This Valentine's Day, instead of watching the typical romantic movies, why not challenge your views on love? Love is a complex thing, and it can be more than just kindness. Films that provide a realistic look at love often get overlooked during this season. Rather than being influenced by commercialism, take the time to watch movies that delve deep into your soul and offer a new perspective on love. Here are 15 thought-provoking films that are perfect for this purpose.
Frances Ha (2013)
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Frances Ha, directed by Noah Baumbach and starring Greta Gerwig, is not your conventional romance movie. It offers a realistic look at love through the character study of a woman in New York City who struggles to fit in.
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The film explores the yearning for connection and the complexities of relationships. It challenges the traditional notions of love and offers a fresh perspective on what it means to truly connect with another person.
Two English Girls (1971)
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Two English Girls, directed by François Truffaut, tells the story of a decade-long love triangle involving two sisters and an art critic. This film challenges the audience by forgiving the characters for their wrongdoings and explores the complexities of love and relationships.
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It delves into the dynamics of desire, jealousy, and forgiveness, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the human heart.
The Age of Innocence (1993)
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The Age of Innocence, directed by Martin Scorsese, is set in 1870s New York and follows the story of a socialite engaged to a wealthy lawyer. When she meets her cousin, they begin a passionate love affair that challenges societal norms and expectations.
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The film explores the importance of connections between two people and the sacrifices one must make for love. It offers a visually stunning portrayal of forbidden love and the consequences that come with it.
Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
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Moonrise Kingdom, directed by Wes Anderson, follows the story of two young lovers who run away to escape the troubles around them. This film explores the beauty and complexity of young love and the conflict between a child's view of the world and an adult's perspective.
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With its whimsical style and heartfelt storytelling, Moonrise Kingdom invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences of love and the transformative power it holds.
Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
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Lars and the Real Girl, starring Ryan Gosling, tells the story of a socially awkward man who falls in love with a life-size plastic doll. This unconventional love story explores the themes of online dating scams and mental health, offering a thought-provoking examination of human connection.
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The film challenges societal norms and delves into the complexities of love, acceptance, and the power of imagination.
My Night at Maud's (1969)
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My Night at Maud's, directed by Eric Rohmer, is a beautifully shot black and white film that serves as a study of love, religion, body language, and dialogue between two people.
Through its nuanced storytelling and captivating performances, the film offers a deep exploration of human connection and the complexities of romantic relationships.
Happy Together (1997)
Happy Together, directed by Wong Kar-wai, examines the complexities of love and how it can come apart. The film follows two men in a struggling relationship and explores themes of identity, longing, and the shaky foundation on which love can be built.
With its visually stunning cinematography and emotionally resonant storytelling, Happy Together invites viewers to reflect on the nature of love and the challenges that come with it.
Carol (2015)
Carol, directed by Todd Haynes, is a romantic drama set in 1950s Manhattan. The film follows the love affair between a young photographer and an elegant woman, exploring the consequences of forbidden love and the societal pressures that can hinder true connection.
With its stunning visuals and powerful performances, Carol offers a poignant exploration of love, desire, and the sacrifices one must make for happiness.
Blue Valentine (2010)
Blue Valentine portrays the concept of a relationship falling apart with raw honesty. The film explores the flaws and strengths of both men and women, providing an unflinching look at the complexities of love and the challenges that can arise in long-term relationships.
Through its powerful performances and intimate storytelling, Blue Valentine invites viewers to reflect on the nature of love and the fragility of human connections.
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Call Me By Your Name, set in 1983, follows the story of a 17-year-old boy who falls in love with his father's intern. The film explores themes of sexual awakening, first love, and the universal longing for connection.
With its stunning cinematography and heartfelt performances, Call Me By Your Name captures the essence of young love and the bittersweet nature of fleeting connections.
In the Mood for Love (2000)
In the Mood for Love, directed by Wong Kar-wai, is a beautifully shot drama that explores a platonic relationship between two star-crossed lovers. The film is considered one of the best romantic movies ever made, captivating viewers with its stunning visuals and poignant storytelling.
Through its exploration of longing, desire, and missed connections, In the Mood for Love invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of love and the power of unspoken emotions.
Past Lives (2023)
Past Lives follows the story of two childhood friends who reunite after decades apart. This film provides a new perspective on love and explores South Korean culture and lore, offering a unique and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
With its rich storytelling and captivating visuals, Past Lives invites viewers to delve into the complexities of love and the power of reconnecting with one's past.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a cult classic that delves into the loss of love and the consequences of erasing memories. The film takes viewers on a journey through the mind and heart, provoking thoughts on past relationships and the complexities of human connections.
With its inventive storytelling and powerful performances, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind invites viewers to reflect on the nature of love, memory, and the impact of our past on our present.
Moonlight (2016)
Moonlight, the Best Picture winner, follows the story of a black man growing up in a rough area of Miami. The film explores themes of masculinity, identity, and love in a highly poetic manner, offering a powerful and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Through its stunning visuals and nuanced storytelling, Moonlight invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of love and the ways in which our environment shapes our understanding of ourselves and our relationships.
Before Sunrise (1995)
Before Sunrise, directed by Richard Linklater, follows the story of a man and a woman who meet by chance and spend a night together in Vienna. The film captures the essence of a chance encounter and the emotions it ignites, offering a heartfelt exploration of love and human connection.
With its naturalistic performances and intimate storytelling, Before Sunrise invites viewers to reflect on the fleeting nature of connections and the transformative power of a single night.