Thursday, May 08, 2008

My Favorite Romantic Movies

Some of you might remember that in my contrary way I refused to post my list of most romantic movies at Valentine's Day and stubbornly took an alternative view by posting movies that tried to be romantic but weren't.

So I'm making good and smack in the middle of May for no reason other than that spring is in the air I give you my favorite romantic movies and why I think they're romantic. I'm a sap I tell you.

The Scarlet Pimpernel1. The Scarlet Pimpernel. I bet there's a lot of you who remember Jane Seymour before she was famous in this made-for-television movie that had little to do with the original book. I mean the general gist of things was the same but it was structured completely different and actually? I think this is a case where the movie was better than the book. Or maybe I was just terribly in love with Anthony Edwards, who knows? It was junior high so there's no accounting for my taste. My eighth-grade friends and I watched this movie ad nauseum until we wore out the VHS tape.

I loved the music, loved the actors, loved the costumes and tragedy, loved Ian McKellan as the bad guy (back before he was Sir Gandalf). I found an old video of the movie and recently watched it to see if it was as romantic as I remembered it and actually? It stood up pretty well, as has Jane Seymour.

While You Were Sleeping2. While You Were Sleeping. Now not only is this a romantic movie it's hysterically funny. Great lines to quote. For example, "Is this guy bothering you? Because he's leaning." We'll still quote about mashed potatoes being creamy and Argentina having good beef. Sandra Bullock plays the sad-and quirky-but-innocent girl looking for love and the way the movie plays out is just so sweet and fun that I can watch it over and over again.

3. Casablanca. Why is this one so romantic when it's so sad? Because Ingrid Bergman does the right thing and stays with her husband. It's sad but yet it's romantic that she loves Sam so much but still values honor above her personal longings. Romance always goes well with a side order of tragedy. Kind of like steak and potatoes.

Return to Me4. Return to Me. Have you seen this one where Mini Driver is a heart transplant patient who gets the heart that belonged to David Duchovny's dead wife? No, it's not Poltergeist, it's sweet and I love this movie. The actors are charming, Mini Driver has a wicked good sense of style in the movie and the Irish-Italian old guys are a hoot. When David Duchovny says, "I love Elizabeth--I'll always love Elizabeth--but I long for Grace" I get all gushy inside.

Cinderella Man5. Cinderella Man. This might surprise you but I thought this was a romantic movie because first of all Russell Crowe is a terrific actor--maybe the best right now--and his relationship with Renee Zellweger hangs on against all the horrible things life throws at them. Maybe it's because I could relate to the feeling that when you're with someone and you go through the hard times together it can pull you closer together (or it can also tear you apart unfortunately) making your relationship stronger than ever. I kind of felt that with this one and I liked it. Rocky had a similar feel that way.

6. Roman Holiday. Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck are a smashing good couple (though I think I would have preferred Cary Grant if the truth were told) but the real star of the movie is Rome. I think the romance here hinges on the locale and the atmosphere of the Eternal City. Audrey and Gregory are sweet together too, and once again unrequited love is always a good sell, but it's really Rome that gets the romance vote.

Out of Africa7. Out of Africa. Probably the same is true with this one because really, if you went by my reasoning in my other list of unromantic movies you'd question why I have this one included. How horrible is it? Robert Redford--the jerk--won't marry beautiful Meryl Streep and insists on keeping their relationship of the pay-per-view variety. That is, a kind a month-to-month lease arrangement rather than a commitment to buy. But oh the music and the scenery and the plane flying over the flamingos and the scene where he washes her hair while they're on safari. Sigh. If I just close my eyes . . . .

Shall We Dance?8. Shall We Dance? Have you seen this? I'm not a fan of Richard Gere (see my Pretty Woman comments in the previous list) OR Susan Sarandon OR Jennifer Lopez but somehow this movie works for me and makes me feel sappy. I think it's because that man-with-mid-life-crisis thing that could go so many ways but ends up finding him back happily with his wife makes me sigh with contentment. I like the dancing and how he's trying to learn something new. My favorite part is when Sarandon and Gere confront each other and they realize he really wants her to be his dance partner. I like that.

The Village9. The Village. Why oh why would I have a thriller listed on my list? Simply for the scene where Joaquin Phoenix and Bryce Dallas Howard are sitting on the front porch at night and she asks him if he will dance with her at their wedding and asks him why he won't say what's in his heart.

