TOP LOVE STORY                                   

Not Your Typical Top-10 Love Story/Movie List...

 

 The Bottom Line Love, exciting and new...

I think one of the most enjoyable 'topics' to participate in here at Epinions are the 'Top 10' lists. It's often fun and interesting to see how people view different genres of movies, music...what have you. As for myself, I actually have a hard time limiting my Top 10 lists to just 10 entries.

But that simply wasn't the case in this category. Now, those of you who know and read my opinions on a semi-regular basis know that I'm interested in Science Fiction, Star Trek in particular, the music of Rush - which has its early basis in Sci-Fi and generally I enjoy action related movies. Well, some time back after I released one of my Top 10 lists, one of my trusted members here at Epinions - Donnie013 - suggested that I write up a Top 10 review of Love Stories.

Undaunted by the challenge, I set out to determine if I had even seen 10 movies that would qualify as love stories :)

I have, it just took a while to think about them all and determine if they were truly worthy of being included on this list.

So, with the for-warning of my own preferences in movies and music already laid down, I give you my point of view towards the Top 10 Love Stories of all time...Some you'll agree with, others....well, this is my opinion after all :)

Enjoy the read and Donnie..this one's for you :)

As with the rest of my Top 10 Lists, these are not ranked or listed in any particular order.

When Harry Met Sally - 1989
Destined to be a timeless classic that never seems to lose its viewing power, When Harry Met Sally is one of those movies that teaches us that love is often found, or better yet blossoms, from a strong and growing friendship. True, this is more of a romantic comedy, but it hits on all cylinders. Meg Ryan (who will make another appearance on this Top 10 list) along with Billy Crystal turn in stellar performances that have us truly believing in their characters. When a movie ends and you wonder what happens to the characters next, as if they truly exist, then you know you've got something special. And with one of the classic love-story lines of all time, beautifully emoted by Billy Crystal - "When you find the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, you realize that you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible" it's hard not to get emotionally drawn into the lives of these characters. A perfect blend of romance, comedy and true-life relationship problems, When Harry Met Sally is a movie anyone can and should enjoy.

Don Juan DeMarco - 1995
Likely one of the most underrated movies of the past decade, Don Juan DeMarco has fast become one of my favorite movies of late. A fanciful story about a mental patient played by Johnny Depp whose convinced he is the Don Juan. His psychiatrist, played by Marlon Brando is fascinated by Juan's compassion and ability to actually convince members of the fairer sex that he is the world's greatest lover. What starts out as a somewhat silly movie quickly draws you in as you realize that Brando's character is attempting to recapture some of his own lost youthful romance with his wife, played by Faye Dunaway, through the exploits of his patient. In the end, we realize that Depp really isn't crazy - and without giving it away - we do realize that sometimes fantasies are as healthy as reality. Performances that no other three actors could have pulled off make Don Juan DeMarco a sleeper hit that's sure to keep you and your loved one awake at night. Don't miss this one and don't miss out of the theme song, When a Man Loves a Woman by Bryan Adams.

You've Got Mail - 1998
Meg Ryan is back and paired with Tom Hanks in this romantic comedy that actually turns out to be more romantic than comedic. At first, people assumed this was a thinly veiled sequel to Sleepless in Seattle, and while that movie (which also paired up Hanks and Ryan) was a good one, You've Got Mail has something special about it that might just make you believe that everyone has a soul mate in this world. If you've never seen this movie, then don't be fooled. It's not quite what people expected. Yes, the two main characters meet via email, but the romance doesn't blossom through this means. Their interesting real-life meeting and lives are the captivating aspects of this movie. And the true notion that this 'relationship' may never actually happen is what keeps you on the edge of your seat. Well, sort of :) Still, this movie is a lot of fun and even through repeated viewings, it's one that's hard to turn off. Typically strong performances from the stars doesn't hurt, either. Not the best, but not the worst by far, You've Got Mail will doubtless lift your spirits.

The Princess Bride - 1987
Fairy tales can come true, and 'True Love!!!!!!' is always worth living for. In the capable hands of Rob Reiner, The Princess Bride really is a love story that's surrounded by action, adventure, some silliness and cartoon-like characters. And what a story: a lowly stable boy, Westley (Cary Elwes), pledges his love to the beautiful Buttercup (Robin Wright), only to be abducted and reportedly killed by pirates while Buttercup is betrothed to the evil Prince Humperdinck. Even as Buttercup herself is kidnapped by a giant, a scheming criminal mastermind, and a master Spanish swordsman (Mandy Patinkin), a mysterious masked pirate (could it be Westley?) follows in pursuit. As they sail toward the Cliffs of Insanity...

Yes, I'm serious :) And it's this light-hearted approach to story telling that makes this movie believable - especially the true love that Westley has for Buttercup and the life-threatening struggles he goes through to prove it. A typical and predictable happy ending doesn't deter from this ingeniously enjoyable movie. Don't miss this one.

The Wedding Singer - 1998
Yes, it's another romantic comedy, and yes it's laced with 1980's MTV-styled dialogue, but the comedic aspects of this movie just help to heighten the true love story that's the driving force of this film. Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore turn in great performances as the two, both engaged to other less-appealing fiancés, begin to discover one another - especially after they 'kiss' for the sake of science ;) Unfortunately, both aren't quite willing to accept or admit to the other about their true feelings until it's almost too late. When Sandler, akin to Billy Crystal in When Harry Met Sally finally comes to the realization that Barrymore is for him, he makes a mad-dash rush to stop her ensuing wedding and win over the girl of his dreams. Somewhat sappy to be sure, but still fun to enjoy and experience. If the performances weren't believable, this movie wouldn't rank. They are - so enjoy.

