Valentine’s day is a perfect excuse for an evening out – good wine, a fine meal, a romantic walk in the moonlight. But there are also some for whom going out is not an option. Perhaps finances are too tight for a fancy restaurant. You can’t get a babysitter for the night. Or maybe you are the sort of couple who prefers to do something special at home.
Whatever the reason, there’s nothing stopping you from having a romantic, quiet evening in the comfort of your house. Get those kids in bed if you have them, cook something nice (or get a pizza or a takeout – it’s your night) pour yourself a glass of wine and curl up together in front of a good film with the lights dimmed and some candles burning. That’s two hours of warm cuddles guaranteed to make your evening as romantic as any starlit walk.
But before you make your other half sit through a soppy rom-com he can’t bear or a zombi movie she won’t be interested in, here are a few suggestions that can hopefully help you meet somewhere in the middle. Whatever your fancy, there’s something for everyone.
Punch Drunk Love
An unexpectedly good performance from Adam Sandler in this quirky film by P.T. Anderson about a socially awkward man who can’t find love if it hits him in the face. Genuinely funny and moving.
As Good As It Gets
Jack Nicholson, Helen Hart and Greg Kinnear form an unlikely trio on a journey through love, friendship, forgiveness and understanding. Funny, heart-warming and great performances all around.
When Harry Met Sally
Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan star in this unforgettable romantic comedy from the 80’s about a man and a woman whose relationship flourishes over several years of chance meetings. If you’ve never seen it yet, it’s definitely one to tick off your list.
If you like a bit more drama in your films, try Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind, a poignant tale of a man trying to hold on to love with the threadbare remnants of his faded memory. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet star in this cleverly scripted amalgamation of science fiction, romance and psychological thriller.
For something off the mainstream beaten track, there’s Juno, a sweet comedy-drama about a strong-headed yet rather mature teenager dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. Despite the subject matter, Juno is not as heavy a film as you’d expect. It’s a delightfully sweet film about facing your choices and making the right decisions.
A list of love films wouldn’t be complete without the obligatory tear-jerker. Go for The Curious Tale of Benjamin Button and you’ll be reaching for your hankies before the end of this strange tale where a boy is born as an old man and lives his life in reverse, finding love and losing it as he grows younger and younger with the years.
Last but not least, a choice from the classic collection is Brief Encounter, a beautiful story about two married strangers whose chance meeting develops into a brief yet deep affection. Love and morality clash as the two protagonists have to choose which path to follow.
So don’t worry if you’re staying in this Valentine’s night. Pick a good film, and cwtch up!
Patty Papageorgiou-Axford
