Best, Worst and Unexpected Romantic Films
Kim Pavlicek
Issue date: 2/11/09 Section: The Edge
Romantic movies are often categorized unfavorably as "chick flicks," but in reality, there are some romance films that suit both men and women. Some pander too much to one sex than the other. Let's face it, in most romantic films that have come out in the last 15 years, the ending is so predictable you can basically get up and leave after a half hour and get your money back, because you already know the ending. But sometimes movies that are dark, dramatic or seen as comedies hold the best stories of real romance. The following list helps categorize the five best, worst and most unexpected romantic films to look for this weekend.
FIVE BEST ROMANTIC FILMS:
1. "High Fidelity" - John Cusack is one of the kings of romantic comedy. This film adaptation of the Nick Hornby novel is by far the best, OK maybe tied with "Say Anything." The main character is one almost every man claims to relate to at some point. They idolize his need for freedom, maybe even identify with his fear of commitment. As Rob, who was just dumped, revisits the top five worst break-ups of his life, he begins to see patterns. He begins to realize how he's grown as a person over the years, and how maybe what he had been searching for this whole time was right in front of him.
2. "The Notebook" - Most people of our generation have seen this movie and many girls have cried over it. It is, in many ways, a "chick flick," but for some reason it's one of the few films men have honestly said they enjoy, nay, say is one of their favorite. Maybe it's because there are some romantic-minded men out there that see themselves in Noah's character. Maybe it's because they enjoy the fantasy of it, but the fact remains, as unlikely a story as it is. It manages to tug at the heart of some of the most macho men and jaded women.
3. "An Officer and a Gentleman" - Oftentimes, what makes a romance movie good is speaking, again, to both sexes. It's the story of a strong Navy man learning the importance of obedience, control and romance at the same time. Richard Gere's character must learn how to be an officer and a gentleman. There is military jargon for boys, including a high-strung staff sergeant, and love scenes for the girls. The movie has been mocked in pop culture for years and even a great episode of "The Simpsons" shows that the theme of the movie can touch anyone.
FIVE BEST ROMANTIC FILMS:
1. "High Fidelity" - John Cusack is one of the kings of romantic comedy. This film adaptation of the Nick Hornby novel is by far the best, OK maybe tied with "Say Anything." The main character is one almost every man claims to relate to at some point. They idolize his need for freedom, maybe even identify with his fear of commitment. As Rob, who was just dumped, revisits the top five worst break-ups of his life, he begins to see patterns. He begins to realize how he's grown as a person over the years, and how maybe what he had been searching for this whole time was right in front of him.
2. "The Notebook" - Most people of our generation have seen this movie and many girls have cried over it. It is, in many ways, a "chick flick," but for some reason it's one of the few films men have honestly said they enjoy, nay, say is one of their favorite. Maybe it's because there are some romantic-minded men out there that see themselves in Noah's character. Maybe it's because they enjoy the fantasy of it, but the fact remains, as unlikely a story as it is. It manages to tug at the heart of some of the most macho men and jaded women.
3. "An Officer and a Gentleman" - Oftentimes, what makes a romance movie good is speaking, again, to both sexes. It's the story of a strong Navy man learning the importance of obedience, control and romance at the same time. Richard Gere's character must learn how to be an officer and a gentleman. There is military jargon for boys, including a high-strung staff sergeant, and love scenes for the girls. The movie has been mocked in pop culture for years and even a great episode of "The Simpsons" shows that the theme of the movie can touch anyone.
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