The Anti-Valentine Romantic Film List

Are your eyes peeling back as you witness another Valentine blockbuster? Is your blood boiling as your mind is barraged by cliches and weak social satire from those happy-sappy romcoms? Does your brain melt at the thought of another silly and whimsical love story?

Single, coupled, recently dumped or curious. If you are in need of revitalising your film taste after this Valentine's charade, here are my 'Top 10' Romantic films that stray away from the deadpan chick-flick template. These are simply the best movies that the industry has to offer in the genre of romance.

Now if you're single, I'm not going to blame your status for your taste in movies SOLEY on that fact... Maybe. No of course not. Valentine's is a vacuous, pointless capitalistic holiday only to drain you of your hard earned late night shift cash and boogie money on a dangly metal thing to your other half; only for it to spell out 'I lov-' because you didn't have enough money to buy the rest of the ridiculous bands. Obviously, as you can tell from my attitude, this is coming from a bitter-free view...

Films for me are the greatest forms of art. Knowingly this is a subjective opinion. I believe that they have an ability to have a very substantial impact on people's attitudes towards relationships, romance and to some degree social constructs like masculinity and femininity. Most of the time, it's done pretty poorly and offers a very unrepresentable character who is originality is unique the first ... one time the film industry does it. From notable characters such as the awkward virgin, the witty sex pest and 'the chosen one' who seems to be dashingly good looking and wealthy 'chosen one' who's so good at everything and so popular that his or her only worry is love. With various other similar over the top 'relatable' characters, it's quite evident that the intention of making them so 'relatable' yet overly desirable sometimes has the opposite effect. This same template of the storyline can give off a wrong misrepresentation of what romance is and boils it down to pure euphoria, throwing in as many cliches as possible, and usually ends up in fortunate events after another to make a rather questionable happy ending. It is common for most people rather enjoy these kinds of films. Understandably due to the fact that the film companies found a more or less working formula of what the general people viewers like and obliterate and spam that dopamine button that throws in cliches or predictable plot points to force viewers to be happy throughout this rather fantasy reality of romance. Which we all really know, is never that simple. But hey, who am I to judge what love actually is, right? However, I do understand that sometimes that feel-good feeling of a rom-com is sometimes needed and rather alluring, especially when the environment of romance and relationships are not as it all cracked up to be in the real world.

Obviously, it varies for different people; some may have little to no effect. Or I consider it can even shape people's personality and fundamentality. Even if you're a casual watcher or night owl movie fanatic, you're still processing unconsciously and trying to make sense of what you're being shown. Thus understanding more and more as you go along, just like learning and you incorporate these subtly in your choices and emotions too depending on the inspiratory aspect of a film. Which can be a bit farfetched but a lot of romantic movies show something to be desired, for something worth striving. Making it that more rewarding to reenact as a romanticised figure like these characters in these films in the hope of gaining that bit of happiness that the movie overly represents. Much like anything, movies and their way of representation of social foundations or things play an important part in people's attempt to practice empathising with characters and in turn get a deeper understanding of human nature revolving around love.

The romantic genre is a saturated and very mixed bag genre. It's too obvious for anyone to know that 'love' at its core and its sensationalised counterpart that ultimately sells. So it's understandable that no wonder film companies invest in these romantic movies, no wonder so many music artists write about love. Try and think of a song isn't about something to do with love or name a rom-com that does quite well at the box office but after a few watches realise that it's as good and realistic as the likes of Spy-Kids 3D with the romantic depth of Anakin Skywalker and Padme from 'Star Wars: Attack of the Clones'. (Which are awful, if you didn't know)

So in this top 10 list, I have conjured my personal recommendations for helping people broaden their eye on romantic films. It goes without saying, movie taste much like music or anything creative is highly subjective. These films for me earn a spot in my heart and soul as movies that can physically and mentally drain me in their spectacularness or melancholiness. This list should be seen in no particular orde, but you should decide yourself on which one intrigues you more through my short review and watchable trailers. These movies truly set apart in its genre and where some tackle the hard intense and emotional side of love. With some others may be a bit more delightful and enact romance in a beautiful symphony of cinematography.

With exception to maybe 10, 9, 8 and 6. I warn you, just because these are romantic films they aren't particularly valentine's friendly... or for those early days of relationships in fact. These statements should not be in anyway deterrent you from watching these movies, but in saying so, they can be quite intense and emotionally draining depending on your willingness to invest in time watching these and your subjective point of view. A majority of these films aren't particularly feel-good easy watching, and some may even rip your heart out, in a more depressing, melancholic but unbelievably satisfying way.

