I hate that I'm asking for chick flicks, but I'm asking for chick flicks.
August 23, 2011 8:22 PM Subscribe
I'm looking for more movies like Amélie. Specifically: cute, quirky, hopeful, and romantic movies that leave you sighing happily at the end and aren't corny. Any recommendations?
Don't assume I've seen any blockbusters that fit this description! I typically gravitate toward dramas, mysteries, and psychological thrillers, and I have an awful lot of Korean revenge movies. I need to add a little sunshine to my movie collection. It's bumming me out.
Don't assume I've seen any blockbusters that fit this description! I typically gravitate toward dramas, mysteries, and psychological thrillers, and I have an awful lot of Korean revenge movies. I need to add a little sunshine to my movie collection. It's bumming me out.
From the same director, A Very Long Engagement and Delicatessen. Not as cute as Amélie (Delicatessen has some weird scenes), but very fun and romantic nonetheless.
posted by clearlydemon at 8:29 PM on August 23, 2011 [4 favorites]
posted by clearlydemon at 8:29 PM on August 23, 2011 [4 favorites]
Never seen Amelie, but an old favorite of mine, I've Heard the Mermaids Singing, seems like it perfectly fits your criteria. I absolutely love this movie. It's one that I watched over and over again and it seemed new each time I watched it.
posted by jayder at 8:29 PM on August 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by jayder at 8:29 PM on August 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill but Came Down a Mountain (possibly fails on corny)
An Ideal Husband (romantic without being mushy)
posted by clerestory at 8:30 PM on August 23, 2011
An Ideal Husband (romantic without being mushy)
posted by clerestory at 8:30 PM on August 23, 2011
Rushmore.
posted by hermitosis at 8:31 PM on August 23, 2011 [4 favorites]
posted by hermitosis at 8:31 PM on August 23, 2011 [4 favorites]
Truly, Madly, Deeply. Oh, I can't tell you how much I love this movie (and I hate "chick flicks!!").
posted by goggie at 8:34 PM on August 23, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by goggie at 8:34 PM on August 23, 2011 [3 favorites]
The Accidental Tourist
Big Fish
Educating Rita / Shirley Valentine
Tampopo (has a lot more elements, but good-hearted)
Sliding Doors
posted by xingcat at 8:35 PM on August 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
Big Fish
Educating Rita / Shirley Valentine
Tampopo (has a lot more elements, but good-hearted)
Sliding Doors
posted by xingcat at 8:35 PM on August 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
Unconscious! It's delightfully saucy and brightly hued, wacky and sexy and kinetic all at once. It's Spanish language and all farce, a sendup of Fruedian psychology set in Barcelona in early 1900s. Leonor Watling is every bit as appealing and watchable as Audrey Tautou, if not more.
posted by mochapickle at 8:37 PM on August 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by mochapickle at 8:37 PM on August 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
Shall We Dance (not the Hollywood remake), and seconding Strictly Ballroom.
posted by EvaDestruction at 8:37 PM on August 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by EvaDestruction at 8:37 PM on August 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
Lovely and Amazing has some dark moments, but I love it and think of it (and anything Nicole Holofcener) as great, smart chick flickiness.
posted by sweetkid at 8:37 PM on August 23, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by sweetkid at 8:37 PM on August 23, 2011 [3 favorites]
Also: Freudian. Ahem.
posted by mochapickle at 8:38 PM on August 23, 2011
posted by mochapickle at 8:38 PM on August 23, 2011
Lars and the Real Girl...very quirky, sweet, hopeful, main character is a dude.
posted by phunniemee at 8:42 PM on August 23, 2011 [5 favorites]
posted by phunniemee at 8:42 PM on August 23, 2011 [5 favorites]
Love me if you dare reminded me a lot of Amelie, although it's a little blacker.
posted by routergirl at 8:44 PM on August 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by routergirl at 8:44 PM on August 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
Also quirky and delightful and in French: Priceless (Audrey again), Girl on the Bridge (Vanessa Paradis, so gorgeous and quicky), Heartbreaker (another charming one, Vanessa Paradis).
posted by mochapickle at 8:44 PM on August 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by mochapickle at 8:44 PM on August 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
There was a Korean (?) drama/comedy about a mental asylum and a girl who thought she was a robot. Does anyone remember the name? It played on SBS.
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 8:48 PM on August 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 8:48 PM on August 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
Punch-Drunk Love, a recommendation from someone who will not see a rom-com nor anything with Adam Sandler in it, let alone one that is both.
posted by war wrath of wraith at 8:49 PM on August 23, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by war wrath of wraith at 8:49 PM on August 23, 2011 [3 favorites]
Korean revenge movies will knock your socks off! But hopeful rom-coms...hmm, that's tough. Maybe seconding "Shall we dance" (the original) and I would recommend Miranda July's "The Future", not necessarily for optimism but definitely where the unpredictablility of Korean film-making meets American Rom-Com strangeness.
posted by bquarters at 8:50 PM on August 23, 2011
posted by bquarters at 8:50 PM on August 23, 2011
I'm probably biased because I'm a huge Miyazaki fan, but many of his films fit that description. Specifically: Castle in the Sky, Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, Kiki's Delivery Service, Spirited Away, and Ponyo. Even though they are animated and kids love them, I would consider them more adult themed.
I will also second A Very Long Engagement, Punch Drunk Love, and Big Fish.
