Love is in the air and Valentine’s is in our minds. Because finding an excellent way to spend this holiday with your special one might be difficult and frustrating. And yes, it may sound a bit stereotypical and perhaps basic, but what can be better than spending a quiet evening with a dinner cooked together, a touch of wine and a tweed plaid to cuddle. Undoubtedly, the best company for such a night-in is a great movie. Thus, IPremium set out to help you make the right choice – the one that will make you cherish your better half even more.
Our top choices for the upcoming Valentine’s are:
Moonlight Kingdom (2012) Wes Anderson’s yet another masterpiece narrates a once-upon-a-time tale of two romantic 12-year-olds, who run away to be together, creating their own kind of utopia. Also, the cast, which include Bruce Willis, Bill Murray, and Edward Norton among others, is starry enough to carry any movie – the problem is, the Moonlight Kingdom is not any movie, it’s truly the gem of cinematography.
Rust and Bone (2012) With Marion Cotillard being one of the most charming and soulful actresses alive, the movie seem to not only engage but also warm viewers’ hearts. As she loses her legs in a whale attack, Matthias Schoenaerts, a rough boxer, end up providing a much desired emotional healing to the charming victim. This muscular, yet tender melodrama saturates minds with endorphins and leave a romantic feeling well after the closing credits. A great pairing for your nocturnal Rioja.
In the House (2012) Juggling with reality and our imagination, the renowned French director, François Ozon, brilliantly projects the teacher’s obsession with the writing assignments of his student. The tale of love and hate, eroticism and disgust, captivates the minds and charms our hearts. A must-see and, definitely, a must-feel movie.
Moonlight (2016) Disarmingly personal and delicate in its touch, Barry Jenkins’s take on “In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue” is an unforgettable drama with a great cast that includes Mahershala Ali and Trevante Rhodes. The movie settles on the thinnest nerves and evokes incredible emotions. If you’re up to the heartbreaking romance, go ahead with this aesthetic masterpiece.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) You can’t go wrong with new classics like this one. With Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet as fatal lovers, the movie turned out to be a sweet ode to the romance genre. Besides, the writer behind this love story, Charlie Kaufman, known for his work on such legendary films as "Being John Malkovich" and "Adaptation", has successfully translated his rich imagination into an elaborate plot that keeps on captivating years to come.
Blue Jay (2016) With Mark Duplass and Sarah Paulson as former high school sweethearts, the movie blooms with great romantic nostalgia. Great chemistry between actors on set, charming cinematography, and marvelous post-production work, made a wonder out of a bit cliché storyline. Perfect for a light romance evening.
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) And one more film by Wes Anderson, “The Royal Tenenbaums” is both witty and deeply dramatic. And it’s interesting to see how these two bipolar notions intertwine, making love with each other, and at the same time seem separate enough to comprehend them individually. A glorious cast manages to go above and beyond expectations when mimicking complex characters like members of a wildly dysfunctional family. Prepare yourself to laugh and cry at the same time.
Manhattan (1979) A love-hate letter to the director’s favorite megapolis, New York City, “Manhattan” is one of the most highly-acclaimed Woody Allen’s movies. And rightly so. Even though the film is in b&w, it boils with colors of irony and the folly of human behavior. Besides, a great performance by young, naive, and beautiful Meryl Streep is worth checking out. This movie is perfect for an old-school themed evening.
Her (2013) A lonely soul is drawn to the computer operating system, Theodore, Joaquin Phoenix, makes us think about relationships in a mind-bending way. Alternatively to “Black Mirror”, Spike Jonze’s take on technology is less scary and more romantic. Although not enough to make Siri fall in love with the movie, it’s probably bountiful enough to charm you and your beloved one.
Burning (2018) This two and a half hour movie with careful character study captivates the audience, keeping them in suspense till the very end. All because the great South Korean director Lee Chang-dong tells a story about three characters consumed by desire and rage in a bizarre, tempting way. We promise that you won’t be able to “burn” it out of your head for at least a few days.
The Handmaiden (2016) Set in 1930s Korea, Park Chan-wook’s work exploits your senses so thoroughly and carefully that you don’t even notice. Its eroticism is obvious, yet hidden under the masterfully crafted veil of intelligence, caustic wit, and depth of characterization. The thriller/erotic “The Handmaiden” is sure to spice up your evening.
Brooklyn (2015) This movie is about the very familiar “immigrant in America” vibe, yet with an enchanting spin of Saoirse Ronan's serene face – which says more than any script ever could. John Crowley’s film gradually unfolds, like a classic Victorian novel, presenting a young Irish woman, torn between two lovers. If you are up to a casual and beautifully staged movie, Brooklyn is your choice.
What women want (2000) Nancy Meyers sure knows what women want. And after a severe electrical shock, Mel Gibson projects her vision in his first-ever romantic comedy. When ladies man becomes Mr. Sensitive all of a sudden, we can’t help but wonder: Will he become a better person? Or will he be even more manipulative in taking advantage of women, oblivious to his supernatural powers?
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) Based on a story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the movie narrates about Brad Pitt aging backward as his love for Cate Blanchett moves forward. Such a haunting, irresistible plot recreates the cult flavor of “Forrest Gump”, pitching us a savoring plate of exquisite David Fincher's imagination. Such a classic can’t be overlooked.
A Star is Born (2018) Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut came out as an emotional knock-out and Lady Gaga’s performance is fabulous. Beautifully staged and acted out, this is perhaps the best cinematic version of this heartbreaking story. If you are up to the old-fashioned, big-feeling cinema, “A Star is Born” might just be your best choice.
Meet Joe Black (1998) A unique film with a talented cast, Meet Joe Black cleverly weaves humor into romance. With Brad Pitt as Death, the elaborate plot is accompanied by Thomas Newman’s soundtracks that simultaneously caress and ravish a poor viewer’s soul. This film makes you realize and value the simple beauties of life – a perfect setup for the revival of passion between you and your partner. Midnight In Paris (2011) Who knew that Owen Wilson could become the perfect Woody Allen’s leading actor? Yet, it has worked out perfectly for our delight. The story revolves around a writer who happened to find true love and himself with a help of Paris and the ghosts of its famous dead. A light, romantic, and utterly enchanting story is perfect for Valentine’s. Besides, what can be more romantic than imaginary Paris?
Three Steps Above Heaven (2010) Packed with magical moments, this is a great movie for those who love romance. Although the plot might seem simple, the way the movie is produced makes it look stylish and light. Besides, Mario Casas and María Valverde have great chemistry. A good pairing for your evening to disconnect and unwind.
Pride & Prejudice (2005) The 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice might leave you in a complicated discussion with love, but it’s worth it. Keira Knightley’s performance as Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew MacFayden’s as her Mr. Darcy makes them look perfectly believable regarding Jane Austin’s novel. An absolute joy to watch, this romantic masterpiece will become a marvelous adoration to your evening.
The Notebook (2004) Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, "The Notebook" is about a great love between a poor country boy and a rich city girl. Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams endure separation, war, and disease for the sake of the eternal romance. A truly moving story for boosting your relationships.
