i am dina

I am Dina – 5/5

genre: drama/romance
director: Ole Bornedal
year: 2002
length: 2hr. 05min.
language: English
RT rating: n/a
my keywords: love, tragedy, child, loss, woman, cello, PTSD, attachment, period piece

Suffering the tragic loss of her mother and wrath of her father transforms a little girl into a primitive, eccentric, yet strong-willed, intelligent and super talented woman who knows death well, but continuously fears abandonment.

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wow. one of the strongest, most complex female characters i've ever seen in film. superb performances. one of the most bizarre experiences packed with excruciating drama, romance & horror. exquisite cinematography & not for the faint of heart.

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down to the bone

Down to the Bone – 5/5

genre: drama
director: Debra Granik
year: 2004
length: 1hr. 44 min.
language: English
RT rating: 93%
my keywords: drug addiction, codependency, rehab

A woman falls in and out of rehab while struggling to take care of her kids and her addiction.

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down-to-earth, realistic portrait of one who struggles with addiction - drug or not - and the effect it can have on family. also examines the complexity of a romantic relationship that bears the conflict between love and harmful addiction and making painful decisions. yet another great performance from Vera Farmiga - i really like her.

: similar movies : Leaving Las Vegas

84 charing cross road

84 Charing Cross Road – 5/5


genre: drama/romance
director: David Jones
year: 1986
length: 1hr. 40 min.
language: English
RT rating: 80%
my keywords: bookseller, writer, England, New York, letters, pen-pals

A writer in New York keeps correspondence with an English bookseller.

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this was everything i love about movies. great acting (i love Anthony Hopkins), one of the best dialogues, charm, humor, a touch of romance and heart-warming drama. like candy for book lovers.

: similar movies : You've Got Mail

man on wire

Man on Wire – 3.7/5


genre: documentary
director: James Marsh
year: 2008
length: 1hr. 34 min.
language: English
RT rating: 100%
my keywords: tightrope walker, risk, World Trade Center

a French tightrope walker plans to fulfill his life-long dream of walking between the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York.

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i love documentaries. this one was very unique, surprising and inspirational. however. i have to admit i dozed off and on a few times while the speakers went on and on ... and on about the extensive planning of Petit's incredibly dangerous idea. there were also too many holes, such as how were they able to afford everything? the relationships were also questionable at times. instead of extreme suspense, i felt boredom and a bit of frustration waiting for the final execution. perhaps i am one in a million who didn't find this documentary riveting. i don't regret that i've seen it, but i just wasn't blown away. what was an unforgettable, once in a lifetime achievement was documented in a film i feel i will quickly forget. never give up on your dreams - lesson learned.

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the remains of the day

The Remains of the Day – 5/5


genre: drama/romance
director: James Ivory (Howard's End, A Room With a View)
year: 1993
length: 2hr. 14 min.
language: English
RT rating: 97%
my keywords: repressed love, loyalty, butler, politics, estate

the history of a relationship between the head butler and housekeeper on an English estate post WWI.

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this was the first of Merchant Ivory Production  i had seen and it is now one of my favorite gems - one i will never forget.  exquisite performances from Anthony Hopkins, whom i adore, and Emma Thompson. such deep, powerful passion penetrates the walls that divide the characters and conceal the true feelings of Mr. Stevens who maintains an unbreakable loyalty to his employer despite his personal beliefs and dilemmas. though his expressions are so minimal and stringent,  it is impossible not to sense his feelings and not to be moved by the heart-warming performance given by Hopkins. this film is quite a full experience created by a plot rich with the strifes of international politics and the intricacy of a most endearing, yet restrained, romantic relationship that is no less convincing or moving than that between two who have had the pleasure of mere touch, hug, and kiss.

