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Must See Valentine's Day Movies That Aren't "The Notebook"

Megan Singson |
February 12, 2012 | 10:17 p.m. PST

Staff Writer

"Before Sunrise" is perfect for Valentine's Day (imdb)
"Before Sunrise" is perfect for Valentine's Day (imdb)
It’s Valentine’s Day and whether you’re looking for a movie to watch with your date or a movie to watch with your girl friends, here are a few romantic films that aren’t necessarily on the list of clichés when you Google search “Valentine’s Day movies," but are just as romantic.

"Love Me If You Dare" (“Jeux d’enfants”)

The film stars real-life French couple Marion Cotillard and Guillaume Canet as Julien and Sophie, two childhood friends who struggle with their dysfunctional relationship as adults. As kids, Julien and Sophie create a game of dares to get each other into trouble. However, as they grow older the game evolves into a one of revenge due to the emotional turmoil and heartbreak they inflict on each other. The movie plays out like a dream with the vibrant colors and romantic soundtrack including the song La Vie en Rose. It will make you laugh and cry and keep you wondering how far the characters will go before they realize they are meant for each other. It’s a love story of a different kind that contemplates the childishness and selfishness of love. If you’re looking for an inventive romance movie for Valentine’s day, this would be it.

"Before Sunrise" and "Before Sunset"

Ethan Hawke and French actress Julie Delpy play Jesse and Celine, two strangers who meet on a train to Vienna. They spend the day together exploring the city before Jesse has to catch a flight in the morning, and there is a special connection between them that they cannot explain. As they part ways, they decide not to ruin the magical night they had by complicating it with an attempt at a long-distance relationship. They leave knowing that they will never forget each other and what happened between them that night.

The sequel, "Before Sunset," is filmed and set nine years later as Jesse and Celine’s paths cross once again, this time in Paris. Jesse is promoting his book which was inspired by his night with Celine. His reunion with Celine rekindles the sudden romance that blossomed between them almost a decade ago. As they revisit the memory of their night in Vienna, the two realize they are still very much in love after all this time but they are once again faced with life’s complications. Jesse is leaving that nigh and is also unhappily married with a child. Both films are a wonderful example of how love can triumph over time and distance. The chemistry between the two actors coupled with the dialogue (co-written by the actors) gives an honest representation of love and the unpredictable circumstances in which one may find it.
 

"Cinema Paradiso"

 This Italian movie is not just about a man’s love for a woman, but also his love for the movies. Famous Italian film director Salvatore Di Vita returns to the small village where he grew up. He recounts his childhood and how he came to love the movies from his mentor and friend Alfredo, an old projectionist. The music and language keep viewers spellbound as Salvatore remembers his first love and how he lost her. It was a love that he never forgot even 30 years later. The movie is meant to hit you with a range of emotions from grief and regret to hope and love. “Cinema Paradiso” is an emotional journey that will leave you bawling by the end as Salvatore remembers the people, places, and memories lost.

 

"Flipped"

Based on a young adult novel, the movie is coming-of-age story about eighth grader Juli Baker who is in love with the boy-next-door, Bryce Loski. Unfortunately, Bryce doesn’t share the sentiment and thinks Juli is weird, especially since she raises chickens in her yard and has a strong attachment to the sycamore tree by the bus stop. However, as time goes on Bryce realizes how pure-hearted Juli really is and finds their roles have flipped: Bryce is now chasing her in vain and Juli will not give him the time of day. The movie is cute and lighthearted and it’s a reflection of the respect, forgiveness, and innocence that comes with love.

"City Lights"

Charlie Chaplin might not be the stud you’re looking for on Valentine’s Day, but this silent film is sweet and funny. Chaplin reprises his role of the Tramp who falls in love with a blind girl selling flowers. The girl mistakes him for a rich duke. The Tramp learns that the blind girl is trying to raise money for an operation to get her sight back. The Tramp befriends a drunken millionaire and is determined to raise money for the girl to have the operation. The ending is heart-wrenching and shows the power of the purest kind of love and what one is willing to do for it. It is considered one of the most moving endings in film.
 

"Amélie"

 Here is a quirky and cute French film that will make you laugh. The adorable Audrey Tatou plays innocent and naive Amélie who is dedicated to making the people around her happy. The characters are all peculiar in their own ways, including Amélie herself who views the world like no one else, and the dream-like style of the film reflects her point of view. Amélie finds her own happiness in a mysterious man who collects photo booth pictures. The film is lighthearted and vibrant both visually and emotionally for audiences watching as the characters find love in their lives thanks to Amélie, and you will find yourself falling in love with Amélie herself. The movie is not just about romantic love but the love that can be found life’s little treasures.

Reach writer Megan Singson here


 

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