Incredibly Romantic Movies: recommend them to me
October 13, 2023 9:33 AM Subscribe
The world has too many hard edges these days.
I require to watch a lot of dopamine-rich fiction (film/tv) with excellent performances and acts of devotion, with minimal angst or needless pain involved. Not Hallmark, not Lifetime, unless they're really exceptional standouts. I wish to be transported to another world where our heroes are fundamentally good, fundamentally kind, and wishing to do well for each other.
LGBTQ relationships are welcome, coming out stories are welcome, as are cis/straight relationships. I'm looking to fill up my bucket of watching people fall in love.
What can you recommend?
LGBTQ relationships are welcome, coming out stories are welcome, as are cis/straight relationships. I'm looking to fill up my bucket of watching people fall in love.
What can you recommend?
OK, well, there is my all time favorite: About Time. It totally renews my faith in humanity whenever I watch (which is at least every couple of months).
And recently, I watched The Kindness of Strangers. It does have some scenes of domestic violence and the characters in it are all struggling in some way but it's just beautiful, especially the portrayal of good men with good intentions.
I'm sure I'll think of a million more but those are the first ones that came to mind.
posted by dawkins_7 at 9:45 AM on October 13, 2023 [5 favorites]
And recently, I watched The Kindness of Strangers. It does have some scenes of domestic violence and the characters in it are all struggling in some way but it's just beautiful, especially the portrayal of good men with good intentions.
I'm sure I'll think of a million more but those are the first ones that came to mind.
posted by dawkins_7 at 9:45 AM on October 13, 2023 [5 favorites]
Crazy Rich Asians has some angst but its bearable and worth the pay off at the end. Whether we'll get the sequels is a bit doubtful, but even just as a stand-alone, the film always lifts my heart and its also filled with talented beautiful people, which is just a cherry on the top of the drama and romance of it all.
posted by Fizz at 9:52 AM on October 13, 2023 [7 favorites]
posted by Fizz at 9:52 AM on October 13, 2023 [7 favorites]
Would you be comfortable giving us an example or two of a romantic movie that fits your guidelines?
I only ask because every time I think of a movie I want to suggest to you, it does have a happy ending, but there's also some level of not-insignificant struggle/angst involved. Having some examples on hand could give us a better idea of how much angst you consider to be more-than-minimal angst.
posted by nightrecordings at 10:00 AM on October 13, 2023 [2 favorites]
I only ask because every time I think of a movie I want to suggest to you, it does have a happy ending, but there's also some level of not-insignificant struggle/angst involved. Having some examples on hand could give us a better idea of how much angst you consider to be more-than-minimal angst.
posted by nightrecordings at 10:00 AM on October 13, 2023 [2 favorites]
Seconding About Time hard. Absolutely one of my all-time favourites.
posted by kate4914 at 10:01 AM on October 13, 2023 [5 favorites]
posted by kate4914 at 10:01 AM on October 13, 2023 [5 favorites]
If Beale Street Could Talk is NOT without angst or pain, but the central relationship is the calm within the storm. I walked out of that movie and broke up with my perfectly nice boyfriend because it was just lacking the passion/devotion/deep love that I saw on screen. And it's also just a glorious piece of film.
posted by greta simone at 10:05 AM on October 13, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by greta simone at 10:05 AM on October 13, 2023 [3 favorites]
Ted Lasso on appletv+. Ted is hopelessly in love with his wife, but other major characters fall in love in various ways.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and the 2nd Best. Not super romantic but fun and gentle. There is falling in love.
The Holiday. I want that cottage (it was a set).
Music and Lyrics
posted by theora55 at 10:07 AM on October 13, 2023 [1 favorite]
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and the 2nd Best. Not super romantic but fun and gentle. There is falling in love.
The Holiday. I want that cottage (it was a set).
