favorite romantic films

I feel almost embarrassed revealing this, because the genre has been so degraded in the past twenty years that saying you like romantic comedies is essentially an admission of mild stupidity. But that has not stopped me from enjoying them. - Mindy Kaling

Aside from the fact that I own a pair of ovaries, why do I like watching romantic films? I have to say it's the fantasy - the meet-cute, the outrageous declarations of love, the happy ending, the scenic locations, the cozy interiors, and the beautiful leads. It's hard to resist such a beautiful package. If horror films always have the lights off or dimmed; romantic films (especially romantic comedies), more often than not, show us a world where it's always sunny and upbeat. And in all honesty, I'm just really a sucker for a good love story. The highs of falling in love and the lows of heartbreak are so universal that it makes me wonder how filmmakers could possibly put a fresh spin on this tired, cliche-ridden genre. Personally, I like romantic films with lots of mundane conversation. I also like them sad. Ohhh I love me some decaying relationships. If the dialogue appears effortless, I know it's good writing. So without further ado here are some of my favorites. These are just off the top of my head. Feel free to share yours.

Before Sunrise/Sunset/Midnight (1995/2004/2013) - The Before series is The Godfather of romance films in my humble opinion. Choosing the best among these three films would be like choosing my favorite child, which would then translate to the middle, the youngest, and the eldest. I liked Sunset the best. See, I can choose. Midnight, for me, was the funniest and the sweetest. Sunrise? Oh well, we've all been there. Youth, love, and a city. I haven't seen anything that comes close to Richard Linklater's masterpiece (I know it's cheesy to say masterpiece but they really are). I've seen a number of conversation-driven romantic films but nothing has topped the effortless dialogue, vibe, and nuance of these films. Don't we all want to meet that cute stranger on a train and prance around a European city talking about pretentious shit like we own the world? Or better yet don't we all want that connection so deep you keep coming back for more? This stuff is made for movies.
"Isn't everything we do in life a way to be loved a little more?"

my love for silver linings playbook

This scene from the Silver Linings Playbook is one of the best scenes I've seen on film in a long time. Every element is perfect. The song, Girl from the North Country, is beautifully used.  Sweet is an understatement of how this scene makes me feel. Something about Pat's (Bradley Cooper) oversized hoodie and Tiffany's (Jennifer Lawrence) effortless hair and facial expression, combined with such a nostalgic, romantic tune,  makes the entire scene so heartwarming I became Marshall Eriksen.

I love this film because the characters are flawed, just like each and every one of us. It's a story of a bipolar man named Pat who was recently released from a mental facility after he beat the shit out of his wife's lover. He then met Tiffany, a young widow, who recently battled depression over her husband's untimely death. The road to their friendship is rocky, funny, and full of "crazy." Pat is determined to get his wife back. He's still delusional about mending his marriage despite the fact that he's under a restraining order from his wife. Tiffany sees Pat as someone she could be friends with, given his story of mental imbalance and her promiscuous road to recovery. Just like the movie 50/50, Silver Linings Playbook tackles a heavy subject, mental imbalance, in this case, and makes it lighthearted enough without sacrificing its depth.

The other moving parts of the story include Pat's family. Robert de Niro plays his obsessive-compulsive father who's a big football fan (Philadelphia Eagles for that matter). Jacki Weaver plays his mom, a sweet lady who tries to balance everything in her family. Pat has an older brother whose life is the exact opposite of his: normal, successful, and on the right path. Pat's parents are doing their best to support their son's recovery. You can see how much they love one another despite their crazy. At the end of the day, all they want is for Pat to get back on his feet. 

Tiffany is obviously Pat's love interest. She's my favorite character because she's very unapologetic about who she is. Below is a particular dialogue in the movie which pretty much sums-up who Tiffany is:

"Tiffany: Hey!

Pat: What the fuck? I’m married!

Tiffany: So am I!

Pat: What the fuck are you doing, your husband’s dead!

Tiffany: Where’s your wife?

Pat: You’re crazy!

