Films for Valentine's Day

Whether you've decided to cosy up on the sofa with your man, or you're boycotting Valentine's Day altogether and opting for a girlie night in, make sure you pick the right DVD for your mood. Check out iVillage's guide to the perfect Valentine's Day films.

The golden oldie: Brief Encounter

brief encounter

What's it about? Noel Coward's 1945 film is a simple love story about a man and woman who meet by chance in a railway station cafe. Against their better judgement they fall deeply in love and embark upon a brief but intense affair which is ultimately doomed. Full of subtext and with one of the most heart-wrenching final scenes in cinematic history; this is pure romantic escapism.
Who is it for? Any couples with a soft spot for love stories done the old fashioned way: expressed with modest 'lip-press' kisses.


A bit of fun: Bride & Prejudice

What is it about? Perhaps not an obvious choice, but this film is worth a watch if just for its vibrant colours and energising music and dancing. Directed by Gurinder Chandha, of Bend it Like Beckham fame, this is an Indian take on Jane Austen's classic book Pride and Prejudice - with some clever parallels between contemporary small town Indian culture and Georgian England - presented in a spectacular Bollywood formula.
Who is it for? The not-too-serious couple who fancy a bit of a song and dance without having to get off the sofa.


The steamy flick: 9 1/2 weeks

What is it about? This follows the highly sexed but emotionally barren affair between Elizabeth (Kim Basinger) and John (Mickey Rourke), with issues of power and domination told through the sexual awakening of Elizabeth. Be warned - this is not romantic lovey-dovey sex; this is raw and at times a little disturbing. Watch out for the famous sensual food-feeding-at-the-fridge scene - even if you've never seen the film before, it'll be familiar as it's been imitated time and time again.
Who is it for? The brave couple who are sexually comfortable with one another, and feeling a little naughty.


The alternative romance: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

What is it about? A unique love story starring Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey, as Clementine and Joel, an odd-ball couple struggling with their differences. With the help of a new innovation that can isolate and erase certain memories, they independently decide to remove the entire experience of their relationship from consciousness, only to learn that nothing is that simple when it comes to love. As unlikely as it may sound, this is a hugely romantic - not to mention interesting - piece of cinematic creativity.
Who is it for? The concentrated couple who love a plot of intrigue and surprise, but also those who understand how addictive imperfect relationships wrought with love can be.

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The thinking couple's film: Sideways

What is it about? A coming-of-(middle)-age film following two old school friends exploring the vineyards of California's wine country. Paul Giamatti stars as the lovably pathetic and disillusioned Miles; a failing writer but refined wine enthusiast, while Thomas Hayden Church plays once-successful actor Jack, who uses what wine knowledge he acquires to pick up women - despite being engaged. The film follows them on their paths to happiness, or at least out of discontentedness, and leaves you gasping for a large glass of Pinot Noir.
Who is it for? Those looking for a life-affirming happy ending to their Valentine's flick, with some beautiful scenes and sophisticated dialogue along the way.


Singles' night: Pretty Woman

What is it about? The epitome of the Romantic Comedy genre. Boy/rich businessman (Richard Gere) meets girl/prostitute (Julia Roberts). Boy hires girl and shows her the high-life. Boy and girl fall in love, break taboos, and eventually live happily ever after. Gere is dreamy and Roberts is beautiful, making Pretty Woman a strict girls-only swoon-fest.
Who is it for? Those able to indulge in the luxury of not having a man's taste to accommodate.


The ultimate love story: Romeo + Juliet

What is it about? Everyone knows the story and it may not have a happy ending, but Baz Luhrmann's epic retelling of the Shakespearean tragedy is for any couple who appreciates unique and pioneering cinema. A visual feast and an unrelenting emotional churner, Romeo + Juliet, starring Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio, is the definitive love story.
Who is it for? The modern couple who studied Shakespeare at GCSE but never quite understood the hype, or indeed the story.