Ghost - 1990
This is one of those movies that perfectly balances romance, comedy and action/adventure - giving something enjoyable for just about any viewer. But let's face it, at its core, Ghost is a story about how true, ever-lasting love can survive anything - even death. Patrick Swayze turns in a so-so performance as the murdered lover to the beautiful Demi Moore. Comedy is delivered by Whoopi Goldberg in her Oscar-winning performance. Every aspect of this movie is compelling, entertaining and engaging, but for me, the message that I get from it is simple and comforting. Love will transcend death. Despite most ministers indicating that marriage and love will end at this time (Till death do you part...), Ghost sends the message that this isn't necessarily so. In fact, love will continue forever. Comforting for those of us who have found the love of our life in this life time.

Forever Young - 1992
Mel Gibson, action-adventure figure extraordinaire changes pace in this extremely touching movie that has an ending that's as surprising and heart-felt as any I've seen. Gibson plays Daniel, a daring test pilot who is deeply saddened by the apparent death of his girlfriend, Helen, in 1939. With little reason to live, he volunteers for a cryogenics experiment and is thawed out 50 years later by two young boys. The boys, led by Nat (Elijah Wood) bring the confused pilot home to Nat's single mom, Claire (Jamie Lee Curtis). There's a hint of romance between Daniel and Claire, but Daniel desperately needs to know if Helen really died in 1939. Eventually, he discovers that love has a way of surviving a half-century leap in time. The comedic aspect of this movie along with a somewhat hokie premise actually adds to its appeal. But as I mentioned above, its the ending that pulls the entire movie together while glorifying the notion that love truly never dies. If you've never seen it, trust me. Go out and rent it now.

As Good As It Gets - 1997
I've seen this movie several times, including during its theatrical release. It's touching. It's comical. It's even disturbing. But is it a love story? Well, yes and no. But there's one reason why this made my list. Jack Nicholson, who plays an obsessive-compulsive novelist, who you know does things his way and only for him, puts out a line in this movie that says it all. "You make me want to be a better person..." Absorbing the feelings and the depth behind that statement is close to the perfect definition of what love should mean between a man and a woman. Helen Hunt's expression perfectly captures the acknowledgement of this statement. A great film that hints at genius more times than not, this is one that's likely to be treated like a fine wine - it'll only get better with age.

Sixteen Candles - 1984
I can't believe this is the oldest movie in my countdown. I feel old. Sorry, a moment of digression there. On the outside, Sixteen Candles may appear to be nothing more than a teen-age movie about the frustrations of high school life, living with parents who forget about your sixteenth birthday, and dealing with nerds who are infatuated with you. But put aside, for a moment, the comedic aspirations of this film - which by the way really do work - and you'll see a story of a lonely, somewhat shy girl that falls in love with the high school jock. But in a surprising twist, the jock notices and pursues her. The ensuing hilarity and touching sequences that finally end in the two of them getting together may seem a little too tidy and predictable, but it still makes for enjoying movie love magic. Not as deep, by any stretch, as some of the other contenders, but a good young-love story nonetheless. And since I grew up with this movie, it holds a special place in my own heart. That, and the fact that I can recite it word for word certainly doesn't hurt ;)

The Natural - 1984
Ok - well, I bet none of you saw this one coming. I'm sure, for the most part, you all agreed with some of my selections as being considered decent love stories. Whether they would make your own Top 10 is, of course, up to you. But The Natural? you're thinking? Isn't that the Robert Redford movie about being a baseball player? It is indeed. You see, why does a love story have to be about the love between two people? In my book, it doesn't. The Natural displays the love a man has for the baseball. It's not only his life, but it's his true passion. Not only is he a 'natural' at the game, but the struggles he has gone through and overcome shows that this type of true love will never die. Interestingly enough, in the end, he realizes that he can have his love, and share in that with his newly-found family - with (assumed) wife Glenn Close and his (their) son. The magic about The Natural pulls on a lot of different strings (-- Rush sighting) - all of which work to create an incredible movie that both baseball fans and non-fans alike can enjoy and revel in. If you've never experienced it, then do yourself a service and watch this stellar film.


And there you have it. My skewed look at the Top 10 Love Stories/Movies of all time.

How many of you out there are now shaking your heads, wondering where "Casablanca" or "Titanic" are? Did you miss them some how?

Ah, no.

First - Casablanca. No doubt one of the greatest films of all time.

Ahem. I've never seen it. Yes, I know. I will - someday, I promise. But for now, I can't include it since I haven't experienced it.

Second - Titanic. Yes, I have seen it. And Yes, it is a good movie. And Yes, it has a strong love story behind it. But for me, the love story was a little forced, the characters somewhat unbelievable, and the true pleasure of the film was watching the incredible special effects bring to life one of the most tragic events in our recent history. That's what this movie was really about, and in my mind, the love story was simply thrown in for filler - and it does show.

Comments? Suggestions? Aggravations? I'd love to hear them all :)

Thanks, as always, for reading and indulging me and thanks once again to Donnie013 for the original suggestion.

Hope I'm still on her WOT after this :)

Enjoy...