| 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
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.
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. For more information visit www.play.com 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.
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.
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. |