He says in this breathy-macho whisper:
Why can you not stop saying what is in yours? Why must you lead, when I want to lead? If I want to dance I will ask you to dance. If I want to speak I will open my mouth and speak. Everyone is forever plaguing me to speak further. Why? What good is it to tell you you are in my every thought from the time I wake? What good can come from my saying that I sometimes cannot think clearly or do my work properly? What gain can rise of my telling you the only time I feel fear as others do is when I think of you in harm? That is why I am on this porch, Ivy Walker. I fear for your safety before all others. And yes, I will dance with you on our wedding night.
Unbreakable10. Unbreakable. Since I'm shocking you with obscure love scenes from B-list thrillers I might as well go all the way and name this movie too. I like M. Knight Shyamalan's movies (except for the freaky mermaid one) but this is completely my favorite. It's not only emotional, layered, interesting and creative but it's cool and romantic too. The relationship between Bruce Willis and Robin Wright Penn, their failing marriage but desperation to keep it together is so sad and moving. I love it when they go out on a "first date" and try to carry a conversation, then at the end when Willis finally finds his purpose in life and finds the fulfillment he needs the romance blossoms once again and it makes me so happy. When he carries her up the stairs? That's just sweet without being slick. Good stuff. Besides, I think their relationship with its durm and strang is a lot more realistic than most Hollywood romances. Except for the superhero part--you don't see that every day.

The Age of Innocence11. The Age of Innocence. Oh, if you like the repressed sexual tension that only a Victorian period movie can generate then this is the romance for you. I think it's the only Martin Scorsese movie I've ever seen. Michelle Pfieffer is smokin' hot, and especially so next to Winona Ryder's crystal purity and sweetness. They represent two opposing forces pretty convincingly and the only question is which one is Daniel Day Lewis gonna choose? I loved the Countess and cheered when he . . . well I won't spoil it. You'll have to see it to find out who ends up with him in the end.

Runaway Bride12. Runaway Bride. Cheesy, funny--no, make that hysterical, and goes against my "no Richard Gere" policy. Hmmm . . . actually, he makes it twice on this list so maybe I'll have to rethink that there policy. I will see nearly any movie with Joan Cusack in it--and pair her up with Julia Roberts and I'm in heaven. My favorite line is when Julia hitches a ride in a Fedex truck and someone asks, "Where is she going?" and the answer comes, "I don't know, but wherever it is she'll be there by 10:30 tomorrow morning." I'm not sure why I like this one--it's probably the lines and the cheese. There is no other explanation whatsoever.

Pride and Prejudice13. Pride and Prejudice. No surprises here, Jane Austen is Queen of Romance enough that I'd have to insist Sense and Sensibility shares the title of "Most Romantic Movie" with P&P.

Tell me you don't swoon over Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman--they're just perfect for those roles. Though I have this theory . . . humor me for a minute here . . . there are really only two dozen British actors in the world and they just get recycled through every period movie that comes out. And they ALL make it to Harry Potter one way or another. Seriously. Think of a British actor--Kenneth Brannaugh? Emma Thompson? Miranda Richardson? They're ALL in Harry Potter. That's why I predict for the next movie they'll have Judi Dench, Ian McKellen and Rupert Everett as the only possible additions to Harry Potter cast. They're the only ones left.

But anyway, while the recent remake of Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightly feels more authentic I just can't handle my Jane Austen characters so unbearably skinny. Seriously, if Keira had lived back in Austen's time they would have sworn she was consumptive and sent her to die in a TB ward somewhere. Where's the beef?

I like Matthew MacFadyen's Mr. Darcy--no complaints there--but the part that seals my preference for the A&E version is the last scene where he keeps calling Elizabeth Bennett "Mrs. Darcy." It's so over-the-top with cheese (make that Velveeta--it's not even real cheese for goodness sake) that I can feel Ms. Austen lurching with horror in her grave the two times I've seen the scene. Yes, I'm harsh--but maybe I'm just a purist and prefer to stick to the real dialog as much as possible. Which is why I vote for the A&E version--even given the amazing cinematography and soundtrack of the remake. And the scene where he comes to her through the fog and rain--that's none too shabby either.

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91 comments:

brawlerbaybe said...

I must say that I haven't seen many of these posted, but they sound great :D
I'm from Alaska too, what area are you?