Others I will add: Pride and Prejudice (specifically the BBC mini-series, by far the most superior of any adaptation), What Dreams May Come, Little Women, Dirty Dancing, and An Officer and a Gentleman.
posted by MaryDellamorte at 8:52 PM on August 23, 2011 [2 favorites]
I will also second A Very Long Engagement, Punch Drunk Love, and Big Fish.
Others I will add: Pride and Prejudice (specifically the BBC mini-series, by far the most superior of any adaptation), What Dreams May Come, Little Women, Dirty Dancing, and An Officer and a Gentleman.
posted by MaryDellamorte at 8:52 PM on August 23, 2011 [2 favorites]
Hellboy.
I'm not kidding. A pyrokinetic and a literal monster. What can be more romantic?
What was the Micheal Gondry movie where the man mostly lived in daydreams and cardboard forts?
One From The Heart
a notorious flop, but it's Coppola and a Tom Waits score. so beautifully romantic
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 8:55 PM on August 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
I'm not kidding. A pyrokinetic and a literal monster. What can be more romantic?
What was the Micheal Gondry movie where the man mostly lived in daydreams and cardboard forts?
One From The Heart
a notorious flop, but it's Coppola and a Tom Waits score. so beautifully romantic
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 8:55 PM on August 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
seconding Happy Go Lucky. please do see it.
posted by gursky at 8:59 PM on August 23, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by gursky at 8:59 PM on August 23, 2011 [3 favorites]
"Loretta, I love you. Not like they told you love is, and I didn't know this either, but love don't make things nice - it ruins everything. It breaks your heart. It makes things a mess. We aren't here to make things perfect. The snowflakes are perfect. The stars are perfect. Not us. Not us! We are here to ruin ourselves and to break our hearts and love the wrong people and DIE. The storybooks are *bullshit*. Now I want you to come upstairs with me and *get* in my bed! " (Moonstruck)
posted by raztaj at 9:03 PM on August 23, 2011 [11 favorites]
posted by raztaj at 9:03 PM on August 23, 2011 [11 favorites]
Scott Pilgrim
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 9:06 PM on August 23, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 9:06 PM on August 23, 2011 [3 favorites]
Roman Holiday which seems to be the movie I always reply with. Romantic, adorable, and "hopeful" isn't the right word but it's still a great, not-depressing ending.
posted by The corpse in the library at 9:06 PM on August 23, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by The corpse in the library at 9:06 PM on August 23, 2011 [3 favorites]
> There was a Korean (?) drama/comedy about a mental asylum and a girl who thought she was a robot. Does anyone remember the name? It played on SBS.
I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK.
posted by hot soup girl at 9:11 PM on August 23, 2011 [2 favorites]
I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK.
posted by hot soup girl at 9:11 PM on August 23, 2011 [2 favorites]
Last call...in some ways a great rom-com..in some ways very cheesy. But foreign with a handsome lead..."Heartbreaker".
posted by bquarters at 9:13 PM on August 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by bquarters at 9:13 PM on August 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
I personally loved Tangled. Super cute movie that will leave you smiling.
Also, after preview, YES to Roman Holiday. I saw it last year for the first time and I just fell in love with it and also with Gregory Peck.. yum. Ahem. Anyways, it is a lovely movie that made me bawl my eyes out at the end...and I never do that with romantic movies. Time to go watch it again for the millionth time :)
posted by littlesq at 9:13 PM on August 23, 2011 [3 favorites]
Also, after preview, YES to Roman Holiday. I saw it last year for the first time and I just fell in love with it and also with Gregory Peck.. yum. Ahem. Anyways, it is a lovely movie that made me bawl my eyes out at the end...and I never do that with romantic movies. Time to go watch it again for the millionth time :)
posted by littlesq at 9:13 PM on August 23, 2011 [3 favorites]
Kiki's Delivery Service. Just a sweet, , dreamlike, fun, upbeat adventure. I'm always a little teary at the end because I have to come back to reality.
posted by holterbarbour at 9:13 PM on August 23, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by holterbarbour at 9:13 PM on August 23, 2011 [2 favorites]
Stairway to Heaven (1946) aka A Matter of Life and Death, starring David Niven and Kim Hunter. This is an older Michael Powell movie that kind of reminds me a bit of It's a Wonderful Life and Truly, Madly, Deeply.
Cinema Paradiso is another that I like a lot.
posted by 2N2222 at 9:15 PM on August 23, 2011 [2 favorites]
Cinema Paradiso is another that I like a lot.
posted by 2N2222 at 9:15 PM on August 23, 2011 [2 favorites]
My Sassy Girl has a kind of Amelie thing going for it, with a quirky female love interest (not lead). Can't vouch for the American or Japanese remakes, but recommend the original Korean for sure (looks like it's on youtube...). It's cooler when you realize it was inspired by a series of real life stories a guy posted on the internet about his weirdo girlfriend. The stories were even compiled into a book before the movie came out. [trailer]
posted by kkokkodalk at 9:20 PM on August 23, 2011
posted by kkokkodalk at 9:20 PM on August 23, 2011
Ondine
Danny Deckchair
Love Actually
Dear Frankie
Stardust
posted by ChuraChura at 9:27 PM on August 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
Danny Deckchair
Love Actually
Dear Frankie
Stardust
posted by ChuraChura at 9:27 PM on August 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
500 Days of Summer
as well as Goodbye Lenin!