Tiffany: I’m not the one who just got out of that hospital in Baltimore.

Pat: And I’m not the big slut!… I’m sorry… I’m sorry… I’m sorry.

Tiffany: I was a big slut, but I’m not any more. There’s always going to be a part of me that’s sloppy and dirty, but I like that. With all the other parts of myself. Can you say the same about yourself fucker? Can you forgive? Are you any good at that?"

And there's a whole lot of scenes that will make you wanna hug this girl. I can't stop watching the scene where Pat and Tiffany had their first pseudo-date in a diner. Her facial expression upon realizing how deep Pat's delusion is makes me laugh ten ways to Sundays. And the way she says "I opened up to you, and you judged me. You're an asshole." hits close to home. How many of us have felt this at one point or another? Now I'm not sure if I'm more in love with Tiffany or Jennifer Lawrence. It's a tie.

For me, the hallmark of a great film is a group of characters you want to root for. Silver Linings Playbook easily achieves that. You care for these characters. You see yourself in them. You want them to win. Another hallmark of a great film is when you forget that you're actually watching Bradley Cooper onscreen. You momentarily forget that he's the sexiest man alive just because you are so into the character he's portraying. That says a lot.

It's a cliche to say that each one of us has our own brand of crazy, and the only question is whether we embrace it or not. But just the fact that Silver Linings Playbook showed me another unique way to dust-off the crappy reputation of romantic dramedies is enough to make me a very big fan.

It's definitely one of those movies which will entertain you, make you laugh, and even cry... in no particular order.

no I'm not impossible to touch I have never wanted you so much

I felt lonely today.

I decided to go out and treat myself. When I say treat myself I mean go to Cubao and ukay. That didn't go well for me because there's no New Arrival, and I just don't find it appealing to scour thrifted items that are more or less doubly rejected. So I went home empty-handed save for the Dummy D40 book I have always wanted to buy.

It was early evening and I really had no drive to work. I decided I could go out for dinner with a friend but then I bailed out as soon as she said yes. What is going on here? I just want to feel something, anything other than loneliness. And thus I decided to watch Before Sunrise. Boy, did I feel great!

I think this is the movie (and of course Before Sunset) I'll be watching each year just because it makes me feel really good inside. Before Sunrise is the best boy-meets-girl film I've ever seen. Europe. Strangers. Conversation. Train Ride. Cafes. I couldn't ask for anything more. 

Have you ever watched a movie that resonates so deeply you almost always catch yourself laughing and crying because it's just so real and so romantic? I did exactly that. I love how these two characters, Jesse and Celine, connected in a way that felt so natural. It's amazing because it's rare to see these kinds of moments on film. I love how they portrayed the difference between men and women, specifically their views (and reactions) toward love, career, and sex. And I love how their conversation flows. One minute they're talking about American culture and the next they're lashing out on ex-lovers. 

There were many instances I could actually see myself in. I've been a fan of Q&A talks, the one where you ask someone a question and they just have to answer it honestly. I think it's a straight forward way of getting to know someone, and it's always interesting to hear the answers of people. Stuff like your first sexual feeling or first childhood memory or have you ever been in love -- these are the things I want to know about a person.

If I could do I slow clap I probably would have when Celine uttered these words:

"I always feel this pressure of being a strong and independent icon of womanhood, and without making it look my whole life is revolving around some guy. But loving someone, and being loved means so much to me. We always make fun of it and stuff. But isn't everything we do in life a way to be loved a little more? "

Lastly, I totally lost it with this song. It's exactly what I needed today.

last night

Every Keira Knightley scene was beyond perfection. She looked so beautiful in this movie. Her demeanor exudes a kind of nonchalant elegance; it was breathtaking. And the way Guillaume Canet looked at her made me want to fall in love all over again. I love the drama of dressing-up like it's the first date, drinking scotch at 5 in the afternoon, walking and talking in New York past midnight, kissing and lying next to each other, lingering looks and passionate kisses, and a longing that lasts forever.