Music and Lyrics
posted by theora55 at 10:07 AM on October 13, 2023 [1 favorite]
Big Eden. Every person in this movie is a good human being with other people's best interests at heart. I love this movie and it's a go-to for me when I need a lift. Arye Gross plays a successful gay artist who goes back to the small town he grew up in after his grandpa has a stroke. Tim DeKay plays his childhood best friend who he has been in love with forever, and Eric Schweig plays the big quiet man who falls for Gross but never thinks he'll have a chance. The small town is full of fun characters, and the way they come together to forward Schweig's love is so sweet. Louise Fletcher is also in this, and a real treat as usual.
posted by Well I never at 10:09 AM on October 13, 2023 [5 favorites]
posted by Well I never at 10:09 AM on October 13, 2023 [5 favorites]
I also really loved Once, in which the actors also fell in love in real life.
posted by greta simone at 10:11 AM on October 13, 2023 [13 favorites]
posted by greta simone at 10:11 AM on October 13, 2023 [13 favorites]
It's not new, but it's still my favorite: Amélie
posted by Eyelash at 10:21 AM on October 13, 2023 [9 favorites]
posted by Eyelash at 10:21 AM on October 13, 2023 [9 favorites]
My go-to is While You Were Sleeping (1995).
posted by pangolin party at 10:57 AM on October 13, 2023 [5 favorites]
posted by pangolin party at 10:57 AM on October 13, 2023 [5 favorites]
Last Holiday is completely implausible and a complete delight. Queen Latifah is in love with life itself!
Moonstruck: Cher! Nicolas Cage! Olympia Dukakis! John Mahoney! The dogs!
posted by epj at 11:07 AM on October 13, 2023 [12 favorites]
Moonstruck: Cher! Nicolas Cage! Olympia Dukakis! John Mahoney! The dogs!
posted by epj at 11:07 AM on October 13, 2023 [12 favorites]
Strictly Ballroom always gets me happy-crying by the end.
posted by Lexica at 11:08 AM on October 13, 2023 [10 favorites]
posted by Lexica at 11:08 AM on October 13, 2023 [10 favorites]
Another vote for Once: great music and I love the setting (Dublin).
posted by wenestvedt at 11:13 AM on October 13, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by wenestvedt at 11:13 AM on October 13, 2023 [1 favorite]
On a recent rewatch of The Princess Bride, I noticed something I had somehow missed before: Wesley's unshakeable devotion to Buttercup and his willingness to do anything for her, as well as the movie world's general acceptance of the triumph of true love.
posted by aquamvidam at 11:14 AM on October 13, 2023 [8 favorites]
posted by aquamvidam at 11:14 AM on October 13, 2023 [8 favorites]
Joe vs The Volcano
Dodgeball - other than the wrenches, the heroes are all pretty kind and the movie explores multiple love stories while being a silly comedy.
posted by The_Vegetables at 11:42 AM on October 13, 2023
Dodgeball - other than the wrenches, the heroes are all pretty kind and the movie explores multiple love stories while being a silly comedy.
posted by The_Vegetables at 11:42 AM on October 13, 2023
Heartstopper is a delight. It's not angst free, but even when folks do questionable things, they mostly quickly correct course. I haven't finished season 2, but I'm left with that lovely feeling I think you're seeking when I watch it.
posted by skunk pig at 11:46 AM on October 13, 2023 [7 favorites]
posted by skunk pig at 11:46 AM on October 13, 2023 [7 favorites]
I just wanted to recommend Bollywood movies in general for this. I feel like American and English language movies have really been slacking on the romance front for years, but Bollywood consistently churns out fun and lush romances. The one caveat is that a lot of these tend to have a melodrama/drama element, so there can be angsty moments, and sometimes the performances are the kind that come across as OTT to American viewers.
That said, if you give a few of them a try and find you enjoy the style/vibe, Bollywood has a ton of romantic movies to offer you! This Pop Sugar list gives you a decent place to start, though note that it has some angstier picks on there. (Like, Dil Se is an excellent movie with a banging soundtrack, but it's not the kind of low-angst watch you're looking for.)
posted by yasaman at 11:46 AM on October 13, 2023 [3 favorites]
That said, if you give a few of them a try and find you enjoy the style/vibe, Bollywood has a ton of romantic movies to offer you! This Pop Sugar list gives you a decent place to start, though note that it has some angstier picks on there. (Like, Dil Se is an excellent movie with a banging soundtrack, but it's not the kind of low-angst watch you're looking for.)
posted by yasaman at 11:46 AM on October 13, 2023 [3 favorites]
Lars and the Real Girl
posted by Mr. Papagiorgio at 11:51 AM on October 13, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by Mr. Papagiorgio at 11:51 AM on October 13, 2023 [3 favorites]
Agreed on Love and Basketball, it's a sweet story about two terrific young people making their way in the world, and the ending is just perfect.