Both of these movies have tragic elements in some regard, but have a dosage of cute/quirky/hopeful elements too! Enjoy :)
posted by raintree at 9:51 PM on August 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
as well as Goodbye Lenin!
Both of these movies have tragic elements in some regard, but have a dosage of cute/quirky/hopeful elements too! Enjoy :)
posted by raintree at 9:51 PM on August 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
It Happened One Night. It's from 1934, so parts may ring kind of cheesy, but it's so, so adorable.
posted by Judith Butlerian Jihad at 10:05 PM on August 23, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by Judith Butlerian Jihad at 10:05 PM on August 23, 2011 [2 favorites]
What was the Micheal Gondry movie where the man mostly lived in daydreams and cardboard forts?
The Science of Sleep
posted by LionIndex at 10:12 PM on August 23, 2011 [2 favorites]
The Science of Sleep
posted by LionIndex at 10:12 PM on August 23, 2011 [2 favorites]
More Audrey Hepburn: Sabrina, Love in the Afternoon, Funny Face
Katharine Hepburn: Holiday, The Philadelphia Story
Garbo: Ninotchka
posted by brujita at 10:19 PM on August 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
Katharine Hepburn: Holiday, The Philadelphia Story
Garbo: Ninotchka
posted by brujita at 10:19 PM on August 23, 2011 [1 favorite]
Frank Tashlin's Artists and Models, with Jerry Lewis as an excitable comics-obsessed dork and an absolutely gorgeous, young Shirley MacLaine as the upstairs neighbor who sometimes dresses up as Bat Girl for work.
Jacques Tati's Play Time is secretly a romantic kind of movie, I think. And Tati's style has influenced a lot that came after it, including Amélie.
posted by bubukaba at 10:19 PM on August 23, 2011
Jacques Tati's Play Time is secretly a romantic kind of movie, I think. And Tati's style has influenced a lot that came after it, including Amélie.
posted by bubukaba at 10:19 PM on August 23, 2011
I'm also a big thriller/revenge flick fan, but when I'm in the mood for lighter fare, I tend to turn on:
-Stardust
-Local Hero
-Gregory's Girl (By the same director as Local Hero. Try to find the less-comprehensible undubbed version, the "for Americans who can't understand accents" version on Netflix instant is cloying.)
-Roman Holiday
-Waking Ned Devine
-Stranger Than Fiction (!)
-Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (Ok, it's not a romcom, but it's funny and quirky and romantic in a weird way)
-Harold and Maude
-Chocolat
-Almost Famous
TV Show:
-Pushing Daisies
posted by JauntyFedora at 10:58 PM on August 23, 2011 [4 favorites]
-Stardust
-Local Hero
-Gregory's Girl (By the same director as Local Hero. Try to find the less-comprehensible undubbed version, the "for Americans who can't understand accents" version on Netflix instant is cloying.)
-Roman Holiday
-Waking Ned Devine
-Stranger Than Fiction (!)
-Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (Ok, it's not a romcom, but it's funny and quirky and romantic in a weird way)
-Harold and Maude
-Chocolat
-Almost Famous
TV Show:
-Pushing Daisies
posted by JauntyFedora at 10:58 PM on August 23, 2011 [4 favorites]
Response by poster: Awesome! These are definitely the sort of movies I'm talking about. Thanks for the recs so far!
posted by katillathehun at 11:20 PM on August 23, 2011
posted by katillathehun at 11:20 PM on August 23, 2011
Definitely 'Pushing Daisies'! If it wasn't a TV series I'd say that was the perfect answer. The people who made it clearly loved 'Amélie'.
'Science of Sleep' is a romance and has good surreal scenes but I found it a rather unpleasant film - the main character is in a thin grey area between quirky romantic and mentally unstable stalker.
posted by BinaryApe at 11:23 PM on August 23, 2011
'Science of Sleep' is a romance and has good surreal scenes but I found it a rather unpleasant film - the main character is in a thin grey area between quirky romantic and mentally unstable stalker.
posted by BinaryApe at 11:23 PM on August 23, 2011
The Truth About Cats and Dogs is sweet, although it doesn't quite make sense because the ugly ducking is way cuter than the swan from the start.
posted by joannemullen at 1:14 AM on August 24, 2011
posted by joannemullen at 1:14 AM on August 24, 2011
Benny and Joon.
Tipping the Velvet. (BBC TV miniseries)
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
Chocolat.
Delicatessen. (Warning: Absurd bodily carnage.)
posted by loquacious at 1:42 AM on August 24, 2011
Tipping the Velvet. (BBC TV miniseries)
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
Chocolat.
Delicatessen. (Warning: Absurd bodily carnage.)
posted by loquacious at 1:42 AM on August 24, 2011
I have a movie for you!
While I admit I did not really like the movie Amelie, many people who liked it also like this one:
Rusalka / Mermaid 2007
Wiki
posted by yoyo_nyc at 1:49 AM on August 24, 2011
While I admit I did not really like the movie Amelie, many people who liked it also like this one:
Rusalka / Mermaid 2007
Wiki
posted by yoyo_nyc at 1:49 AM on August 24, 2011
though, not sure about this requirement " movies that leave you sighing happily at the end "
posted by yoyo_nyc at 1:52 AM on August 24, 2011
posted by yoyo_nyc at 1:52 AM on August 24, 2011
A German movie was mentioned: Goodbye Lenin. Not sure how much this fits your bill, but vaguely maybe this one?