Anonymous said...

I consider myself to be a hopeless romantic!!! However, I've only seen 3 of these. Not that I'm surprised. We live in the middle of nowhere and I don't even get to HEAR about half the movies that are released. There are a few there I'll be keeping my eyes open for on DVD. :)

I think there is something much more romantic about spontaneous romance. After all, that's what romance is in my mind. Valentine's Day just doesn't strike me as being "romantic". It's just too planned and commercialised and forced. People do stuff because they feel they should rather than for a deeper sentiment.

MommyTime said...

And if you think the Richard Gere "Shall We Dance?" was romantic, you should see the original Chinese one with subtitles. Beautiful, subtle, lovely.

Jennifer said...

The quote you shared from The Village... that is exactly what every bossy woman wants to hear her man say!

Suburban Correspondent said...

Okay, we need to straighten out Casablanca for you. First of all, Ilsa loves Rick, not Sam the piano player (unless I missed something in my umpteen viewings of this movie). Second, the romance comes not from Ilsa's love of her husband but from Rick's insisting that she stay with her husband even though she has said she will go with Rick. He acts noble and strong and in her best interests, and that is what is so romantic about it. It is simply the best movie ever made. And so many quotable quotes! "Each man has a destiny, for good or for evil..."(Victor Laszlo) "Play it, Sam...play 'As Time Goes By.'" (Ilsa) "Serves me right for not being musical..."(Louis Renault) "Perhaps you have noticed...in Casablanca, life is cheap." (Major Strasser) And, of course, "Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she had to walk into mine." (Rick)

Can't wait to check out some of the other movies you suggested!

Directionless Wanderer said...

hey! I was just going through the current "blogs of note" and your blog came up - I cast my eye over your it and I must say that it is well maintained with quite a variety of content

Your list of romantic movies is indeed as baffling as it is authentic and exhaustive! Not having seen many of the movies, I do not know whether to agree or disagree, but I can see that the Usual Suspects (movie-pun intended) are very much there.

I completely agree with your choice to include "The Village" - that scene is perhaps one of the most tender romantic scenes of all times!!

I am going to add your blog's link to my blog (not that anyone reads the bored laments of this insignificant rant-master!)

I think you have found a new reader - Keep Reviewing/Blogging!

Anonymous said...

While You Were Sleeping & Return To Me are among our favorite romantic comedies too. But MY personal favorite is probably My Big, Fat, Greek Wedding. Hilarious and sweet and so quotable.

I love the BBC P&P--but not as much as the book. :) As for Sense & Sensibility, Emma Thompson was wonderful (although a bit older than the character should be), but Hugh Grant is just, um, sleazy. I don't think he was right for the part at all. The version that PBS just aired a month ago was MUCH better--better cast, truer to the book. Not that I'm a purist or anything.

Heidi Hess Saxton said...

Your list made me smile ... "Scarlet Pimpernel" was the movie of choice when my girlfriends would get together for our "rotic" (romance without a man, G-rated) evenings. Lots of chocolate, and *sigh* Anthony Andrews!

I agree also about the Japanese original of "Shall We Dance." Infinitely superior simply because the plotline is stronger (the conflict of the main character has more substance in the Japanese version because of the tension in the cultural values).

I'd add one more favorite: "The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio." While the relationship between the husband and wife is not a conventional romance, the love that emanates from the mom (played by Julianne Moore) is extraordinary.

Heidi Saxton
Mommy Monsters

Beck said...

Return To Me is SUCH an underrated movie! In the final scene, where he's listening to her heartbeat? SOB!
Some of my romantic favorites:
- The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. I don't hear other people mention this vintage film much, but it's haunting and unique.
- Persuasion - the Amanda Root one. Swoon!

Kelli said...

I have always liked The Princess Bride.

I'll be checking out some of the titles you mentioned. I seem to always forget what movies I wanted to see by the time they come out on DVD. Thanks for compiling a great list for our viewing pleasure!

Maria Hart said...

Hello. I found your blog months ago, my brother lives in Anchorage and knows you... Harshbarger is his name. I enjoy your posts. I just wanted to add my own two bits about your movie list. You really do need to see the orginal Japanese version of "Shall We Dance?" It is subtle and beautiful, restrained. You can feel the tension from the restrictive cultural expectations on the man who just wants to learn how to dance... and the emotion from his wife when she finds out. It really is poignant. Another consideration for your list... "The Painted Veil." The couple comes to love and forgiveness gradually, in the most remote and beautiful location in interior China. It was shot on location and is based on the book by E.M. Forester.

