THE HAYDENFILMS GUIDE TO THE BEST VALENTINE’S DAY FILMS

HFI compiles the best romance movies to accommodate different types of Valentine’s Day celebrants, from the happily married to the comfortably single (or otherwise).

By: Cesareo Manansala

“I think in general, romantic comedies tend to take one person’s point of view, but every once in a while you get something that is balanced for two people.”

--Sandra Bullock

“I love romantic comedies, or romantic dramas - basically anything with love in it.”

--Rachel Bilson?

Valentine’s Day is upon us!

While many folks will inevitably be out on intimate dinner dates or gift shopping or engaging in other romantic festivities, Valentine’s Day offers another activity that is as requisite to the holiday as the rest: indulging in romantic movies.

Just like any other genre of film, romantic cinema varies according to style, theme, era, cast, etc. The romance film itself has fans that are equally as diverse, from married couples to first-time daters, and even the comfortably single, or perhaps not so comfortably.?

For those not involved in a relationship, Valentine’s Day can prove to be a difficult, if not lonely, time of the year. It is essential for self-care to be considered, given the unfortunate recent increase of mental health issues. Depending on the celebrant, films can help enhance the Valentine’s Day experience. They can be a pleasant, fun festivity to help set the romantic mood for a committed couple, or a visual, much-needed break from reality for those who are single.

Therefore, we at Haydenfilms have compiled a list of romantic films designed with certain Valentine’s Day celebrants in mind to help make the holiday more special, or to provide relief to film lovers who need it most.

For the Incurable Romantic With a Sense of Humor

The Princess Bride (1987)

Rob Reiner’s wonderfully whimsical fantasy romp has something nearly for everyone: beautiful princesses, gallant warriors, mythical monsters, sword fights, and even kissing (eww!). A young boy (Fred Savage) and his grandfather (Peter Falk) read a fairy tale about a handsome stranger (Cary Elwes) who must save a young lady (Robin Wright) from the clutches of an evil prince (Chris Sarandon) with the help of a hulking but friendly giant (Andre the Giant) and a vengeful swordsman (Mandy Patinkin). Fans of fairy tales that end happily ever after will love The Princess Bride’s comedy, romantic moments, fast-paced action, and overall engrossing charm.

(HFI’s rating: 10 out of 10 Stars).

The Wedding Singer (1998)

Movie star Adam Sandler’s took critics and general audiences by surprise with his smash 1998 romantic comedy The Wedding Singer. Previously known for his time on TV’s Saturday Night Live and his rowdy, boisterous comedies (Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore), Sandler revealed a romantic side coupled with his signature energetic humor. After being jilted at the altar, wedding singer Robbie (Sandler) finds a new love interest in the form of lovely waitress Julia (Drew Barrymore), who herself is inconveniently engaged. Armed with a soundtrack of 1980s popular hits (you can’t NOT bob your head to Sandler’s rendition of Dead Or Alive’s “You Spin Me ‘Round”), The Wedding Singer offers a barrel of laughs and a grand cinematic romance, thanks to Sandler’s unexpectedly effective sensitive side as well as his captivating onscreen chemistry with Barrymore.

(HFI’s rating: 8 out of 10 Stars)

For Tear Jerker Lovers…Break Out the Kleenex!

Love Story (1970)

The highest grossing film of the year 1970 is also the most depressing, but in an extremely well-made way. Love Story depicts two young lovers from opposite ends of the American cultural spectrum who fall for each other and must battle the odds to maintain their romance, with predictably downbeat yet powerful results. Wealthy Harvard Law student Oliver (Ryan O’Neal) falls for middle-class girl Jenny (Ali MacGraw). Despite their clashing statuses, both kids develop a romance together. That is, until tragedy strikes, which threatens to destroy their bond. Fans of classic romantic dramas who don’t mind a good cry are sure to enjoy Love Story’s subtle melodrama and fine performances by its two leads, even if the film’s sappiness and overly-sentimental nature may turn off some discriminating audiences.