Wings of desire
posted by yoyo_nyc at 2:07 AM on August 24, 2011
Wings of desire
posted by yoyo_nyc at 2:07 AM on August 24, 2011
Jump Tomorrow, starring TV on the Radio's Tunde Adebimpe.
Tuvalu -- like a cross between Amelie and Guy Maddin.
State and Main, for Philip Seymour Hoffman and Rebecca Pidgeon.
Happy Accidents (Marisa Tomei, Vincent D'Onofrio) and Next Stop Wonderland (Hope Davis), both directed by Brad Anderson.
You've probably seen The Princess Bride, right? Because omg
The Station Agent, with Peter Dinkage, Patricia Clarkson, and Michelle Williams.
Run Lola Run -- exhilarating romantic thriller.
posted by Karlos the Jackal at 3:03 AM on August 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
Tuvalu -- like a cross between Amelie and Guy Maddin.
State and Main, for Philip Seymour Hoffman and Rebecca Pidgeon.
Happy Accidents (Marisa Tomei, Vincent D'Onofrio) and Next Stop Wonderland (Hope Davis), both directed by Brad Anderson.
You've probably seen The Princess Bride, right? Because omg
The Station Agent, with Peter Dinkage, Patricia Clarkson, and Michelle Williams.
Run Lola Run -- exhilarating romantic thriller.
posted by Karlos the Jackal at 3:03 AM on August 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
I was just coming in to say "I know you said movies but if you're willing to give TV a shot then definitely Pushing Daisies." I see I'm not the first. And there's only 22 episodes, so it's not a huge commitment.
But to answer the question as asked, I will second The Princess Bride, on the off chance that you haven't already seen it.
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 3:18 AM on August 24, 2011
But to answer the question as asked, I will second The Princess Bride, on the off chance that you haven't already seen it.
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 3:18 AM on August 24, 2011
Buddy
Show Me Love
A Little Romance
Room with a View (maybe not really "quirky)
posted by bricoleur at 4:14 AM on August 24, 2011
Show Me Love
A Little Romance
Room with a View (maybe not really "quirky)
posted by bricoleur at 4:14 AM on August 24, 2011
I was just going to ask this question! I like movies that (like Amelie) aren't overly concerned with the real world.
Brothers Bloom! Such a great underappreciated movie. I've rented this so many times that I just need to go ahead and buy the DVD. :)
The Adjustment Bureau. The chemistry between the two leads is phenomenal.
Stardust.
Elvis and Annabelle! It's weird, quirky & adorably romantic with the same sort of "us against the world" vibe as Amelie. And Blake Lively and Max Minghella bring the pretty, all right.
posted by jschu at 5:10 AM on August 24, 2011
Brothers Bloom! Such a great underappreciated movie. I've rented this so many times that I just need to go ahead and buy the DVD. :)
The Adjustment Bureau. The chemistry between the two leads is phenomenal.
Stardust.
Elvis and Annabelle! It's weird, quirky & adorably romantic with the same sort of "us against the world" vibe as Amelie. And Blake Lively and Max Minghella bring the pretty, all right.
posted by jschu at 5:10 AM on August 24, 2011
Cold Comfort Farm
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_Comfort_Farm_(film)
posted by girlpublisher at 5:32 AM on August 24, 2011 [2 favorites]
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_Comfort_Farm_(film)
posted by girlpublisher at 5:32 AM on August 24, 2011 [2 favorites]
You might enjoy Seducing Doctor Lewis, a Quebec film. You'd probably need to see it with subtitles, as I don't think it's been translated.
In the same vein, Waking Ned Devine is good.
posted by MelanieL at 5:50 AM on August 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
In the same vein, Waking Ned Devine is good.
posted by MelanieL at 5:50 AM on August 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
Seconding (thirding?) I'm A Cyborg, But That's Okay. One of my favorite things about it is the way it's not even obvious you're watching a romantic comedy until very late in the film.
posted by FAMOUS MONSTER at 6:37 AM on August 24, 2011
posted by FAMOUS MONSTER at 6:37 AM on August 24, 2011
500 days of summer
Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist
posted by pyro979 at 6:39 AM on August 24, 2011 [2 favorites]
Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist
posted by pyro979 at 6:39 AM on August 24, 2011 [2 favorites]
nthing Local Hero. That movie seriously deserves more attention.
posted by Capt. Renault at 6:40 AM on August 24, 2011
posted by Capt. Renault at 6:40 AM on August 24, 2011
Oh, Danny Deckchair is a great suggestion, as is Pushing Daisies, which is so lovely.
I will add the Italian film Bread and Tulips, and the German film Mostly Martha (although they remade it and called it No Reservations - I have no opinion on the remake since I haven't seen it).
posted by PussKillian at 7:17 AM on August 24, 2011
I will add the Italian film Bread and Tulips, and the German film Mostly Martha (although they remade it and called it No Reservations - I have no opinion on the remake since I haven't seen it).
posted by PussKillian at 7:17 AM on August 24, 2011
Crossing Delancy with Amy Irving and Peter Riegert
Goodbye Girl with Richard Dreyfuss
Also, I ditto the suggestions above of Strictly Ballroom and Truly, Madly, Deeply. Love Actually is a fantastic movie but a bit bittersweet at the end...I think this just makes it better.
posted by victoriab at 7:24 AM on August 24, 2011
Goodbye Girl with Richard Dreyfuss
Also, I ditto the suggestions above of Strictly Ballroom and Truly, Madly, Deeply. Love Actually is a fantastic movie but a bit bittersweet at the end...I think this just makes it better.
posted by victoriab at 7:24 AM on August 24, 2011
Little Miss Sunshine - not exactly romantic, but quirky & feel-good.