One order of Guillaume Canet please, take out. 

the holiday

Iris: Shush. You broke my heart. And you acted like somehow it was my fault, my misunderstanding, and I was too in love with you to ever be mad at you, so I just punished myself! For years! But you waltzing in here on my lovely Christmas holiday, and telling me that you don't want to lose me whilst you're about to get MARRIED, somehow newly entitles me to say, it's over. This - This twisted, toxic THING between us, is finally finished! I'm miraculously done being in love with you! Ha! I've got a life to start living. 

Iris: Because you're hoping you're wrong. And every time she does something that tells you she's no good, you ignore it. And every time she comes through and suprises you, she wins you over, and you lose that argument with yourself, that she's not for you.

Iris: I understand feeling as small and as insignificant as humanly possible. And how it can actually ache in places you didn't know you had inside you. And it doesn't matter how many new haircuts you get, or gyms you join, or how many glasses of chardonnay you drink with your girlfriends... you still go to bed every night going over every detail and wonder what you did wrong or how you could have misunderstood. And how in the hell for that brief moment you could think that you were that happy. And sometimes you can even convince yourself that he'll see the light and show up at your door. And after all that, however long all that may be, you'll go somewhere new. And you'll meet people who make you feel worthwhile again. And little pieces of your soul will finally come back. And all that fuzzy stuff, those years of your life that you wasted, that will eventually begin to fade. 

of movies and book

Fight Club (1999)

Now I can finally say I've seen Fight Club. I want to watch it again because frankly I couldn't appreciate the entire movie save for the ending. The entire film reminded me of Clockwork Orange, and I actually love Clockwork, so I'm baffled why I didn't love Fight Club that much. Yes, the acting and the effects were good. Yes, the plot was crazy and original. There was just too much testosterone, too much anarchy, too much ridiculous God syndrome. But I must say the acting was superb. I LOVE Marla Singer, or perhaps Helena Bonham Carter. She can do no wrong in my eyes. Let's just say I'll watch it again. This time with subtitles.

Orphan (2010)

This movie is so heavy, and I mean haggard heavy. It was emotionally and physically tortuous. I love how it's not at all supernatural. I tried to make funny comments about the Orphan just to lighten the heavy, tiring, draining emotions I had all through out. The characters were all unlikable I can't wait for all of them to die, especially the father. In all fairness Isabelle Fuhrman (the creepy Orphan) was beyond convincing. She's really good. The plot was original, but bordering to ridiculousness especially the invincible Orphan. This thriller is joyless, but isn't that what thrillers are supposed to be?

Flipped (2010)

It's a story about first love set in the early 1960s; a hybrid of My Girl and Little Manhattan, story wise, and Calendar Girls, aesthetic wise. I loved how the film achieved a "feel good" mood without the cliches. There's a recurring "perspective change" between the two leads, and it was able to achieve a charm that was quite endearing. Although there was a bit of stereotyping, especially how girls and boys think, I still find it sweet (without being saccharine sweet) because of the unique film structure. Honestly, I was smiling all through out this movie. If you want to feel light and fluffy (especially after watching psychos like The Orphan), Flipped is certainly a good choice!

Never Let Me Go (2010)

First words that popped into my head, "Nganong ni-enter?" This is a story of three friends, Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy, who went to an English boarding school set in the late 70s. And basically, that's where all the normalcy ends. I was aware that this is a novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, but I wasn't aware that this film was, for lack of a better word, sick! Weird and sick and depressing. Jesus, these kids were clones, organ donor clones. They were raised as clones with the sole purpose of donating organs to humans once they reach their 20s. Again this type of plot leaves me with a heavy feeling. Yes, it's original. So maybe that's what matters. Theme wise, I would say it was successful in tapping an extremely controversial topic, let alone raise the question of "love" and "soul" among clones. Unfortunately, I'm not one of those people who just appreciate the aesthetic of a movie. I'm often preoccupied by the plot, more than anything else. Never Let Me Go gave me a chance to question my stand on cloning. And furthermore, question the way scientific advancements affect the human race. It's weird and disturbing, but definitely worth watching.