Stephanie Wilson she/her @babysteph said...

Ah- Return to Me is one of my faves and of course The Village- the scene for me is when they are all running into their shelters and Ivy stands out on the porch with her hand out, violin music playing wild in the background, and Lucius runs right to her protection... ah... melt my heart.

Steph

Anonymous said...

Mmm. Casablanca. The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. Colin Firth, er A&E's Pride and Prejudice. Casino Royale. Oops - that's not romance but I get all silly watching Daniel Craig.

Ice Cream said...

When I saw The Village I thought, "Why isn't this guy making romances?" It was heart poundingly good.

And how can you not have Moonstruck on here? It is one of the few romances I can watch time and time again. "GET IN MY BED!" No one else could make that line so romantic.

and the world could use more movies like Shall We Dance.

J said...

I LOVE Out of Africa. LOVE it. Roman Holiday is also quite wonderful.

Romeo and Juliet, of course, is my favorite sappy tragic romance. Sigh.

Shauna said...

I also love The Village. Please go and get the original Japanese Shall We Dance? I can't imagine that the American version could possibly top it.

Darla said...

Oh, I love the Scarlet Pimpernel. And I'll agree with While Your Were Sleeping, and Unbreakable, and the Richard Gere non-love, and of course Hugh Grant & Alan Rickman, and I love Joan Cusack.

Anonymous said...

Picture a single mother of two beautiful girls, sitting alone on a weekend night, curled up on the couch with my blanket and some chocolate chip cookies and milk...okay, sometimes it was snacks and an adult beverage. Look across the room at the television and you would normally find a romantic movie playing!

This was my life for several months after my divorce. Hello! What was I thinking! I'm happy to report that I'm out of the "mode" now...yeah!

With that said, two of my favorite movies I would watch again and again are Diary of a Mad Black Woman and The Notebook. These two are terrific! Anyone agree?

Mrs. O said...

What, no Man From Snowy River? (talk about your cinematography).

I will add my vote for the Japanese version of Shall We Dance - infinitely better and no Richard Gere (gack!). Return to Me is one of my favorites. Loved this list.

How about a foreign films one?

Megan Cobb said...

Great list. Yeah, the hairwashing scene pretty much does me in. I'd add "Breakfast at Tiffany's." And for me, I have a special place in my heart for "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" for obvious reasons. The old marriage and the new romance are both very lovely, to me, as well. And plus, you know, there's the whole Sydney Poitier factor.

Robin said...

I loved Return to Me, but my favorite romantic movie ever has to be Salt On Our Skin with Greta Scaaci. No one's ever heard of it but I saw it late at night many years ago and it's haunted me ever since.

John Painz said...

Unbreakable was flat out amazing, and I couldn't agree with you more.

Anonymous said...

Romance is in the mind. If anybody thought that body has anything to do with romance, he/she must rethink. Romance is in the mind and the heart. Romance is in the eyes. Romance is in words. Romance is in music. Romance is in beauty.

jolibe said...

I like this - and since I've only seen a couple on the list, I'm adding them to my "must-see" list!

I think my personal favorite is "50 First Dates". I'm an Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore fan. And this is really a sweet and touching movie (oh, and pretty funny too!).

Heather said...

My faves on your list are Roman Holiday, While you were sleeping, and Runaway Bride.

I love Joan Cusack too. Have you seen About Last Night? It's Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, James Belushi and Joan. I love that movie.

Michelle (The Beartwinsmom) said...

Um... Did you forget Colin Firth? He is SO UNBELIEVABLY GORGEOUS.

Okay, I'm cleaning up the drool off my keyboard now.

Great list, Michelle!

Warm regards,
Michelle aka The Beartwinsmom
http://beartwinsmom.wordpress.com

Amber M. said...

I honestly believe it was YOU (don't bother to deny it) that introduced me and my sisters to The Scarlet Pimpernel on a visit out to your house. It is still a favorite on trips home...one of the few my dad will watch with us because he likes Jane Seymour with her big hair.

And two words for you. Alan Rickman. I still can't watch Sense & Sensibility without swooning. And sobbing.

Great list.

Pieces said...