Nthing Stardust, Juno, Chocolat, Brothers Bloom, Tangled, Rushmore (anything Wes Anderson, actually, except the Aquatic movie), Stranger than Fiction and Waking Ned Devine.
Something that's not quirky, but is feel-good and romantic and I could watch a million times is French Kiss.
A kids' movie worth watching for pure silliness is Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. It's even somewhat romantic.
Also, Your Highness takes a certain kind of appreciation. The boyfriend and I watched it this past weekend, and laughed throughout, and there was some romance as well. I don't know if it could be called a chick flick, though.
posted by mitzyjalapeno at 7:47 AM on August 24, 2011
Nthing Stardust, Juno, Chocolat, Brothers Bloom, Tangled, Rushmore (anything Wes Anderson, actually, except the Aquatic movie), Stranger than Fiction and Waking Ned Devine.
Something that's not quirky, but is feel-good and romantic and I could watch a million times is French Kiss.
A kids' movie worth watching for pure silliness is Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. It's even somewhat romantic.
Also, Your Highness takes a certain kind of appreciation. The boyfriend and I watched it this past weekend, and laughed throughout, and there was some romance as well. I don't know if it could be called a chick flick, though.
posted by mitzyjalapeno at 7:47 AM on August 24, 2011
Nthing:
Stranger Than Fiction
Wes Anderson, particularly Royal Tenenbaums (I think the Life Aquatic qualifies, although it's... sad)
Brothers Bloom (also sad)
Love Actually
Notting Hill
Adding:
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Wristcutters: A Love Story (bonus: Tom Waits!)
a bit different but, A Room with a View (SO MANY happy sighs!)
and The Lady Vanishes (Hitchcock mystery with two adorable leads)
posted by Isingthebodyelectric at 8:27 AM on August 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
Stranger Than Fiction
Wes Anderson, particularly Royal Tenenbaums (I think the Life Aquatic qualifies, although it's... sad)
Brothers Bloom (also sad)
Love Actually
Notting Hill
Adding:
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Wristcutters: A Love Story (bonus: Tom Waits!)
a bit different but, A Room with a View (SO MANY happy sighs!)
and The Lady Vanishes (Hitchcock mystery with two adorable leads)
posted by Isingthebodyelectric at 8:27 AM on August 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
Seconding 500 Days of Summer. I thought of it instantly on reading your post. It gets sad in places but stick with it, the ending will have you on delighted, hopeful cloud nine for days.
posted by kostia at 8:34 AM on August 24, 2011
posted by kostia at 8:34 AM on August 24, 2011
Did anyone mentions Sense and Sensibility? It's impossible not to sigh happily at the end, constantly. Sigh...just thinking of it. :)
posted by pyjammy at 9:13 AM on August 24, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by pyjammy at 9:13 AM on August 24, 2011 [3 favorites]
I might be the only one to nominate "Spanglish". Adam Sandler in an incredible role, Tea Leoni (awesome), and Cloris Leachman who plays her mother...great all around cast and a feel good feeling.
posted by foxhat10 at 9:55 AM on August 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by foxhat10 at 9:55 AM on August 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
I Love You, Philip Morris
posted by infinitewindow at 10:20 AM on August 24, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by infinitewindow at 10:20 AM on August 24, 2011 [2 favorites]
Me and You and Everyone We Know
You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll sigh, you'll feel like the universe is just.
And you'll never look at this the same way again: ))<>((
posted by Panjandrum at 10:20 AM on August 24, 2011
You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll sigh, you'll feel like the universe is just.
And you'll never look at this the same way again: ))<>((
posted by Panjandrum at 10:20 AM on August 24, 2011
Cashback is right beside Amelie on my all-time favorites list, the ending is so very sweet.
posted by lizbunny at 10:23 AM on August 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by lizbunny at 10:23 AM on August 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
Penelope.
posted by hooray at 10:43 AM on August 24, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by hooray at 10:43 AM on August 24, 2011 [2 favorites]
Gigante -- gentle giant falls in love with a cleaning woman. Very likable characters. Lovely (if slow moving) movie.
Mi abuelo, mi papá y yo (My Grandfather, my Father and I) -- three generations of men and the women they love. This one really made me smile.
Tulpan -- the importance of love, friendship and family.
posted by I'm Brian and so's my wife! at 10:46 AM on August 24, 2011
Mi abuelo, mi papá y yo (My Grandfather, my Father and I) -- three generations of men and the women they love. This one really made me smile.