: similar movies : Howard's End, 84 Charing Cross Rd.

the secret life of words

The Secret Life of Words – 5/5


genre: drama/romance
director: Isabel Coixet (My Life Without Me, Elegy)
year: 2005
length: 1hr. 56 min.
language: English
RT rating: 70%
my keywords: love, tragedy, silence, nursing, loneliness

a very quiet young woman with a tragic past helps nurse a fire victim on an oil rig.

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very moving story and slow-paced, though unique. i was drawn in by the mysteriousness of the main character. i found it especially interesting watching the two main characters bond and form one of the most tender, touching relationships as Hannah begins to break out of her shell. also an interesting cast of characters who surround them. for some reason had a little crush on Tim Robins while watching this :).

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dream for an insomniac

Dream For An Insomniac – 4/5


genre: romance/comedy
director: Tiffanie DeBartolo
year: 1997
length: 1hr. 28 min.
language: English
RT rating: 60%
my keywords: love, romance, passion, san francisco, acting, cafe

a young aspiring actress with insomnia and big dreams about life and love works among her friends in a cafe where she meets her new co-worker.

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i almost lost grip of this in the beginning, however i saw the charm of the characters unfold and stuck with it. i'm glad i did. it's a lighthearted romantic comedy that might seem a bit unrealistic and cheesy in some ways, but i found it cute and funny nonetheless. as a sappy romantic, i share the same views (and insomniac lifestyle) as the main character, Frankie. i also found the vintage, dialogue-heavy style enjoyable. i can't get over how much Ione Sky reminds me of Natalie Portman, who i like. also, strangely enough, this film gave me more of an impression from Jennifer Aniston and i can now safely say i find her funny, tolerable and maybe ... *hesitation* somewhat likable. i converted! *cringe*

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somersault

Somersault – 5/5


genre: drama/romance
director: Cate Shortland
year: 2006
length: 1hr. 46 min.
language: English
RT rating: 83%
my keywords: love, sexuality, promiscuity, rejection, family dysfunction, attachment

Aussie film about a teenage girl who escapes the troubles of home and encounters life on her own.

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Abbie Cornish again and i love her. great performances in this movie. i think this could have been total garbage had it been american-hollywood-commercialized like many of the teen "dramas" that are produced lately. it escapes that and is a very moving, somewhat realistic story of a girl who is lost and succombs to the rejection and harsh criticism of others while in search of love and fulfillment. a great, raw portrait of how one with such a void can translate a physically intimate relationship for true love and nourishment.

: similar movies : Fish Tank

red road

Red Road – 4/5


genre: drama/thriller
director: Andrea Arnold
year: 2007
length: 1hr. 53 min.
language: English
RT rating: 88%
my keywords: seduction, crime, voyeurism, obsession, paranoia, loss

in Glasgow, Scotland, a female surveillance officer becomes obsessed with a man she finds on film.

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i'm glad i saw this very indie style thriller. several elements here - gritty, sexy (explicit sexual scene), yet chilling and full of suspense - i thought this was a refreshingly unique film with realistic characters. the plot is a bit of a slowly-moving windy road, but never lost my interest. very slow take-off, but well worth the wait and following the main character the same way she follows her object of interest. looking forward to discovering more like it.

: similar movies : Cache

gigantic

Gigantic – 5/5


genre: drama/comedy/romance
director: Matt Aselton
year: 2008
length: 1hr. 39 min.
language: English
RT rating: 38%
my keywords: love, quirky, funny, adoption

a 28-year old man plans to adopt, but doesn't expect to find love.

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i loved this film! i didn't expect much of it and was pleasantly surprise. i was laughing from the first scene - cracking up actually. i think the sense of humor in this movie is hit or miss. it definitely hit me. also i can't recall the last time i saw a film in which every single character was individually unique AND funny in their own way. i loved the realism as well. definitely thought this was a not-so-predictable, cute, funny - and yes very "quirky" - film. i don't think it was trying too hard to be anything, it just was. John Goodman is a pleasant, and very funny, surprise, and i adored Zooey Deschanel's character, which for some reason i associate with a Winona Ryder type. the most i've laughed at a film in a little while.