For TV, I'd consider No Tomorrow. The premise is a little silly (the male lead believes a comet is about to hit the Earth). But it's more about a group of likable people learning to live their best lives, take risks, and believe in romance.
posted by champers at 11:58 AM on October 13, 2023
For TV, I'd consider No Tomorrow. The premise is a little silly (the male lead believes a comet is about to hit the Earth). But it's more about a group of likable people learning to live their best lives, take risks, and believe in romance.
posted by champers at 11:58 AM on October 13, 2023
LaLaLand for sure
posted by St. Peepsburg at 12:02 PM on October 13, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by St. Peepsburg at 12:02 PM on October 13, 2023 [2 favorites]
Stardust
North and South (the English miniseries not the civil war one)
posted by Illusory contour at 12:21 PM on October 13, 2023 [3 favorites]
North and South (the English miniseries not the civil war one)
posted by Illusory contour at 12:21 PM on October 13, 2023 [3 favorites]
About Time is really good, another vote for that.
I also really like the To All the Boys... series on Netflix. There's a little angst but it's sensible angst. There are three in the trilogy and while each isn't quite as good as the one before it, they're all good. The third is also the most angsty of the three.
posted by urbanlenny at 12:28 PM on October 13, 2023 [1 favorite]
I also really like the To All the Boys... series on Netflix. There's a little angst but it's sensible angst. There are three in the trilogy and while each isn't quite as good as the one before it, they're all good. The third is also the most angsty of the three.
posted by urbanlenny at 12:28 PM on October 13, 2023 [1 favorite]
To piggyback on Yasaman's comment, Rocky aur Rani ki prem kahaani is a great, recent Bollywood movie with a central couple who truly care for each other despite the standard Bollywood vicissitudes of unsupportive families etc, and I really enjoyed how the story dealt with those obstacles. Also the songs are excellent!
Some recent romscoms I enjoyed were Always Be My Maybe and Set It Up.
My absolute favourite love story is not a movie, it's a TV series, the 1995 adaptation of Persuasion with Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds. it's on youtube.
posted by unicorn chaser at 12:51 PM on October 13, 2023 [7 favorites]
Some recent romscoms I enjoyed were Always Be My Maybe and Set It Up.
My absolute favourite love story is not a movie, it's a TV series, the 1995 adaptation of Persuasion with Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds. it's on youtube.
posted by unicorn chaser at 12:51 PM on October 13, 2023 [7 favorites]
Seconding Moonstruck and Heartstopper. Both feature some conflict, but I think this is offset by endearing characters, swoon-worthy scenes, and superb soundtracks.
You've got Mail, Pride & Prejudice, or Jane the Virgin might also fit the bill.
posted by NewShoo at 12:53 PM on October 13, 2023 [3 favorites]
You've got Mail, Pride & Prejudice, or Jane the Virgin might also fit the bill.
posted by NewShoo at 12:53 PM on October 13, 2023 [3 favorites]
Red White & Royal Blue (trailer) is just fun.
posted by panther of the pyrenees at 1:07 PM on October 13, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by panther of the pyrenees at 1:07 PM on October 13, 2023 [2 favorites]
Dash and Lily is delightful. I really enjoyed Love at First Sight when I was feeling overwhelmed recently.
From the list above, I loved North and South, Pride and Prejudice (versions with Colin Firth or Matthew Macfadyen), Persuasion (the version listed above by unicorn chaser), Moonstruck, Strictly Ballroom, While You Were Sleeping, Lars and the Real Girl and Ms. Pettigrew Lives For A Day (that really is a fun feel good movie)
posted by victoriab at 1:43 PM on October 13, 2023 [2 favorites]
From the list above, I loved North and South, Pride and Prejudice (versions with Colin Firth or Matthew Macfadyen), Persuasion (the version listed above by unicorn chaser), Moonstruck, Strictly Ballroom, While You Were Sleeping, Lars and the Real Girl and Ms. Pettigrew Lives For A Day (that really is a fun feel good movie)
posted by victoriab at 1:43 PM on October 13, 2023 [2 favorites]
Nthing Stardust, You’ve Got Mail, While You Were Sleeping, and Pride and Prejudice – specifically the one with Kiera Knightly.
posted by StrawberryPie at 2:24 PM on October 13, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by StrawberryPie at 2:24 PM on October 13, 2023 [1 favorite]
Caveat that my own personal romantic jam happens to be about "short and intense but finite relationships which are more about the emotional connection than the physical stuff".