Interesting list. I agree with your P&P comments. That ending scene in the new one makes me cringe.

Killlashandra said...

I completely agree with Pride and Prejudice and Out of Africa. I adore both of those movies. I even got my step daughter interested in Jane Austen by watching Pride and Prejudice. :)

Trish said...

Some great choices here - and some I need to watch. One romantic movie that I really like is Sliding Doors with Gwyneth Paltrow.

Anonymous said...

Return to Me is the BEST ever! Sometimes I put The Village in and only watch the scene you mentioned! LOVE IT! Runaway Bride is delightfully sweet. I simply ADORE The Notebook (Hollywood got true love right on!) I adore any Jane Austen/victorian movie. PBS just aired them all!!) Have you seen Wives & Daughters? Real good. How about Becoming Jane? Loosely based on fact, but deliciously, bittersweetly romantic (one dance scene where he comes late takes my breath away--a great kiss towards the end, also! Another 'single-scene' watcher!) And I LOVE a southern country boy, (and Patrick Dempsey) so Sweet Home Alabama is a FABULOUS, delicious romance movie! Fun list! Genevieve

Anonymous said...

P.S. We love M. Night, also. (but also disliked Lady in the Water) Did you see he's coming out with a new one? The Happening. With Mark Wahlberg (yum!). Gen

Michelle Alley said...

Great movies! I really like Jane Eyre (the new bbc version)too! I am catching up on your blog - great articles and congrats on your SF speech coming up! YEah for you!

Anonymous said...

Hmmm... I'm beginning to think that maybe you have a CRUSH on Richard Gere...

...I'm just sayin'

Jolene said...

I must say that you nailed this right on the head! My husband and I watch Return to Me at least once a year and my friends think I am strange that I think The Village is a terribly romantic movie. I have two sappy love stories that I would add to your list: The Princess Bride and Ever After.

dieMutti said...

This makes me want to force my husband to watch a "chick flick" tonight! ;) (Plus, he protests, but secretly he likes the romantic ones too) I love the part in Return to Me where David Duchovny's wife just died & he's lying on the floor behind the door with his dog, crying. It gets me every time!
I'd have to add Emma, Sabrina (both the old & new versions), and Anastasia (animated, but cute & romantic)
Great list!

Unknown said...

Ahh! I thought I was the only one in love with Anthony Andrews! The Scarlet Pimpernel is such a wonderful movie (though I watched it with my boyfriend, and he had to leave because I'd punch him every time he laughed at it). I just stumbled onto your blog from the Blogger main page, and the first thing I see is Scarlet Pimpernel! Love!

Anonymous said...

makes me wanna watch them all over again. thanks so much for posting this feat!

chica40208 said...

have you seen 27 dresses

Erica Douglas said...

Dirty Dancing is number one for me :)

I once met a girl named Maria said...

ah! roman holiday. one of my favorites as well. i'm a sucker for anything audrey hepburn.

Melanie said...

Sense & Sensibility and Pride & Predjudice ~ beautiful!

Amy said...

I love Return to Me as well and I love that scene from the Village, too.

Some interesting choices, I never would have picked The Village as romantic, though I do love that movie.

Amy said...

Oh and I like the Japanese version of Shall We Dance as well.

Anonymous said...

Great list.

Mike
http://somethingaboutparenting.typepad.com/

The Estrogen Files said...

Yup - Roman Holiday and Sense and Sensibility... (sigh)

Unknown said...

Runaway Bride is one of my favs. I love Julia Roberts in almost every movie I've seen her in. Happy T13!

Crystal said...

Ooo! I've seen all but three of these, and I agree with you on at least most of them. :) If you like Alan Rickman and British actors, you might like to see Amazing Grace, about William Wilberforce and the British abolition movement. I LOVE this movie, and it was so fun to go through and try to remember where I'd seen the actors before. It's historical, humorous, and the romance in it is cute and squeaky clean.

Denise Patrick said...

Wonderful list. I've even seen a few of them.

Happy TT!

Shalee said...

I haven't seen the first one, but I agree with most of the other choices, well not OOA because I just didn't like it. Shall We Dance was good despite Sarandon being in it. Unbreakable is anything BUT a B-movie. (I even really liked Lady In The Water.) And P&P is so romantic that I usually watch it at least once a year. The best part? Mr. Right is usually the one to suggest it and he watches it with me. Sigh...


