We all have our favorite romance movies.Some of us like Elizabethan romance, some of us like fantasy romance, and someof us like modern romance. However there is one thing we can all agree on. Thebest romantic movies all come from books. From books written long ago to thosewritten today, there is just something complex and wonderful about awell-written story with a romantic twist. Here are some of my favorite romanticmovies that were originally books:1. Senseand Sensibility – Jane Austen is a romantic film staple and her works are wellworth watching. The 1995 adaptation of her book of the same name is one that isfilled with great actors, including Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman, and oozes withcharm and grace. It also has lots of timely humor and great performances by theactors and actresses that do the famous novel justice. Thankfully it issuccinct as well as sensible and never seems to drag. Definitely a romanticfilm I would recommend for Austen lovers.
2. Prideand Prejudice – Another Austen based film, I know, but her work is just sorelatable even to the present day. Thereare actually many movies based on her most famous work, but the one I am talkingabout is the 2005 adaptation. Starring Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen,this film is bright and quick while still sticking with the novels key points.Though it lacks some of the pomp and circumstance that usually follows anElizabethan film, it more than makes up for it with the acting and quick storyline. Romantic and fun to watch, I would recommend this film for anyone wholoves a good conflicted and complex love story.
3. Northand South –This hidden gem was produced as a miniseries by the BBC in 2004based on Elizabeth Gaskell’s 1855 Victorian novel of the same name. Similar to Pride and Prejudice, the romance comeonly after many misunderstandings between harsh but fair mill master Mr.Thornton and newly arrived and headstrong Margaret Hale. While technically nota film, watching this miniseries will leave you transported back in time and onthe edge of your seat. With beautiful settings, rich supporting characters, andmore emotional depth from the men in the story, this one rivals even Pride for a place in the annals ofhistorical romance.
4. AWalk to Remember –Nicholas Sparks is now well known for his romantic novels,but back in 2002 when this film was produced he was a bit under everyone’sradar. While I can’t say that this is the best film adaptation of any of hisstories, I can say this one has stuck with me for a long time. The story of aterminally ill teenage girl (based on Spark’s real life sister) and her lovestory with the ‘bad boy’ in school is one that would tug on anyone’s heartstrings. Definitely a movie that will leave you crying both happy and sadtears. The music in this film is also notable.
5. ItHappened One Night –This is an oldie but a goodie. Produced in 1934 and basedon the 1933 short story Night Bus by Samuel Hopkins Adams, the story of abratty and entitle heiress on the run who is helped (and eventually falls for)a hard bitten, cranky newspaper man is one that almost sounds like it couldhappen today. The first film to win all five Academy Awards, this romanticclassic is one that everyone should watch. Full of humor and great acting byClark Gable and Claudette Colbert, not even the black and white can throw thisstory off.
6. TheShop Around the Corner/You’ve Got Mail –This is such a great story that I haveto recommend both versions. Based on the play Parfumerie by MiklósLászló, TheShop Around the Corner was created in 1940 and starred Jimmy Stewart. Whilethe plot is a little convoluted and the female love interest annoying, the subplot more than makes up for it and the film ends up being a great glimpse intoshop life of that time. The newer version, produced in 1998, You’ve Got Mail stars the ever charmingromantic duo of Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. With an updated plot and some reallygreat additional characters this romantic comedy is well worth watching. Theplot is essentially a play on the old ‘enemies who don’t know they are secretlyin love’, with notes (or emails) being passed with fake names while in reallife they are at each other’s throats. I love the music in the 1998 film too.
7. TheAdventures of Robin Hood – Who doesn’t know and love Robin Hood? The folk talescome in many stories, but the love of Robin Hood and the King’s ward, MaidMarion, is one that is present throughout them all. The 1938 film adaptation,in full color no less, stars Errol Flynn as the rough and tumble hero andOlivia de Havilland as the fair maiden. With a surprisingly strong female leadand a handsome and roguish Robin, this film is the best of the Robin Hoodadaptions. A little long, it is packed with adventure, action and romance. Theend of the film pays off too, as everyone lives happily ever after.
8. MyMan Godfrey – Produced in 1936 and based on "1101 Park Avenue", ashort story by Eric Hatch, this romantic comedy is set in the Great Depressionbut eerily mimics most of what is going on in society now. From the snobby andfoolish rich to the downtrodden and hungry poor, the movie shows a side of lifewe often overlook. When Godfrey, played perfectly by talented actor WilliamPowell, is taken off the streets and hired as a butler by flighty socialiteIrene (Carole Lombard) the Bullock family gets more than they bargained for.Though the ending might seem a little preachy to audiences today, the film iswell worth watching and will definitely make you laugh.
9. ThePrincess Bride – Based on a 1973 fantasy novel written by William Goldman, thisclassic cult romantic comedy adventure film is one that everyone needs to seeat least once. Directed by Rob Reiner in 1987, this film is on the 100 funniestlists of many websites, for good reason. Full of quotable lines andunforgettable scenes, this is a must see film. It starts out as a grandfatherreading the book to his grandson and thus has a strong narrative vibethroughout the film, but the characters take on a life of their own whichexplains how it is so popular even today.
10. TheKing and I - This classic love story has been made into many film and playadaptions. They are all based on the 1944 novel Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon. She in turn wrote thenovel on the experiences of Anna Leonowens, who was a real life governess tothe children of King Mongkut of Siam in the early 1860s. The 1956 musicalromance film was based on based on the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical versionof the story. Deborah Kerr plays theheadstrong British schoolteacher brought to Siam to teach the King’s manychildren. Yul Brynner plays the King, who eventually falls for the unusualwoman. The ending is sad, but the romantic tension between the two is wellworth watching. Not really a great film for those who don’t enjoy musicals, butit is quick paced and fun to watch.
These are just a few of my favorites. Iam sure I could go on for many more pages. As you can see, romance is notsomething that is a modern idea. From the very beginning people have loved towatch love. If you haven’t seen one of these fine movies, maybe you shouldcheck them out. You might be surprised to find a new favorite.
Jack Meyer
Guest blogger
Jack Meyer is a regular contributor for http://www.nannybackgroundcheck.com/. As a detective he wants to spread the knowledge of terrible things that can happen when people don’tfully verify the credentials of a caregiver or any employee. He also writes forvarious law enforcement blogs and sites.
Hiç yorum yok:
Yorum Gönder