Gil is in Paris with his fiancée and her parents. He is not happy, not with his career and not with his relationship. One night, to his astonishment, he is magically transported to the Paris of the 1920s, where he meets people like Hemingway, Dalí and Picasso. Romantic comedy by filmmaker Woody Allen, who began his European tour in London and Barcelona, is somewhat more light-hearted than its predecessors. Such a dreamy tale.
Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
When teacher Pat is taken home by his mother after eight legally imposed months in an institution, Dad doesn't know anything yet. Immediately it turns out that bipolar Pat is definitely not cured. Then he meets Tiffany, a recalcitrant young woman who is adrift after the sudden death of her husband. Some unbalanced but vivid tragicomedy and feel-good film is worn by a great cast, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence in front.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
At first sight 'just another high school movie' about the timid Charlie , a boy without friends. But then he meets the extravagant Patrick and Sam . A Brat Pack-like formula film that comes a quarter of a century late, drenched in nostalgia, but with a fine set of protagonists and a surprisingly vicious twist in the tail.
Begin Again (2013)
Gretta is a singer tormented by heartbreak and Dan is an outlandish music producer, estranged from his wife and daughter. Two wandering souls in New York, who find each other and, with music as a catalyst, give new meaning to their lives together. Director John keeps his drama light-hearted and puts the emphasis on the positive. The film is unpretentious, perfectly cast and pleasantly acted, and is also has catchy songs. A feel-good film by the book.
About Time (2013)
Tim is told by his father that the men in their family have a special gift: if they stand in a dark room, raise their fists and a certain memory, they can travel back in time. Good for Tim, who is always unlucky in love: with the help of his gift he manages to hook the cute Mary. Although the fantasy element has been moderately developed, this rippling romcom is very enjoyable thanks to the charming actors.
Warm Bodies (2013)
How love can bring even the most petrified heart back to life is what this 'Walking Dead meets Romeo and Juliet' comedy is all about. With pleasantly restrained charm and the necessary social discomfort. Director Jonathan Levine delivers a delightful fairytale, which doesn't shy away from both the obligatory rancidity and the sugar-sweet romance.
Her (2013)
In the near future, the lonely, divorced writer Theodore will fall in love with his new computer. This is quite conceivable, because the 'operating system' thinks like a human being and has the sultry voice of Scarlett Johansson. The unique future world created, the current themes, the quirky humor, the dreamy images, the soundtrack of Arcade Fire - all in all, it's an unforgettable film experience.
The Spectacular Now (2013)
Sutter is in the last class of high school. He is smart, nice, has a job, a car and a nice girlfriend. And when adults tell him he needs to get a little more serious, he just takes a sip out of his hip flask of whiskey. Then he meets the serious wallflower Aimee and speeds up his life. Firm drama with excellent actors, strongly directed by James Ponsoldt.
Trainwreck (2015)
Amy, a party animal in her early thirties, has a nice apartment in New York, works for a successful men's magazine and hoops cheerfully from one one one-night stand to the next. When she meets the serious doctor Aaron, she discovers that her lifestyle also has its drawbacks. Comedienne Amy Schumer loosely based Trainwreck's script on her own experiences and got Judd Apatow to direct it. The result is a typical Apatow film, witty and sympathetic, but from a female perspective.
Sing Street (2016)
It’s beyond me why this movie was so overlookes. So overlooked that, at first, I even missed it. It’s a fantastic film, a delightful romance with musical elements. And a great soundtrack.
La La Land (2016)
Struggling Jazz pianist Seb and aspiring actress Mia fall in love and try to support each other in realizing their personal ambitions and dreams. Delicious musical by director Damien Chazelle in the style of the classics of the fifties and sixties. Non-professionals Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone can't match old masters like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers when it comes to singing and dancing, but beat themselves up with verve by the many catchy vocal and dance songs, and know how to turn Seb and Mia into real people.
The Big Sick (2017)
The Pakistani-American comedian Kumail falls in love with the white Emily, but doesn't dare to introduce her to his islamic parents. After Emily breaks up, she unexpectedly falls into a coma. Kumail continues to visit her faithfully in the hospital. It's hilarious with loads of charming actors and a refreshingly authentic tone.
The Shape of Water (2017)
Wonderful, but villainous fairytale by the Mexican horror master Guillermo Del Toro takes place in the fifties in a secret army complex. There the FBI imprisons a South American water creature and subjects it to cruel tests. Parallels with the Mexico bashing by Trump are obvious and are also meant by Mexican horrormaster Del Toro. But "The Shape of Water" is much more romantic drama than political pamphlet. Del Toro zooms in on the burgeoning love between cleaning lady Elisa and the water creature.
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
It's summer 1983. The 24-year-old American research assistant Oliver comes to Northern Italy to assist Professor Perlman. And impresses his seventeen-year-old son Elio, who falls in love with Oliver to his own horror and amazement. All praise is understandable, because "Call Me by Your Name" is a fantastic film. Sparkling, intimate and honest.
Geen opmerkingen:
Een reactie posten