One Day by David Nicholls

One of those rare books I was able to finish, thank God. If I ever wrote a book myself, I would like to write something along the plot lines of One Day. It's a very realistic perspective on the pains of growing: career, relationships, friendships, and marriage. I love the realism even if it's depressing. This is a story of two friends in an expanse of almost 20 years. Yes, it was very much a love story but definitely MORE. I like "life" nuggets, and I got a lot of it in this book. Sometimes the book exhibits too much resemblance in my own personal life, it reinforces a belief in me that adulthood is definitely an introspective, unexpected chain of events. I know it's not a unique idea. However, the way Nicholls told it is, in more ways than one, as articulate and detailed as a coming of age novel can get.

Sometimes I get that not-so-fresh feeling

The cure for boredom is film, at least that's what did it for me. (while my guitar gently weeps) No sense in moping. I downloaded all the films I've been meaning to watch for quite sometime now. And here goes:

Another Year - This one is controversial. My verdict is on the positive side. I love this film because it juxtaposes the happy and the depressed. The story revolves around a middle-class, English couple named Tom and Gerri who are happily married; and their depressed, messed-up friends who are either desperately looking for a partner or alcoholic. I have always loved films that unfold like short stories - conversation-driven, slice of life, and poignant - without being trite. As the credits rolled, I realized I did not want to end up like Tom and Gerri's friends. I want to choose contentment and taking responsibility for my actions, whatever that means.

Wet Hot American Summer - Hmmm, let's just say this film is not my cup of tea. Scary Movies franchise plus White Chicks, lighter more profound version. I don't hate it that much because I love parodies. I just did not get some of the pop culture references. It was supposed to be a campy take on summer camp movies (pun intended). The saving grace of this film for me was Paul Rudd. He reminded me of a dick friend who just loves being a dickhead. Well, that's funny for me.

Just Go With It - This is the worst movie I've seen thus far. I couldn't imagine giving No Strings Attached a run for their money. Talk about Hollywood trash at its finest. Don't get me wrong. I've learned to love Hollywood films because, let's face it, they are entertaining. Well, Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston's tandem does not even have a plausible story, not entertaining, and certainly not funny. The only hysterical moment was Nicole Kidman's cameo, reminiscent of Friends' Monica Geller. It was painful to watch their love blossom. Please, Jen, as much as I love you, you got to pick better roles, or better stories. Even Hawaii did not save this film.

Babette's Feast - This is a foodie film with a religious streak. That didn't sound right. It reminded me of Chocolat, old lady version. I was half asleep already during the first part of the movie. It's a Danish film set in a conservative, cult-like neighborhood in rural Denmark. If you love food and film, this is definitely worth watching. The final act will give you a culinary boner. I just regarded the first half of the film as an initiation. I wanted good foodie film, and I got it.

Drag Me To Hell - Oh boy! Where do I start? I didn't know it's supposed to be funny. I loved every minute of this Sam Raimi creation. I haven't watched the Evil Dead series, but I'm seriously contemplating about it after enjoying Drag Me To Hell. It was a satisfying horror film with just the right thrills, scares, and gore... and well more gore. I suddenly became curious about watching really bad gore movies, the type where it's so bad, it's good.  (spoiler) The ending was my favorite because I just love a final destination tribute. And one more thing, I was more invested in the love angle of this film more than any of the romantic comedies I've watched in the past couple of months. 

V for Vendetta - I had high expectations for this movie. This is the kind of film where everyone says you have got to watch it and I still haven't. Well, not anymore. (Fight Club is next on the list haha) Natalie Portman never ceases to impress me. Jennifer Aniston can learn a thing or two from Natalie Portman. It reminded me of my idealism in direct relation to politics. I've learned to shy away from these types of films. However, V for Vendetta stood for many things: injustice and justice, corruption and people power, truth and media, terrorism, anarchy, and freedom. Big words right? Don't worry, it's not a lecture. This film focuses on inducing cathartic feelings towards these ideals. I felt pensive, in a good way, after watching this. 

