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

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.

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*

: similar movies :

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

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

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

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)

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