So if you're okay with an ending where the couple does not end up together at the end - big, big recommendations from me for both Call Me By Your Name and Lost In Translation.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 2:31 PM on October 13, 2023
So if you're okay with an ending where the couple does not end up together at the end - big, big recommendations from me for both Call Me By Your Name and Lost In Translation.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 2:31 PM on October 13, 2023
Lars and the Real Girl is great - 2nding that.
Also: Seeking a Friend for the end of the world (a bit absurdist)
And my favorite, Big Fish. It's the tale of a man's life - immersed in this magical world. It's the perfect bit of magical realism. And at the heart of it is the love story of a man and his lady.
posted by hydra77 at 3:21 PM on October 13, 2023
Also: Seeking a Friend for the end of the world (a bit absurdist)
And my favorite, Big Fish. It's the tale of a man's life - immersed in this magical world. It's the perfect bit of magical realism. And at the heart of it is the love story of a man and his lady.
posted by hydra77 at 3:21 PM on October 13, 2023
I love, love, love Before Sunrise and was glad to see it recommended but want to stress that you should not watch the third one given what you're after. It is...more complicated!
Have you seen Roman Holiday? The ending is bittersweet but for me, a jaded gay man, it is the very loveliest heterosexual romance : )
posted by less-of-course at 4:30 PM on October 13, 2023 [1 favorite]
Have you seen Roman Holiday? The ending is bittersweet but for me, a jaded gay man, it is the very loveliest heterosexual romance : )
posted by less-of-course at 4:30 PM on October 13, 2023 [1 favorite]
I would like to recommend the criminally under-appreciated Aussie comedy Kenny. While romance isn't the main focus of the story it's there, and nice things happen to good people along the way. If you can get past the plumbing jokes, it's a very human story and I love it.
posted by ninazer0 at 4:42 PM on October 13, 2023
posted by ninazer0 at 4:42 PM on October 13, 2023
Wong Kar-wai's In the Mood for Love.
posted by cocoagirl at 5:28 PM on October 13, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by cocoagirl at 5:28 PM on October 13, 2023 [3 favorites]
Truly, Madly, Deeply (1990), starring Juliet Stevenson and Alan Rickman.
A Matter of Life and Death (1946), with Kim Hunter and David Niven.
posted by 2N2222 at 5:38 PM on October 13, 2023 [3 favorites]
A Matter of Life and Death (1946), with Kim Hunter and David Niven.
posted by 2N2222 at 5:38 PM on October 13, 2023 [3 favorites]
I apparently find romance in dead partners, sorry! So none of these end up with the romantic couple pairs, but omg the love that was had… Ghost, Truly madly deeply and Always.
posted by Iteki at 6:15 PM on October 13, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by Iteki at 6:15 PM on October 13, 2023 [1 favorite]
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Pride and Prejudice (TV Mini Series 1995)
Little Women (2019)
Elizabethtown (2005)
Serendipity (2001)
Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)
Heartstopper (TV Series 2022– )
Danny Deckchair (2003)
A Lot Like Love (2005)
The Truth About Cats & Dogs (1996)
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
No Strings Attached (2011)
Original title: Das schönste Mädchen der Welt (2018)
Our Friend (2019)
Sixteen Candles (1984)
Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)
Weird Science (1985)
Real Genius (1985)
Say Anything (1989)
Earth Girls Are Easy (1988)
Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
You've Got Mail (1998)
Love Actually (2003)
Notting Hill (1999)
Sir (2018) [Is Love Enough?]