Tulpan -- the importance of love, friendship and family.
posted by I'm Brian and so's my wife! at 10:46 AM on August 24, 2011
Some movies that make me feel this way at the end are Mama Mia, Love Actually, and Chocolat. Also, Il Postino.
posted by jrichards at 10:51 AM on August 24, 2011
posted by jrichards at 10:51 AM on August 24, 2011
I LOVE Mostly Martha but No Reservations is like JLo re-making 'Shall we Dance'. Skip both re-makes. What about Moscow, Belgium?http://m.imdb.com/title/tt0948530/ Basically all foreign rom-coms are good! (Having trouble w ph links, sorry)
posted by bquarters at 12:20 PM on August 24, 2011
posted by bquarters at 12:20 PM on August 24, 2011
Another Jean-Pierre Jeunet movie (director of Amelie) from 2009 is Micmacs. It has a similar heart and a similar eye, the quirky charm is totally there. Many of his favorite stable of actors are in it (you'll recognize them from Amelie).
nthing Strictly Ballroom, Before Sunrise (and Before Sunset, the sequel), Miyazaki's movies, Little Miss Sunshine, Stranger Than Fiction, Chocolat, Notting Hill, Juno.
posted by orchidarea at 2:08 PM on August 24, 2011
nthing Strictly Ballroom, Before Sunrise (and Before Sunset, the sequel), Miyazaki's movies, Little Miss Sunshine, Stranger Than Fiction, Chocolat, Notting Hill, Juno.
posted by orchidarea at 2:08 PM on August 24, 2011
I'll Nth Punch Drunk Love, and also put forward Away We Go.
posted by ohheh at 3:28 PM on August 24, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by ohheh at 3:28 PM on August 24, 2011 [2 favorites]
Annie Hall. When Harry Met Sally. Harold and Maude.
posted by Sys Rq at 6:06 PM on August 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Sys Rq at 6:06 PM on August 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
Like Water for Chocolate has that same sort of dreamy fairy-tale quality.
posted by emeiji at 8:27 PM on August 24, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by emeiji at 8:27 PM on August 24, 2011 [2 favorites]
Lots of great recs here. I can heartily second Lars and the Real Girl. Saw it in the past year or two, and it's the movie I can't stop pushing on everyone else. Also nthing Moonstruck, Ninotchka, Philadelphia Story, The Station Agent.
And adding Bagdad Cafe.
posted by marsha56 at 1:12 PM on August 25, 2011 [2 favorites]
And adding Bagdad Cafe.
posted by marsha56 at 1:12 PM on August 25, 2011 [2 favorites]
500 Days of Summer and Garden State have already been mentioned - they are fantastic!
None of the following are quirky but all are sweet, not corny, and will definitely leave you sighing happily at the end:
Something New is a wonderful and little-seen romantic drama that deals sensitively with the issue of interracial dating. It stars Simon Baker (The Mentalist) and Sanaa Lathan.
Love & Basketball - ok, the title is corny, but the movie isn't.
Love Actually and The Notebook - MUST SEE. That is all.
posted by yawper at 3:28 PM on August 25, 2011
None of the following are quirky but all are sweet, not corny, and will definitely leave you sighing happily at the end:
Something New is a wonderful and little-seen romantic drama that deals sensitively with the issue of interracial dating. It stars Simon Baker (The Mentalist) and Sanaa Lathan.
Love & Basketball - ok, the title is corny, but the movie isn't.
Love Actually and The Notebook - MUST SEE. That is all.
posted by yawper at 3:28 PM on August 25, 2011
I Capture the Castle. Also TOTALLY Local Hero.
posted by Cocodrillo at 6:53 PM on August 25, 2011
posted by Cocodrillo at 6:53 PM on August 25, 2011
I don't think anyone mentioned Four weddings and a funeral yet, and I do think it belongs on the list. Also, the first Shrek move had the effect on me that you describe, though it has ogres and I may be just weird.
posted by rjs at 12:58 AM on August 26, 2011
posted by rjs at 12:58 AM on August 26, 2011
Mod note: katillathehun, I think my tastes are somewhat similar to yours.
I've been spending some time recently trying to figure out what kind of movies I like, really, and among my friends we joke that the conclusion boils down to "films where people talk a lot and end up not banging each other".
In that light, I must second "Happy Go Lucky" (does exactly what it says on the tin), "Before Sunrise" and "Before Sunset" (you really have to see both), "The Station Agent" (a wonderfully contemplative, unusually quiet film), "Muriel's Wedding" (arguably a prototypical "chick flick", but certainly one of the most earnest ones ever made), and "Juno".
We could debate the lots of talking / not banging factor for each of these movies, but that would invite spoilers; also, it's not a hard-and-fast rule. ;)
If you like "Before Sunrise" / "Before Sunset", Julie Delpy has made a lovely film of her own in somewhat a similar tone called "2 Days in Paris".
One film that hasn't been mentioned yet but which, given your requirements, I would actually recommend above the others I will mention, is "Once", which stars two non-actors (one of whom is the singer from the Frames, if you happen to know that band). If you liked Björk in "Dancer in the Dark" — regardless of what you thought of the film as a whole — you will understand the sincerity a non-professional actor can lend a story.
Although billed as one, "Once" is really a musical in name only. There are lots of songs, but given that it is a story about a singer-songwriter who meets a young Czech female pianist, portrayed by two people who are those things in real life, and the fact that most of the songs are diegetic, makes it a story about and with music rather than a musical in the traditional sense. (So basically, no showtunes.)
Also, since you mention Amélie and like hopeful, non-corny films, why not stay in France a little longer? The French make many great films, only a few of which make it to broader English-speaking audiences. Two films I saw recently that I loved were "Conversations with My Gardener" (Dialogue avec mon jardinier) and "My Afternoons with Margueritte" (La tête en friche). These films (by the same director) will both leave you with hope for humanity.