(HFI’s rating: 7 out of 10 Stars)

The Fault In Our Stars (2014)

Much like the similarly-themed Love Story, The Fault In Our Stars also emphasizes a strong if doomed romance between two star-crossed lovers, but in an updated and significantly superior end product. In this coming of age romance drama, young cancer patient Hazel (Shailene Woodley) struggles to overcome her terminal ailment when she meets spirited cancer survivor Gus (Ansel Elgort). Creating a rapport over their shared maladies, Hazel and Gus inevitably generate a romantic relationship when one of them becomes fatally ill. Unlike Love Story, The Fault In Our Stars offers a stronger cinematic experience due to a greater emphasis on the dramatic realism surrounding the young couple’s dire medical situations. The powerful, believable love between the two protagonists also shines.

(HFI’s rating: 8 out of 10 Stars)

For Fans of Edgy, Yet Hopeful Romance

True Romance (1993)

Film lovers who happen to be single, and yet enjoy (or at least tolerate) an occasional romantic movie, may find their genre gateway flick in True Romance. Directed by Tony Scott (Top Gun) and written by a young Quentin Tarantino, True Romance tells the tale of young comic book lover Clarence (Christian Slater), who meets call girl Alabama (Patricia Arquette). Sparks fly and the two eventually fall head-over-heels in love. But not before Clarence is forced to kill Alabama’s mafia-backed pimp Drexl (an unrecognizable Gary Oldman). Before they know it, Clarence and Alabama flee with Drexl’s suitcase (filled with narcotics), and go on the run with hired gun thugs on their tail. True Romance is a violent thrill ride that may not please everyone’s taste buds. But it is a romance film nonetheless, which may provide a visual jolt of excitement for jaded single moviegoers who might not find the genre otherwise their usual cup of cinematic tea.

(HFI’s rating: 9 out of 10 Stars)

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Love can be a great feeling for many, and a negatively-triggering one for others. Silver Linings Playbook may strike nerves towards those whose hearts have been broken, while simultaneously generating glimmers of hope as well. After being sent to a mental institution following a violent episode, former teacher Pat (Bradley Cooper) looks to repair his life and even rekindle his relationship with his now-estranged wife. While on his road to self-improvement, Pat strikes a friendship with young widow Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), who struggles with her own mental health issues. Tiffany will only aid Pat if he agrees to help her prepare for an upcoming dance competition. After a series of tumultuous events and disasters, Pat and Tiffany soon develop feelings towards each other. Moviegoers who can relate to Pat and Tiffany’s ups and downs will be emotionally-invested in the film as they become more and more drawn to the couple’s need to enhance their lives. Silver Linings Playbook is both edgy and moving in its storytelling, fueled by the film’s sharp writing and great performances from Cooper, Lawrence, and their supporting cast (including Robert De Niro, Chris Tucker, and Julia Stiles).

(HFI’s rating: 9 out of 10 Stars)

For Everyone In Between

When Harry Met Sally… (1989)

Single or spoken for, almost nobody can resist the romantic comedy-drama masterpiece that is When Harry Met Sally.

Also directed by Rob Reiner, When Harry Met Sally focuses on the concept that true love does not happen overnight. Instead, the film conveys this: when you are destined to be with that special someone, it takes time, patience, and sometimes, multiple people until you finally meet and solidify the relationship. Young adults Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) meet while in relationships with other people and build a slow but steady rapport with each other. Their bond is initially rocky. But as the years go by and both characters lose and gain relationships, Harry and Sally soon realize what was missing in their lives was right in front of them all along. Armed with crackling dialogue written by Reiner and the iconic Nora Ephron, When Harry Met Sally offers a great exploration of romantic relationships and the trials and tribulations needed to fulfill them. The film realistically emphasizes heartbreak, unrequited love, and the eventual final connection between lovers, without becoming schmaltzy and patronizing to viewers. The end result from When Harry Met Sally is a hugely entertaining dramedy that can warm the hearts of even the most jaded of moviegoers everywhere.

A Final Note

Whatever your plans are on Valentine’s Day, and regardless of your personal status, we at Haydenfilms hope you have an enjoyable holiday. If there’s any day that provides an excuse to curl up in front of the TV and watch movies, it’s Valentine’s Day for sure!