: similar movies : Then She Found Me, Garden State

paris, texas

Paris, Texas – 5/5


genre: drama
director: Wim Wenders
year: 1984
length: 2hr. 30 min.
language: English
RT rating: 100%
my keywords: true love, silence, family, small town

a man and his past are discovered.

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this film is truly a gem and i can see why it is such a classic loved by most. the landscape scenery captured is stunning and creates an opening i will never forget. i was quickly sucked into the little world of the characters whom i adored. also one of the most realistic child roles i've seen in terms of acting and dialogue. part of the beauty of this film is that the complexity of their situation all plays out in such a minimalist way. it is so easy to be captured by the ambiguity and every move the main character, Travis, makes - from his first step in front of the camera to his exit in the end ... and to follow along the path leading to the entire "big picture." some of the most endearing moments i've seen in film. for drama lovers who don't mind slower-paced, this is a must see.

: similar movies : Trucker, Clean, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, Gas Food Lodging

crazy/beautiful

Crazy/Beautiful – 3.5/5


genre: drama/romance
director: John Stockwell
year: 2001
length: 1hr. 39 min.
language: English
RT rating: 63%
my keywords: romance, true love, mental illness

story of two teens who love each other despite the complications of life and one of them living with a mental health problems.

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i just recently discovered this movie and was not too disappointed. what i thought could have ended up being added to my cheese bomb list wasn't, but barely.  i was a little annoyed with Kirsten Dunst's character at first, but after learning more about her, i understood. i know it was the fantasy world of a movie, but i guess i admired the depth of Jay Hernandez's character and how he dealt with the situation. i thought the acting was pretty well done in this film, though it seems to be almost a replica of Mad Love. great soundtrack, though.

: similar movies : Mad Love, Adam

bright star

Bright Star – 5/5


genre: drama/romance
director: Jane Campion (The Piano, In the Cut)
year: 2009
length: 2hrs.
language: English
RT rating: n/a
my keywords: romance, true love, poetry, tragedy

British period film about the love between young poet, John Keates, and Fanny Brawne.

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so glad i finally watched this. a sweet, yet passionate love affair and outstanding performances by the actors. i easily wanted to cry, laugh, smile right along with them. i am glad to have learned about the existence of this relationship and to also be reminded of what a great poet John Keats was. heartbreaking performance by Abbie Cornish.

: similar movies : The Piano, Jane Eyre, Titanic

affinity

Affinity – 5+/5

THIS POST HAS BEEN MOVED TO MY LESBIAN MOVIE BLOG HERE.




genre: drama/romance/lesbian
director: Tim Fywell (Half Broken Things, Turn of the Screw)
year: 2008
length: 1hr. 34 min.
language: English
RT rating: n/a
my keywords: lesbian, beautiful, deep, moving, passion, soul mates

British period film about a wealthy woman who visits a local womens prison and becomes extremely close with one of the inmates.

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another Sarah Waters gem!! this is quite an interesting, unique addition to her other awesome works, Tipping the Velvet (still my favorite) & Fingersmith. all three films, based on Waters' novels, have a lot in common, including shocking twists and characters to fall in love with. at the same time, each story is so unique and outstanding on it's own. this one is not to miss!! for fellow fans, i don't want to give anything away, you just have to watch it! also such a tasteful, well-done production.

: similar movies : Tipping the Velvet, Fingersmith

unrelated

Unrelated – 4/5


genre: drama
director: Joanna Hogg
year: 2007
length: 1hr. 40 min.
language: English
RT rating: 85%
my keywords: poignant, loneliness, friends, getaway, relationship problems

British film about a shy woman goes on vacation with a friend's family.