Lastly, there is a web services called Jinni which may help you find movies that you like. (I have no relation with them other than as site user.) It's sort of a Last.FM for film, although with not as broad a feature set or as fully developed, but it certainly recommended me quite some films I ended up appreciating — some of which I have mentioned in this comment.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane (staff) at 4:46 PM on August 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
I've been spending some time recently trying to figure out what kind of movies I like, really, and among my friends we joke that the conclusion boils down to "films where people talk a lot and end up not banging each other".
In that light, I must second "Happy Go Lucky" (does exactly what it says on the tin), "Before Sunrise" and "Before Sunset" (you really have to see both), "The Station Agent" (a wonderfully contemplative, unusually quiet film), "Muriel's Wedding" (arguably a prototypical "chick flick", but certainly one of the most earnest ones ever made), and "Juno".
We could debate the lots of talking / not banging factor for each of these movies, but that would invite spoilers; also, it's not a hard-and-fast rule. ;)
If you like "Before Sunrise" / "Before Sunset", Julie Delpy has made a lovely film of her own in somewhat a similar tone called "2 Days in Paris".
One film that hasn't been mentioned yet but which, given your requirements, I would actually recommend above the others I will mention, is "Once", which stars two non-actors (one of whom is the singer from the Frames, if you happen to know that band). If you liked Björk in "Dancer in the Dark" — regardless of what you thought of the film as a whole — you will understand the sincerity a non-professional actor can lend a story.
Although billed as one, "Once" is really a musical in name only. There are lots of songs, but given that it is a story about a singer-songwriter who meets a young Czech female pianist, portrayed by two people who are those things in real life, and the fact that most of the songs are diegetic, makes it a story about and with music rather than a musical in the traditional sense. (So basically, no showtunes.)
Also, since you mention Amélie and like hopeful, non-corny films, why not stay in France a little longer? The French make many great films, only a few of which make it to broader English-speaking audiences. Two films I saw recently that I loved were "Conversations with My Gardener" (Dialogue avec mon jardinier) and "My Afternoons with Margueritte" (La tête en friche). These films (by the same director) will both leave you with hope for humanity.
Lastly, there is a web services called Jinni which may help you find movies that you like. (I have no relation with them other than as site user.) It's sort of a Last.FM for film, although with not as broad a feature set or as fully developed, but it certainly recommended me quite some films I ended up appreciating — some of which I have mentioned in this comment.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane (staff) at 4:46 PM on August 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
About A Boy. I recommend this as somebody who is normally allergic to Hugh Grant.
Marcus: I used to want Will to marry my mom.
Ali: You serious?
Marcus: Yeah, but that was when she was depressed and I was desperate.
Will: Thanks, mate.
posted by benzenedream at 2:53 PM on August 29, 2011
Marcus: I used to want Will to marry my mom.
Ali: You serious?
Marcus: Yeah, but that was when she was depressed and I was desperate.
Will: Thanks, mate.
posted by benzenedream at 2:53 PM on August 29, 2011
To Be or Not to Be - one of the best of the screwball comedies of the 1930s. A theatre troup battle the Nazis! Carole Lombard and Jack Benny are terrific as the husband and wife, with Lombard delectable as Maria Tura, the wife with a straying eye.
Maria Tura: No, no, no. I think we've talked much too much about me. Tell me about yourself.
Lieutenant Stanislav Sobinski: Well, there isn't much to tell. I just fly a bomber.
Maria Tura: Oh, how perfectly thrilling!
Lieutenant Stanislav Sobinski: I don't know about it being thrilling. But it's quite a bomber. You might not believe it, but I can drop three tons of dynamite in two minutes.
Maria Tura: Really?
Lieutenant Stanislav Sobinski: Does that interest you?
Maria Tura: It certainly does.
posted by storybored at 11:22 AM on August 30, 2011
Maria Tura: No, no, no. I think we've talked much too much about me. Tell me about yourself.
Lieutenant Stanislav Sobinski: Well, there isn't much to tell. I just fly a bomber.
Maria Tura: Oh, how perfectly thrilling!
Lieutenant Stanislav Sobinski: I don't know about it being thrilling. But it's quite a bomber. You might not believe it, but I can drop three tons of dynamite in two minutes.
Maria Tura: Really?
Lieutenant Stanislav Sobinski: Does that interest you?
Maria Tura: It certainly does.
posted by storybored at 11:22 AM on August 30, 2011
Muriel's Wedding
Caramel
You and Me and Everyone We Know
Persepolis
Eat Drink Man Woman
Two Days In Paris
The Maid (La Nana)
Moscow Belgium
Bread and Tulips
Strictly Ballroom
Priscilla Queen of the Desert
posted by dracomarca at 11:59 AM on August 31, 2011
Caramel
You and Me and Everyone We Know
Persepolis
Eat Drink Man Woman
Two Days In Paris
The Maid (La Nana)
Moscow Belgium
Bread and Tulips
Strictly Ballroom
Priscilla Queen of the Desert
posted by dracomarca at 11:59 AM on August 31, 2011
We watched Once and Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist this weekend. I'd forgotten how melancholy Once is—it's a gorgeous movie and I love the music, but it takes a direction that doesn't exactly leave you sighing happily at the end.
N&NIP did have a great last line, but was a lesser film overall.
I suggest Romancing the Stone, The Wedding Singer, and, of course, always, and every time, Charade.
posted by carsonb at 2:26 PM on September 5, 2011
N&NIP did have a great last line, but was a lesser film overall.