Smart People (2008)
Laggies (2014)
Easy A (2010)
Party Girl (1995)
Mean Girls (2004)
Party Girl (1995)
The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
Love & Other Drugs (2010)
Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)
Little Women (2019)
Garden State (2004)
About Time (2013)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Fingernails (2023)
posted by Mr. Papagiorgio at 8:47 PM on October 13, 2023 [2 favorites]
Pride and Prejudice (TV Mini Series 1995)
Little Women (2019)
Elizabethtown (2005)
Serendipity (2001)
Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)
Heartstopper (TV Series 2022– )
Danny Deckchair (2003)
A Lot Like Love (2005)
The Truth About Cats & Dogs (1996)
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
No Strings Attached (2011)
Original title: Das schönste Mädchen der Welt (2018)
Our Friend (2019)
Sixteen Candles (1984)
Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)
Weird Science (1985)
Real Genius (1985)
Say Anything (1989)
Earth Girls Are Easy (1988)
Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
You've Got Mail (1998)
Love Actually (2003)
Notting Hill (1999)
Sir (2018) [Is Love Enough?]
Smart People (2008)
Laggies (2014)
Easy A (2010)
Party Girl (1995)
Mean Girls (2004)
Party Girl (1995)
The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
Love & Other Drugs (2010)
Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)
Little Women (2019)
Garden State (2004)
About Time (2013)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Fingernails (2023)
posted by Mr. Papagiorgio at 8:47 PM on October 13, 2023 [2 favorites]
Weekend is a wonderful British, gay spin on the idea of Before Sunrise (but completely its own).
posted by coraline at 10:17 PM on October 13, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by coraline at 10:17 PM on October 13, 2023 [1 favorite]
The form of romance movies (and novels) is to have a point of conflict and then the happy ever after. So all romance movies have some angst or drama. I love A Room with a View and Cold Comfort Farm. Everyone gets what they want, in the end. Cold Comfort Farm in particular has some actors in roles you never would have figured.
posted by fiercekitten at 11:43 PM on October 13, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by fiercekitten at 11:43 PM on October 13, 2023 [2 favorites]
Return to Me is gimmicky but a gut-punch. Still, there is always the Irish-Italian restaurant.
Anything else I'd rec (particularly Amélie and Eternal Sunshine) is already here!
posted by verbminx at 2:24 AM on October 14, 2023 [2 favorites]
Anything else I'd rec (particularly Amélie and Eternal Sunshine) is already here!
posted by verbminx at 2:24 AM on October 14, 2023 [2 favorites]
The list below is informed by my agreement with fiercekitten: all romance movies have some angst or drama.
First, don't forget older movies: Bringing Up Baby and It Happened One Night are two favorites that come to mind, both romances with lots of comedic elements.
Here is a list of some movies I did not see mentioned above:
The Matchmaker (1997)
Ever After
Doc Hollywood
Kate and Leopold
French Kiss
Ella Enchanted
Enchanted
Overboard
Definitely, Maybe
Sweet Land
Eagle vs Shark
Sarah, Plain and Tall (1991) - Glenn Close and Christopher Walken!
Leap Year (not perfect, but better than the reviews)
A note about Truly, Madly, Deeply - it is one of my favorite movies of all time but is also extremely sad, and deals with the loss of a partner in a really visceral way, despite ultimately giving the main protagonist a new romance.
Along those lines, I would recommend Silver Linings Playbook, which gets to a happy ending/romance despite the serious issues of mental illness portrayed through the course of the movie, and manages to have funny parts along the way.
Finally, a couple of Hallmarks that are worth a watch: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (2008) (the title is definitely tongue in cheek; here's a review) and Trading Christmas (2011).
posted by gudrun at 9:02 AM on October 14, 2023 [2 favorites]
First, don't forget older movies: Bringing Up Baby and It Happened One Night are two favorites that come to mind, both romances with lots of comedic elements.
Here is a list of some movies I did not see mentioned above:
The Matchmaker (1997)
Ever After
Doc Hollywood
Kate and Leopold
French Kiss
Ella Enchanted
Enchanted
Overboard
Definitely, Maybe
Sweet Land
Eagle vs Shark
Sarah, Plain and Tall (1991) - Glenn Close and Christopher Walken!
Leap Year (not perfect, but better than the reviews)
A note about Truly, Madly, Deeply - it is one of my favorite movies of all time but is also extremely sad, and deals with the loss of a partner in a really visceral way, despite ultimately giving the main protagonist a new romance.
Along those lines, I would recommend Silver Linings Playbook, which gets to a happy ending/romance despite the serious issues of mental illness portrayed through the course of the movie, and manages to have funny parts along the way.