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i love minimalist, poignant style films and found this one interesting. there is nothing extraordinary about it, and it almost annoyed me, yet i effortlessly drifted through the movie, along with the main character, and will probably always remember seeing it. most might find it boring, bland and much like watching someone's vacation home movie, but maybe a few, like me, might find something about the character or situation they can relate to. i know i did - needing a break, to be engaged with people in a different environment, but also realizing sometimes how "home," despite all it's dysfunctions, is missed.

: similar movies : for some reason this reminded me of Swimming Pool

funny people

Funny People – 5/5


genre: drama/comedy
director: Judd Apatow (40 Year Old Virgin, Superbad)
year: 2009
length: 2hr. 43 min.
language: English
RT rating: 68%
my keywords: funny, comedians, fame, sadness, illness, dysfunctional relationships

a popular comedian is faced with terminal illness and struggles with his personal relationships.

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i used to steer away from Adam Sandler movies, but some of his recent films have shown what incredible range he has as an actor. i think this film also exemplifies his great talent. a few of his characters have left such lasting impressions with me, and George Simmons is no exception. i'm wondering if this character could be considered borderline personality. i really enjoyed watching this unique film that made me laugh consistently and almost tear up a few times. i'm also finding that i really like Judd Apatow's sense of humor.

: similar movies : still searching ...

a walk to remember

A Walk to Remember – 3.5/5


genre: drama/romance
director: Adam Shankman (The Wedding Planner)
year: 2002
length: 1hr. 42 min.
language: English
RT rating: 28%
my keywords: young, in love, illness, loss, sadness, fairytale romance

story of two teens, one troubled and the other angelic, in North Carolina who meet and change each other's lives.

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it took me a while to finally watch this one. i could already sense it would be a little cheesy - and it was. but there were still some moments that had my attention, such as Mandy Moore's solo scene, and overall, i wasn't too disappointed. something for a sappy hopeless romantic (like me) to give a try. there were a few other movies that did this before (and after), though.

: similar movies : Dying Young, Here on Earth (2000), Sweet November (a favorite), Keith (liked this one more)

downloading nancy

Downloading Nancy – 5/5


genre: drama
director: Johan Renck
year: 2008
length: 1hr. 42 min.
language: English
RT rating: 18%
my keywords: sadism/masochism, suicide, love, marital problems

a masochistic woman struggling with deep personal issues leaves her husband for another man she meets online.

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i don't want to give away too much about this movie. i don't agree with some of the critics that this movie is very predictable. that said, i think if you can survive it, you might be as interested as i was to see what happens. not for the faint of heart. i'll admit it wasn't spectacular, but i do respect the fact that this movie "goes there" and i don't think enough movies do. i know there are people out there who can relate to this story and its characters. definitely glad i watched.

: similar movies : Secretary, Sweethearts

Adam

Adam - 5/5


genre: drama/romance
director: Max Mayer
year: 2009
length: 99 min.
language: English
RT rating: 65%
my keywords: shyness, love, codependency, disorder

A man with Asperger Syndrome finds love.

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i was very pleased to discover this film. it hit close to home. i thought the acting was great and the movie was successful in truthfully showing the challenges of having a relationship with someone who suffers from a disorder. the romance was never cheesy, the characters & plot were not shallow, and i think the unique, unexpected ending speaks for itself pretty well. this one left a lasting impression.

: similar movies : Crazy/Beautiful, Benny & Joon, The Other Sister

Trucker

Trucker - 4.5/5


genre: drama
director: James Mottern
year: 2009
length: 90 min.
language: English
RT rating: 58%
my keywords: independent woman, rough around the edges, dysfunctional parent, loneliness

A female truck driver is suddenly forced to face her past and take care of her 11-year old son.

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i really enjoyed watching this movie. i found it to be moving and just what i was in the mood for at the time. a bit of grit, but not overdone. i thought some of the acting moments between the mother and son were a little off, but mostly during some of the lighter, more humorous scenes. overall, not phenomenal, but definitely worth a watch for those who enjoy slower paced independent style dramas.

: similar movies : Sherry Baby, Clean, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, Paris, Texas