So. Good luck.

Note: I've linked the respective trailer to each movie just by clicking on the main image for you to see.

10. Silver Linings Playbook

The One that is a Rom Com.

We start this list with everything a rom-com should have. But this time, its done well. Clever writing, clever comedy and actual likeable leading characters. The Silver Linings Playbook delivers heightened display of exceptional editing and notable acting praises. The iconic' Oscar' nominated and winning actors, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence play both loveable, passionate and 'insane'. It's a rom-com that succeeds in revitalising the much discredited and disillusioned genre where so many others have failed in their perpetual unrealistic social satire and tick box romantic plot points. The movie injects grit and emotion of realist drama, father-son estrangement and makes a light on mental illnesses within society. With its controlled and smart comedy, it is the most accessible film on this list which does have a few recognisable romantic movie traits, but unlike most. David O' Russell's Silver Linings Playbook - does it well.

"You have poor social skills. You have a problem."

9. Moonrise Kingdom

The One with the First Love.

For any movie fanatic out there, Wes Anderson is the staple mark for these so-called 'edgy-hipster' films. The story untells the struggling endeavours of the first love. In a 'seize the day' notion, the film portrays with such self-awareness and delivers mature points of view through its characters in fun and overly artistic but overly enjoyable mix. Through the cinematography, centrist filming and iconic colour palates for his movies. Every scene is like an illustration ripped out of a book. It's intensely enjoyable and a wonderful recreation of 1965 New England. Plus really after this, the ending of these films are a bit more ambiguous and less joyful, in a sense.

"I'll be out back. I'm gonna find a tree to chop down."

8. Midnight in Paris

The One with the Time Traveller.

2011's American-French romantic comedy film written and directed by the great Woody Allen. This movie beats Woody Allen's 'Annie Hall' due to its highly enjoyable and accessibility of the screenplay. Set in Paris, the film follows Gil Pender or Owen Wilson, a screenwriter meet iconic figures in literature and history. A bewildering rollercoaster ride as the time travelling element is so refreshing and a fanciful notion that anyone would crave. This concoction of magic, charm, wit, and frankly, Paris - cumulates together in an engaging and intellectually stimulating experience that anyone can experience.

"That's what the present is. It's a little unsatisfying because life is unsatisfying."

7. Lost in Translation

The One That Almost Was.

It has enough humour, intensity and heart for it to land its place in this list. The endlessly stylish of this 2003 cult classic, Lost in Translation balances humour, and subtle pathos in a revolving melancholic carousel observed in a Japanese kaleidoscope. The movie showcases the incredible Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson in these poignant roles in what I believe, one of their underrated and best roles as lovers who were meant to be but never was. The calculated contrast of romantic chemistry, unrequited attraction, stunning visuals and the tranquil setting of Japan. "Lost in Translation" is worthy of every award and accolade it has ever achieved.

"The more you know who you are and what you want, the less you let things upset you."

6. Submarine

The One with Young Love.

A superb coming of age British Film by the outstanding Richard Ayoade. An easy going, comedic and late night treat which takes on the romantic genre in spirals of uniqueness, originality and nostalgic ignorances of being young and in love. As the movie concentrates on the adolescent's adventure of the eccentric 15-year-old, Oliver Tate. Craig Roberts takes on this role and delivers a memorable socially awkward and bizarre individual who also is surprisingly relatable. The movie follows his self-proclaimed quest of fixing his parent's relationship, dealing with school life, young struggles and his virginity. The film wholeheartedly is a breath of fresh air from the perfected set of Hollywood America to the beachy, cloudy, gritty isles of Great Britain in this awkward comedy, enthused with Arctic Monkey's Lead Singer, Alex Turner's astounding soundtrack.

"F*cking hell, you're a serial killer"

5. Like Crazy

The One Falling out of Love.

This movie is so painfully authentic that this film reaches some next level of forced empathy that even I haven't gotten over. The story follows a British university student falls for an American student, only to be separated from him when she is denied access from the U.S. after overstaying her visa. Through its improvised script and simplicity of its cinematography and editing. The sheer emotion of the film is elevated and forces the viewers to empathise with the agony of the heartfelt characters of Felicity Jones and the late Anton Yelchin. Although with such a small budget and limited script, this independent movie triumphs in every cinematic element needed for a great film. Through its outstanding loveable cast, excellent film cinematography and heart aching reality of romance. Wrapped up in one of Dustin O' Halloran's finest soundtracks. It's the ruthless and gutting hollowness of the movie's cynical and uncomfortable realities of love that makes it's so great. A truly unique entry that doesn't concentrate on the saturated phenomenon of the ease of falling in love, but falling out.