Finally, a couple of Hallmarks that are worth a watch: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (2008) (the title is definitely tongue in cheek; here's a review) and Trading Christmas (2011).
posted by gudrun at 9:02 AM on October 14, 2023 [2 favorites]
Amelie - Just the sweetest quirky French romantic quirkfest where a shy woman (just absolute screen candy then-newcomer Audrey Tautou) becomes a silent superhero trying to solve her neighbours' problems because she's too awkward to approach the boy she likes (Mathieu Kassovitz).
Moonstruck - Weird glorious operatically grand 1980s romcom starring a steamy hot weird romance between two 40ish people who've given up on love til they find it in each other, played by Nic Cage and Cher. Great older-generation lovestory as the b-storyline with Olympia Dukakis and Danny Aiello.
When Harry Met Sally - The classic witty romcom, best friends (Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal) slowly fall in love over the course of a decade or so. Absolutely iconic scenes and amazing documentary interviews with elderly couples added in.
The Beginners - Double generation moody romance. An aging dad (Christopher Plummer!) comes out as gay and starts living out loud as his depressive adult son meets the girl of his dreams and falls in love too (Ewan McGregor and Mélanie Laurent). It's a tiny bit sad but also quirky and really lovely and life-affirming too.
Stranger Than Fiction - Will Ferrell plays a very realistic awkward accountant who falls in love with Maggie Gyllenhaal's bohemian baker but then realizes he's a character in a novel that isn't going to end well so he petitions the writer (Emma Thompson) to let him live. The storyline of them falling in love is so quirky and sweet, just divine.
High Fidelity - Slacker John Cusack gets dumped by the wonderful Iben Hjele, then goes on a reunion tour of his exes (Catherine Zeta Jones! Lili Taylor! and a fling with Lisa Bonet!) to figure out where his life went wrong. The movie that made Jack Black a star. It's really funny and charming.
Our Flag Means Death - Silly pirate TV series where Taika Waititi and Rhys Darby fall in love as real-life historical bromance Blackbeard and Stede. So gay, so silly, so surprisingly sweet. Huge cult following and well-deserved.
posted by nouvelle-personne at 6:57 PM on October 14, 2023 [7 favorites]
Moonstruck - Weird glorious operatically grand 1980s romcom starring a steamy hot weird romance between two 40ish people who've given up on love til they find it in each other, played by Nic Cage and Cher. Great older-generation lovestory as the b-storyline with Olympia Dukakis and Danny Aiello.
When Harry Met Sally - The classic witty romcom, best friends (Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal) slowly fall in love over the course of a decade or so. Absolutely iconic scenes and amazing documentary interviews with elderly couples added in.
The Beginners - Double generation moody romance. An aging dad (Christopher Plummer!) comes out as gay and starts living out loud as his depressive adult son meets the girl of his dreams and falls in love too (Ewan McGregor and Mélanie Laurent). It's a tiny bit sad but also quirky and really lovely and life-affirming too.
Stranger Than Fiction - Will Ferrell plays a very realistic awkward accountant who falls in love with Maggie Gyllenhaal's bohemian baker but then realizes he's a character in a novel that isn't going to end well so he petitions the writer (Emma Thompson) to let him live. The storyline of them falling in love is so quirky and sweet, just divine.
High Fidelity - Slacker John Cusack gets dumped by the wonderful Iben Hjele, then goes on a reunion tour of his exes (Catherine Zeta Jones! Lili Taylor! and a fling with Lisa Bonet!) to figure out where his life went wrong. The movie that made Jack Black a star. It's really funny and charming.
Our Flag Means Death - Silly pirate TV series where Taika Waititi and Rhys Darby fall in love as real-life historical bromance Blackbeard and Stede. So gay, so silly, so surprisingly sweet. Huge cult following and well-deserved.
posted by nouvelle-personne at 6:57 PM on October 14, 2023 [7 favorites]
I have to give a shout out to Who Rules the World.
If you enjoyed Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon but would trade some of the production budget for a lot more happy plot resolutions, give it a try. There is also a lot of flirtatious trash talk, "uh oh this is hot and I'm blushing while pretending it isn't" comedy, palling around with with Bae, and high-key being heroes together.
I shipped Madmartigan and Sorsha something fierce as a kid with a well-worn bootleg of Willow. But make the smart-ass, carefree one the lady, both of them are good guys, and one of them has a secret identity.