I suggest Romancing the Stone, The Wedding Singer, and, of course, always, and every time, Charade.
posted by carsonb at 2:26 PM on September 5, 2011
When I need cheering up my guilty pleasure go-tos include the version of Pride and Prejudice with Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson, A Little Princess, Legally Blonde (shut up), and French Kiss (this I can never figure out, because normally I can't stand Meg Ryan, but it works really well for whatever reason). Little Women with Christian Bale is ok too.
posted by ifjuly at 7:35 AM on September 6, 2011
posted by ifjuly at 7:35 AM on September 6, 2011
Oh oh oh, and Bringing Up Baby reminds me--Lubitsch's The Shop Around the Corner is grrreat, gentle and fun.
posted by ifjuly at 7:36 AM on September 6, 2011
posted by ifjuly at 7:36 AM on September 6, 2011
This weekend we watched Lucky Number Slevin, Local Hero, and 50 First Dates.
Lucky Number Slevin is a great movie. Delightfully convoluted plot, just a teensy bit of action, plenty of flash, really tight dialog and acting (especially Lucy Liu and Josh Hartnett), and oh yeah, Josh Hartnett in a towel for half the film. (LOL) It's a little heavy at times, theme-wise, and the violence is a bit much, but it earns a lot of lee-way in that regard because of how charming the other aspects are.
Local Hero was a weird movie. The synopsis I read on the back of the case (as well as what's available at IMDB) wasn't exactly spot-on—the non-Scottish main character goes predictably native, but everything is turned on its head very late in the film. The plot points touted as the crux of the film don't even develop until the last 20 minutes, and the resolution is out of the blue, literally! 80's corporatism and wealth-obsession is ostensibly a guiding theme of the movie, but I didn't come away with any greater understanding and didn't even really get what the movie was attempting to say about it. katillathehun remarked that the text on the back of the case stating Local Hero was 'a truly original film' is like calling a shoebox apartment 'charming'.
50 First Dates would be the most awesome Rom-Com ever if it didn't also include 50 cameos from Adam Sandler's and Rob Schneider's pals. Almost every single background character-based throwaway joke is either totally unfunny or actually offensive. The foul-mouthed Hawaiian dude at the cafe, the brain-damaged patients, the assistant at the water zoo job. Actually how about getting rid of Rob's character altogether? He's a bad excuse to have those awesome little kids around. They're really the only exception; all their bits are hilarious. (What's a nympho?) Anyway, the chemistry between Sandler and Barrymore is great, the story is really good (this guy has to get his girl to fall in love with him every day, cuz she has no long term memory), and the resolution is definitely heartwarming and smiley. Maybe even a little teary, but that might have just been me.
posted by carsonb at 12:43 PM on September 13, 2011
Lucky Number Slevin is a great movie. Delightfully convoluted plot, just a teensy bit of action, plenty of flash, really tight dialog and acting (especially Lucy Liu and Josh Hartnett), and oh yeah, Josh Hartnett in a towel for half the film. (LOL) It's a little heavy at times, theme-wise, and the violence is a bit much, but it earns a lot of lee-way in that regard because of how charming the other aspects are.
Local Hero was a weird movie. The synopsis I read on the back of the case (as well as what's available at IMDB) wasn't exactly spot-on—the non-Scottish main character goes predictably native, but everything is turned on its head very late in the film. The plot points touted as the crux of the film don't even develop until the last 20 minutes, and the resolution is out of the blue, literally! 80's corporatism and wealth-obsession is ostensibly a guiding theme of the movie, but I didn't come away with any greater understanding and didn't even really get what the movie was attempting to say about it. katillathehun remarked that the text on the back of the case stating Local Hero was 'a truly original film' is like calling a shoebox apartment 'charming'.
50 First Dates would be the most awesome Rom-Com ever if it didn't also include 50 cameos from Adam Sandler's and Rob Schneider's pals. Almost every single background character-based throwaway joke is either totally unfunny or actually offensive. The foul-mouthed Hawaiian dude at the cafe, the brain-damaged patients, the assistant at the water zoo job. Actually how about getting rid of Rob's character altogether? He's a bad excuse to have those awesome little kids around. They're really the only exception; all their bits are hilarious. (What's a nympho?) Anyway, the chemistry between Sandler and Barrymore is great, the story is really good (this guy has to get his girl to fall in love with him every day, cuz she has no long term memory), and the resolution is definitely heartwarming and smiley. Maybe even a little teary, but that might have just been me.
posted by carsonb at 12:43 PM on September 13, 2011
I just watched It's Kind of a Funny Story and was very surprised at how quirky, endearing, and non-corny it was.
posted by angab at 7:19 AM on September 16, 2011
posted by angab at 7:19 AM on September 16, 2011
We watched The Brothers Bloom this weekend, and it was pretty much exactly the sort of movie that tickles the Amelie spot. Adventurous, whimsical, and beautiful, with just a tinge of melancholy to balance the fitting resolution. One good hat can make for a good movie, I think, and so several excellent hats have made for an excellent film.
Also on the docket was The Wedding Singer, which is just too corny not to love. Sandler and Barrymore are hilarious though, and there's not nearly as much noise from the background characters as there was in 50 First Dates.
posted by carsonb at 3:54 AM on September 26, 2011
Also on the docket was The Wedding Singer, which is just too corny not to love. Sandler and Barrymore are hilarious though, and there's not nearly as much noise from the background characters as there was in 50 First Dates.
posted by carsonb at 3:54 AM on September 26, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by la petite marie at 8:27 PM on August 23, 2011 [5 favorites]