FILM RECOMMENDATIONS: ROMANCE (2005-17)
Summit Entertainment, Lionsgate Films
Age Certificate: 12A
IMDb: 8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 91/100
Plot
Sebastian and Mia are drawn together by their common desire to do what they love. But as success mounts, they are faced with decisions that begin to fray the fragile fabric of their love affair, and the dreams they worked so hard to maintain in each other threaten to rip them apart.
Review
The highlight of the film is the colour palette of the film and how it matches the aesthetics but also the tone. The plot is typical; 2 people who want to develop a relationship but also strive in their careers. What makes the story good? The tone. Accompanied by music, you can see the dedication Stone and Gosling put in their acting to make their relationship feel real and interesting. The ending of the film was unconventional and the last 10 minutes is the reason for making the whole film emotional.
My rating: 8.5/10
British Film Institute (BFI)
Age Certificate: 12A
IMDb: 6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 38/100
Plot
Mary Wollstonecraft's family disapproves when she and poet Percy Shelley announce their love for each other. The family is horrified when it finds that the couple has eloped, accompanied by Mary's half-sister, Claire. While staying in the home of Lord Byron at Lake Geneva, the guests are challenged to write a ghost story, which leads Mary to conceive her novel "Frankenstein."
Review
The film has a dark tone which is up my alley. Though it contrasts with the romance genre, the film was more about the independence of the lead character, Mary, and her journey as an author and the creator of 'Frankenstein'. Rather than a developing relationship with Booth's character, Percy, you see how the relationship falls apart. However, this does not affect Mary's character as a person. You can still feel compassion for her and the problems she faces.
My rating: 6.5/10
StudioCanal, Working Title, Universal Pictures
Age Certificate: U
IMDb: 7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 86/100
Plot
Sparks fly when spirited Elizabeth Bennet meets single, rich, and proud Mr. Darcy. But Mr. Darcy reluctantly finds himself falling in love with a woman beneath his class. Can each overcome their own pride and prejudice?
Review
One of my favourite romantic period drama films. I've grown up watching a lot of Keira Knightley films, however, Pride and Prejudice was not heard of until I studied the book for my English GCSEs back in 2014. I wanted a summary of the book and I turned to this film and thought it summarised the book perfectly but presented Elizabeth's and Mr Darcy's relationship even better. The film is backup with an amazing soundtrack and the soft tone of the film makes it a heart-warming one.
My rating: 8.7/10
Focus Features
Age Certificate: 15
IMDb: 6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 79/100
Plot
The unexpected arrival of a wounded Union soldier, John McBurney, at a girls' school in Virginia during the American Civil War leads to a wave of jealousy and betrayal among the ladies.
Review
Not much of a romance film as it was more of jealousy between the female leads for the hands of a soldier which leads to betrayal. It is very dark and thrilling for a period piece. The film has a cast of talented actors; however, the film itself is not one that stands out in many film categories, but rather a simply good thriller film.
My rating: 6/10
Working Title, Universal Pictures
Age Certificate: 12A
IMDb: 7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 68/100
Plot
A young man, Tim Lake, with the ability to time travel tries to change his past in hopes of improving his future.
Review
This film was not what I expected. The poster was as conventional as a romantic film poster can be, but the film itself was more than that. It is not the best romance film of the year but it did stand out in comparison to a lot of the romance films coming out in the early 2010's because it incorporates fantasy. Traveling back in time to change the future is the focus of the film and is a representation of what can happen if you do not take chances/risks in life and to be grateful of the present.
My rating: 6.5/10
Constantin Film, Lionsgate Films
Age Certificate: 15
IMDb: 7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 32/100
Plot
Since the moment they met at age 5, Rosie and Alex have been best friends, facing the highs and lows of growing up side by side. A fleeting shared moment, one missed opportunity, and the decisions that follow send their lives in completely different directions. As each navigates the complexities of life, love, and everything in between, they always find their way back to each other.
Review
Probably one of my favourite romance films to date; I wasn't able to watch it in cinemas and became very impatient... I've seen Lily Collins in 'The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones' (2013) and Sam Claflin in 'The Riot Club' (2014) and so I was already drawn to this film. The film has its ups and downs but, in the end, it's the relationship between the main leads that makes the film great. They are the 'poster child' for the best friends turned lovers' concept of romance films. The tone of the film is comedic but real at the same time, diving into relationship problems and careers. The aesthetics matches the 2014 bright colours palette which is nostalgic for me as I remember at the time, everything on TV, YouTube, fashion, and films were on a bright colours phase.
My rating: 7.1/10
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A very short list of romance films; a lot being period dramas. As seen, I don't watch many romance films, however, I have watched a lot teen rom-coms which will be an entire post on its own. ♡
Sabina 🦁
