It’s that time of year again where romance is in the air or you just wish it was. Either way here is a list of movies that are great to cuddle up with your special someone on Saturday or tub of ice cream and fill the void that is left in us because Hollywood get’s our little romantic hearts up. Here’s the big tip: none of these were created by Hollywood.
You’re My Pet – My favorite South Korean romantic comedy is of course based on a manga of the same name, so if you are looking for a way to be a perfect couch potato and avoid the world on Saturday, this is the perfect combination for you. The story centers around a young and ambitious woman, Eun-Yi, and her human pet, In-Ho “Momo”, who gradually brings happiness into his master’s life even with Eun-Yi continually stating that there is no romance of any sort in their relationship.
Amelie – This co-production of French and German film companies is well deserving of its five Academy Award nominations. It’s a whimsical story of a shy waitress who decides to change the lives of those around her for the better while struggling with her own isolation. Amelie is a brilliant depiction of contemporary Parisian life and even if you have seen it, you will agree that this is one worth rewatching.
Sophie’s Revenge – A classic girl power chick flick, this Chinese-Korean film will leave you in giggles. Comic book artist, Sophie, is a sweet and carefree girl who, along with her handsome surgeon boyfriend of two years, Jeff, seem to make up the perfect couple. However, one day, after his marriage proposal to Sophie in front of her whole family, Jeff meets the famous movie star, Joanna. Immediately afterwards he breaks up with Sophie. Devastated and completely mortified, Sophie takes to her bed in shame. There she comes up with the master plan: using the remaining two months until the wedding date, she will do whatever it takes to get Jeff back.
Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji (The Heart’s a Child) – This Hindi romantic comedy revolves around the adventures of three childish men who are on the look out for true love. The older bank manager, Naren, starts his story by seeking a divorce from his wife and ends up moving and renting out his parent’s old home. His roommates are a playboy gym trainer, Abhay, and the softhearted poet, Milind. Each of the men enjoys their own adventure: Naren and June start enjoying each other’s company, Milind tries to impress Gungun but gets used by her, and Abhay gets full attention from Anushka as they start having an affair. Will these three men succeed in finding their soul mates or will the fates spin their wheels?
Ghost – Yes, this is a Japanese remake of the 1990 American film staring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg. Now don’t write it off just because it’s yet another remake. This movie is a gender-bender and culture twisting spin of the classic 90’s film. What’s fun about this version, apart from the novelty of an American film being remade over seas, is that the background story of the love affair is more detailed. You see the first meeting, the romance, and the wedding. All things that were cut out of the original but make the story so much more heart wrenching. Make a movie night out of the original and this remake. I promise you will be torn about which one you like more.
Penny Pinchers – This Korean romantic comedy is the story of Ji-woong, a loser who leaches off his mother. One day he gets abruptly cut off and is homeless in the blink of an eye. That same day, Hong-sil arrives as a force of salvation. Now calling this character extremely stingy is an understatement. That same day her savings plans are brought to a screeching halt when she learns she needs a separate bank account under someone else’s name to reach her 20 million dollar goal. That’s when Ji-woong comes in.
El Amor Prejudica Seriamente la Salud (Love Can Seriously Damage Your Health) – This Spanish film will leave you wondering if it was a comedy or something hinting as more realistic. The movie starts off with Diana and Santi, two old lovers with an eclectic past, running into each other yet again. They remember how they met 30 years ago in another hotel where Santi was a hotel employee and Diana a crazed Beatles fan. From there you are bounced from affair to affair for the lovers through out the years, each one becoming more fantastic as time goes on. In the end you are wondering if Diana still has Santi wrapped around her finger and if she will get what she wants yet again.
Love Express – A Hindi romantic comedy that will make you want to get up and dance like you’re a Bollywood star. The story of two Punjabi families who have known each other for 30 years and are trying to have a wedding during a train journey. The bride and groom, their fathers being best friends, dislike each other mostly because they don’t like the idea of an arranged marriage. The groom wants to return to London and keep enjoying life in the fast lane. The bride thinks she is still in love with a local boy. The fun begins when the couple tries to get their parents to call off the marriage and in the process start to fall in love.
Love Me If You Dare – The French film highlights the ideals of a childhood love. The whole things starts off when little Sophie is being bullied on the school bus and the driver along with little Julien come to her rescue. In order to cheer Sophie up, Julien gives her a tin box, but because it is important to him he asks her to lend it back to him from time to time. The only way that Sophie will do that is by Julien proving just how important that box is. The little boy pulls the handbrake on the bus full of children. Their game has begun. The box changes hands after each completed dare. Who will end the game?
Medianeras (Sidewalls) – This is an Argentine film about recovering phobic, Martin, and his slow going escape from the confinement of his studio. In the building opposite is a recently separated girl, Mariana, with her own set of damaging issues. While the duo often doesn’t notice each other, it very well could be that separation is what brings them together.
