February 14 is almost here. Whether you’re in love or out of love, a movie might be the perfect way to calm the over-stimulated holiday heart.
Earlier romantic films present romance, lust and love without uncomfortable sex scenes and contrived plot lines — leaving viewers with that scripted happy ending.
“When Harry Met Sally” is a traditional pick for modern urban romantics who enjoy the reassurance that finding love is not easy.
“(It’s) a perfect Valentine’s Day romance film,” said Jim Pearson, a Silver Screen Video employee.
Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) are unlikely friends with opposing outlooks on life. Burns is an outright pessimist, and Albright is an eternal optimist. Skip love at first sight: This is a story of true love.
“Out of Africa” and “Roman Holiday” take romance outside typical settings.
“Out of Africa” stars Meryl Streep and Robert Redford in a classic adventure. Even without the love story, the plot is enough to make the movie enjoyable, and the scandalous romance that develops makes the movie irresistible.
“Roman Holiday” is a comedy about a runaway princess (Audrey Hepburn) who meets an American reporter (Gregory Peck). Shot in Rome, the plot is conventional, but the acting is unparalleled.
For Valentine’s Day critics, there are plenty of movies involving little romance or dysfunctional relationships — the perfect antidote to Valentine’s Day disgust.
“Donnie Darko” pushes the viewer
into the sexual habits of Smurfs and the possibility of time travel. This thought-provoking movie contrasts humor with dark imagery as Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal)
exudes various levels of rage, emotion,
loneliness and confusion.
“Run Lola Run,” a German film starring Franka Potente, is not a story without love, but is far from romantic.
“This movie is great because it moves at such a fast pace and is ultimately the kind of ride one likes to take when looking for escapist entertainment,” University student Gabe Rodriguez said. “It’s always refreshing to see a movie that doesn’t use romance as its central focus, because usually they do.”
In the beginning of the film, Lola discovers that her boyfriend Manny (Moritz Bleibtreau) is in a jam with some drug dealers. The rest of the movie is non-stop action with a techno pulse. Potente’s intensity will pull you into her frantic chase leaving you feeling energetic and wanting more.
Movies like these can provide entertainment, laughter, tears and an appreciation of relationships on Valentine’s Day. For an antidote to that over-stimulated heart, check one out today.
Molly Cooney-Mesker is a freelance reporter for the Daily Emerald