Paranormal Activity 2 - Again, I set my expectations way too high for this film only to be disappointed. Maybe because I watched it on my laptop instead of a theater with a room full of people. I did my best with the lights out and 3am set-up. Unfortunately, I was just laughing, not with the scenes but with the cynicism. I sympathized way too much with the character's cynicism, and I wasn't able to suspend my disbelief. No shocks, no climax, nothing spectacular like the first installment. Good thing I didn't watch it in the theater. I had a better time with Insidious.

Reality Bites - This is a really great Gen-X, 90s, pop-culture film. Love it. Almost all the scenes resonated with me. Friends in their 20s, struggling in finding their careers, juggling the bills, keeping friendships, finding meaningful relationships; it can't get any better than that right? Reality Bites centers on the selfish (or perhaps not-so-selfish) pre-occupations of people in their twenties. The eternal questions of life after college: "So what do I do now?", "Who am I?", "Will I be alone forever?", and a whole slew of quarter life meanderings. It's good because it leaves a feeling of action. Sometimes young people just need to grow-up, pay their dues, have ingenuity, cultivate work ethics, and realize the world does not owe you anything.

More to come: Norwegian Wood, Red Eye, Lost in Translation, The First Day of the Rest of Your Life, Adam, Fight Club, The Midnight Meat Train, Orphan, The Edge of Love, Rules of Attraction, and Garden State.

New Releases I'm Looking Forward To: Midnight in Paris, The Perks of Being A Wallflower, Crazy Stupid Love, Harry Potter 7, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, 50/50, Our Idiot Brother, Larry Crowne, A Dangerous Method, and The Great Gatsby.

I know I've rambled on and on. Maybe you have other suggestions? I'm into films I-should-have-watched-a-long-time-ago. Stress busted! =D

Kings of Pastry (2010)

Kings of Pastry is a film by Chris Hegedus and DA Pennebaker about a prestigious pastry competition called Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (Best Craftsmen in France). This documentary is very refreshing to me, personally. I love watching cooking competitions, and when I saw this film I never thought it would be this intense, or better yet this "obsessed". Compared to this, Top Chef seems like a warm-up exercise. However, it would be best to acknowledge that Kings of Pastry focused on pastrymaking (of course). With the little knowledge I have about the culinary world, pastry is one of  the hardest, if not the most intricate in food making. As I've observed, gourmet chefs often fail (miserably) at making desserts. There are a few snotty ones who claim that being a master chef means you can do both gourmet and pastry. But I tend to agree that pastry is perhaps a bit more complicated than cooking savory dishes due to the precision required in making them. But that doesn't make one better than the other.

10 Things: The Tourist

***spoilers


1. Johnny Depp is so toned down in this movie. Truly, he does seem like a 2D character. Ironically, I still like this school of acting. He always plays cool, eccentric characters, but not anymore. Meet Frank Tupelo. I loved Frank Tupelo. Haha

2. I couldn't stop staring at Angelina's eyes. This time it's all about the eyes, not the lips. Angelina Jolie sports the red lips and smoky eyes to perfection. It does bother me how thin she has become. I'm not sure when I'll get bored with her black widow, femme fatale roles.

3. The plot is very predictable. As my movie mate said, "How about Elise as the real Alexander?" How about that?

4. That said, I still consider it a well-made "Hollywood" movie. Happy ending, formulaic, entertaining, nothing deep or original.

5. I keep asking myself why I liked it. Well, Johnny and Angelina looked fantastic, the setting's in Europe and it was fun to watch an obsessive Paul Bettany.

6. The most memorable scene for me is the "pajama Johnny". He sleeps on the hotel couch in his pajamas and curls up with his detective novel. It was an epic image. Venice and pajamas. God, that was so funny. 

7. How about the scene where Johnny's character watches the Venetian policeman smoke real cigarettes. Torture anyone? His face was priceless.

8. "20 million dollars worth of plastic surgery, and that's the face you choose." --- Hell yeah!

9. I loved the song "No Fear of Heights" by Katie Melua.

10. It started in Paris. A cafe for that matter.