"I thought I understood it, that I could grasp it, but I didn't, not really."

4. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

The One with the Second Chance.

The visual, auditory and mind bending symphonic feast that is 'Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind'. The pinnacle romance film for those who dislike the romantic genre. The Beautifully acted and directed masterpiece is the staple alternative romantic film which still hits just the right notes in imaginative and heart-wrenching moments. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet offers honest performances of these two characters as they turn this imaginative and fantastic script into a visual, auditory fiasco. It begs the question to dumped and out individuals out there, if you could erase the memory of an ex, would you?

"Remember me, try your best."

3. Casablanca

The One with the Loss Love.

One of the originals and probably one of the best romantic film ever made. This 1942 classic which still holds up to being a treasure to the romantic genre. Casablanca is one of those movie romances which emits like no other romantic film the beauty of simultaneous love and loss. Rick Blaine, Ilsa Lund couple are a silver screen legend. As indeed the most heartwrenching display of romantic chemistry on screen than any of these films can consist. The raw dialogue is hauntingly memorable. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman acting as the pinnacle of the most enthralling screen pairings in history and with a reputation well deserved. The wartime romantic thrilleresque finds resolutive characters, undiminished tensions and find peace through love.

"We'll always have Paris."

2. In the mood for love

The One That Got Away.

A movie only translated to as beautifully melancholy. This Hong Kong showpiece is the only Foreign Language film to make it on the list, but this notable difference doesn't stop there. This utterly beautiful piece by the director, Wong Kar-wai. The film enhances the underlying romances between two neighbours who realise together why their spouses are always out at the same time; they decide through their moral belief to not do the same. What this film entails is this mutual and painful unspoken love that even the viewer would bolster. But through their stubbornness and honourability, the sheer romantic tension, unspoken desires and subtext drip off every masterly painted scene of this film. Undeniably, an excellent choice to see as it contrasts so heavily to the staple Hollywood Blockbuster. A true romantic tale in every sense.

"Feelings can creep up just like that. I thought I was in control."

1. Her

The One in The Future.

Where do I begin? In a utopian future, a sea of beaming skyscrapers, glistening eye candy streets, wondrous technological advancements in this apparent tranquillity in this modern society. However, what seems to transcend from this near perfect fictional time is that the main and oldest worry of them all, love. Spike Jonze's Oscar-winning heartbreaking romance, 'her' is by far the most astounding film I've seen and will probably ever see. Starring Joaquin Phoenix as a man who falls in love with his operating system, voiced by Scarlett Johansson. A bizarre concept at a glance, but this film accompanied by the single most amazing original soundtrack that I have ever feasted my ears on, in my opinion, this, is romance at its very core. For me, it tops the list because it can connect on such an ingrained level, solely by just its soundtrack. The melancholic aether tones intertwined with this sense of optimism and despair shown through the emotion of the characters and beautiful scenery but isolated mind. The wonder of it aches me on a painfully intimate level; forcing me to think about love and the reality of its horrors and mysteries. The movie so eloquently displays Joaquin's character, Theodore, in such a hopeless and honest manner. We travel on this unbelievable roller coaster of emotion with him in letting go of a failed divorce into rediscovering what it means to be in love again. What makes it so unique from any other romantic films, is that even though a relationship between an AI (Artificial Intelligence) is so unfathomable for us to even, for our time, to understand the complexity behind it. But, we can believe it. Since this movie amongst its accolades, shows the truest form of love so effectively. It viscerally explores the struggles, reality and nature of people. Being displayed in the most beautiful setting and atmosphere. This Oscar-Wining Orignal Screenplay is on of the best the film industry has to offer. A movie which I can admit has a peculiar mental curve that needs to be overcome. But trust me, embrace the weirdness in all its greatness to really see the masterpiece that is 'Her'.

Every line of this film is quotable.

"We are only here briefly, and in this moment I want to allow myself joy."

Honourable Mentions:

The Spectacular Now

City Lights

The Diary of a Teenage Girl

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Annie Hall

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