I could add a few more, but I know that you're probably saving up for another favorite 13 romantic movies...

Anonymous said...

The quote from The Village makes me melt and cry and blubber and want to kiss my husband. That is such a tender, sweet moment in a great horror movie!

Anonymous said...

To me, Last of the Mohicans is one of the most beautiful love stories ever. Simply amazing. The looks that are shared between Daniel Day-Lewis and Madeline Stowe and also Eric Schwieg and Johdi May make me hold my breath.

I also love Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Howard Keel and Jane Powell are wonderful.

thediaperdiaries said...

Ok, I hated Runaway Bride, but Amen to Return to Me. Totally underated movie!!

Anonymous said...

Okay I so agree with you about The Village, but to me, the most romantic part is when Those We Do Not Speak Of are in the town and the blind girl is frantically reaching out her hands and out of nowhere comes Lucius's hand and he grabs her hand...oh my word...my heart melts at that. It happens twice I think. Love it.
Big Fish is also a great romantic movie, and I just watched Lars and the Real Girl which I HIGHLY recommend.
nisey@austin.rr.com

Chief Family Officer said...

I haven't even seen it, but I have a great story about Return to Me. Hopefully my darling husband will never know I've shared this. When the movie first came out, my husband saw the preview and assumed it was about a woman who got breast implants!

Christie O. said...

I think you and I are the only ones who loved Unbreakable! No one I know seems to have liked it!

Totally agree on the Pride and Prejudice. One of my favorite books and movies of all time.

Sheila said...

Thanks for the list. There were a few that I haven't seen and want to check out:
- Age of Innocence
- Cinderella Man.

I love Return to Me and Out of Africa.

page2 said...

The Scarlet Pimpernell is still one of my favorites. A rare case of the movie being better than the book.

Lara Neves said...

The Scarlet Pimpernel is my all time favorite movie. I never actually read the book until just recently when my book club picked it and was surprised at both the extreme differences AND the extreme similarities...how some scenes were just like the movie.

I have seen most of these and loved them. Age of Innocence was a favorite in college...but it's been a while since I've seen it...thanks for the reminder to rewatch. :)

page2 said...

Hey, the first time I saw it was at your house!

Anonymous said...

The only one I have seen is Casablanca, a few years ago. I don't know why I had waited so long. It was a terrific story, rattling along like an express train!

Bunny B said...

I love While You Were Sleeping too :)
I also like those 90s movies that Robert Downey Jr was in - like Heart and Souls, and Only You :P
LOL

ShackelMom said...

Great list!

I would also add the Japanese Shall We Dance, way better! And Sabrina (Harrison Ford), Pyromaniac's Love Story (especially the love of the old couple!), The Wedding Planner, and a Vietnamese movie, Three Seasons.

Anonymous said...

Yes Return to Me- I say that movie and people are like WHAT?

Anonymous said...

I obviously need to stop letting my husband pick the movies. I've only seen one of these.

Jolanthe said...

You need to see some other bbc movies too - North and South (it is oh-so-amazing!!) and romantic!!

And of course there is "Return to Me".

I've seen most of the ones you mentioned (only one or two haven't yet) but I always look for great movies to watch.

rw said...

Dr Zhivago it has to be for me. Three hours of weepy, self indulgent gooeyness. And then, that Before Sunrise/ Sunset combo, just to mix it up a little!

Mrs. Gray's Class said...

Great list - I don't ever get a chance to watch movies (unless it was produced by Pixar Studios) so I have a lot to catch up on.

Sarah Jewel said...

I haven't seen many on your list, but now I plan to! I didn't care much for Casablanca - I think only because I expected SO much more from the hype I've been surrounded with.

My fav's: The Princess Bride, Sweet Home Alabama, Walk The Line, The Notebook, and I reeeeally liked Enchanted (I ADORE musicals and cheesy romance so it hit me right on!).

Vintage Dutch Girl said...

I am SO glad you put Return To Me on your list!

Most people I talk to have never heard of it!

I'm a thinkin I may just have to pop that one in the DVD player, make some kettle corn and have me a good cry and laugh session :)

calicobebop said...

Scarlet Pimpernel! Oh wow, that guy was sexy. Thanks for reminding me of that classic from the good 'ole days. Now I'm going to rent it, Thornbirds and shogun so I can relive my youth. :)

Gary ("Old Dude") said...

old person here, ---your say romance I say "touchy-feely" but lets not argue over semantics---I agree with ya--

Miss Notesy said...