It's a long TV series, and as it gears up there is quite a lot of tragedy and angst. The dude catches most of that emo plot twist hell. But IMO that turmoil serves mainly as a foil for just how strong their principles are, and the genuine bonds of friendship and love they forge. The romantic love that develops between the main characters is also So Pure. And #spoiler, their love prevails every time. As world's best author Chuck Tingle would say, they "Prove Love (Is Real)."
Among Who Rules the World, Love Between Fairy and Devil, and The Untamed, it must be some Chinese romance motif about feeding Bae soup or medicine. But in Who Rules the World, there's real chemistry in each of those scenes of everyday affection & relief that sick-turn Bae feels better/ care-taking-turn Bae is here.
As an NB (non-binary) person there is also something so refreshing about all the characters in a far off space-time and culture having long hair and long robes. The masculine characters have no "gender performance allergies" to what in my lifetime has been coded so harshly as feminine (and weak, frivolous, or sinful) in food, drink, clothing, arts, dress... And being fantastically powerful martial artist characters, there is no question that they are powerful even when they are also quite refined, beautiful, and graceful.
I've got to 2nd Strictly Ballroom.
Shakespeare in Love
Spicy:
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries has slow burn competitive competence with overt & grudging flirts, and great vicarious sensuality.
Blue is the Warmest Color [very gratifyingly NSFW, emo, but no homophobic tragedy!]
Better Than Chocolate
Innocent:
Also, Moonrise Kingdom.
The animated Disney Robin Hood (IMO).
Mulan
The Legend of Korra (it's complicated ;) ).
Dark / existential:
The Fountain: Love beyond death.
posted by jewelledlights at 8:30 PM on October 14, 2023 [3 favorites]
If you enjoyed Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon but would trade some of the production budget for a lot more happy plot resolutions, give it a try. There is also a lot of flirtatious trash talk, "uh oh this is hot and I'm blushing while pretending it isn't" comedy, palling around with with Bae, and high-key being heroes together.
I shipped Madmartigan and Sorsha something fierce as a kid with a well-worn bootleg of Willow. But make the smart-ass, carefree one the lady, both of them are good guys, and one of them has a secret identity.
It's a long TV series, and as it gears up there is quite a lot of tragedy and angst. The dude catches most of that emo plot twist hell. But IMO that turmoil serves mainly as a foil for just how strong their principles are, and the genuine bonds of friendship and love they forge. The romantic love that develops between the main characters is also So Pure. And #spoiler, their love prevails every time. As world's best author Chuck Tingle would say, they "Prove Love (Is Real)."
Among Who Rules the World, Love Between Fairy and Devil, and The Untamed, it must be some Chinese romance motif about feeding Bae soup or medicine. But in Who Rules the World, there's real chemistry in each of those scenes of everyday affection & relief that sick-turn Bae feels better/ care-taking-turn Bae is here.
As an NB (non-binary) person there is also something so refreshing about all the characters in a far off space-time and culture having long hair and long robes. The masculine characters have no "gender performance allergies" to what in my lifetime has been coded so harshly as feminine (and weak, frivolous, or sinful) in food, drink, clothing, arts, dress... And being fantastically powerful martial artist characters, there is no question that they are powerful even when they are also quite refined, beautiful, and graceful.
I've got to 2nd Strictly Ballroom.
Shakespeare in Love
Spicy:
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries has slow burn competitive competence with overt & grudging flirts, and great vicarious sensuality.
Blue is the Warmest Color [very gratifyingly NSFW, emo, but no homophobic tragedy!]
Better Than Chocolate
Innocent:
Also, Moonrise Kingdom.
The animated Disney Robin Hood (IMO).
Mulan
The Legend of Korra (it's complicated ;) ).
Dark / existential:
The Fountain: Love beyond death.
posted by jewelledlights at 8:30 PM on October 14, 2023 [3 favorites]
When Harry Met Sally
Amelie
The Good Place
Stardust
posted by AlSweigart at 3:11 PM on October 15, 2023 [1 favorite]
Amelie
The Good Place
Stardust
posted by AlSweigart at 3:11 PM on October 15, 2023 [1 favorite]
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posted by I EAT TAPAS at 9:43 AM on October 13, 2023 [12 favorites]