The Village-- ah... that scene melted my heart!

Have you seen Memoirs of a Geisha? I love that movie. I'm with Maria too, The Painted Veil was just wonderful.

Damselfly said...

Good picks! I haven't seen some of those. I also like the way-old b/w version of Wuthering Heights. Oh, and the old b/w version of Sabrina.

Irene said...

Pride and Prejudice via A&E was the BEST EVER!!! Colin Firth just made my knees weak. I could sit and watch the entire 6 hrs of this movie without hesitation.

The first time I ever watched it, it was one of those movies that affected me for days. Seriously. Lame I know, but I was single at the time, hadn't met my hubby yet, and SO wanted my own Mr. Darcy to waltz into my life.

Susan from Food Blogga said...

Ah, yes, the Jennifer/Colin duo in P&P is one of my all time favorites. I watch it at least once a year! I also loved Shakespeare in Love--boy, did Gwenyth and Joseph have chemistry--whew! And while we're on the subject of the Brits and romance, who doesn't love Sense and Sensibility with Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant (another yearly watch).

Jenn @ Frugal Upstate said...

Have you ever seen the movie "Greencard"? I thought that was a great romantic movie. I'm surprised noone else mentioned it.

Janet said...

Great list. I would add Sleepless in Seattle and its predecessor, An Affair to Remember. But I'm sappy that way.

miriama said...

Funny you should list Unbreakable as I had rented it at the library for one of my Mother's Day weekend movies. Yeah, I get to "force" the family into all the movies I want to watch. LOL I had seen this years ago but realized I couldn't remember a lot about it. THEN I read your blog and thought, what? Romantic? Hmmm....
So we watched it and you are right. There is something real and poignant about their relationship. Like the married couples that we are...my husband and I have lived through some bad times in 15 years and it is much more realistic in this movie than so many others. Great choice.

Sunshinemom said...

That is a really nice round up of some good movies. My own favourite is 'The bridges of Madison County' & 'I've got mail'. Liked 'Shall we dance' too:). My first visit here is certainly not going to be my last. Nice cheery blog:) Was going thru the comments - I must really see the Japanese version now!

Gary ("Old Dude") said...

This old dude has his romantic moments, and I had to flash on a old fun movie with Rosalind Russell and Alex guiness, "A Majority of One"----and it has a happy ending too.

Anonymous said...

Wow - I've only seen about half of these (and loved them!) and will definitely put the others on my list to watch.

GREAT compilation! Hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day!!

Threeundertwo said...

I love your blog. I've probably seen P&P with Colin Firth 30 times now. My husband just rolls his eyes and leaves the room. You might like a book called "The Ultimate Guide to Chick Flicks."

ShamNE.O said...

hmmm.. i liked your list. although i don't agree to some of them. but for the ones that i haven't watched, i'll keep them in mind for future viewing. a couple of movies from Nicolas Cage that you might have forgotten to mention or haven't watched before are, "it could happen to you" and "city of angels".

i dare anyone to tell me these aren't romantic.. ':)

Jard The Great said...

oh my god.. i love this post best!

~ej said...

omg, have you been living in my head? and the scarlet pimpernel. i thought that was just ME and MY friends....lol :-)
and roman holiday with casablanca....two of my very most favourite sappy movies!! :)

Theresa said...

Oh, you saved the best for last. Loved your list. Super Duper Love P&P. We used to have parties where we'd eat cake everytime Mr. Bennet said, "Girls" and Mr. Collins was condescended to or condescended himself.

Krista said...

I just have to say... if you like Shall We Dance you should see the original. It's actually a Japanese movie (subtitled) and although I haven't seen this new version I'm betting it fits much better in the Japanese culture! We watched it in college for one of our culture nights. It was awesome!

Anonymous said...

Room With a View, anyone?

Melissa Markham said...

I love Jane Seymour, I have never seen The Scarlet Pimpernel. I will need to watch that! Two of my favorite romantic movies are The Quiet Man with John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara and A Walk in the Clouds.

And I am with you on that scen from The Village! Very Romantic!

Unknown said...

hmm... interesting to note- some of those titles under 'romantic movie'

some more;
bridge of madison county
up close and personal
laws of attractions
say anything
philadelphia story