By Savannah Hess
Hello everyone! Good to chat with you all again. And, of course, happy 2025! Today I wanted to chat with you about some of my favorite romance movies. February is the month of love after all, which appeals to everyone from teenaged romantics (yep, I was one) to cynics alike. So why not take a look at some of my personal favorite romantic films, in honor of Valentine’s Day? Please remember these are only my favorites and you’re encouraged to disagree. All right, let’s get into it!
My first pick is the iconic masterpiece that is The Princess Bride. This isn’t just my favorite romance movie, it’s my favorite movie of all time. And one of the few cases where the movie was better than the book. I just adore this movie. There are so many quotable lines, to start. “Inconceivable,” “Have fun storming the castle,” “Anybody want a peanut?”, “As you wish”, and of course “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” Additionally, the movie is set in my favorite time period, the Middle Ages. There are some extremely gorgeous locations as backdrops for the film, which makes sense when you find out a lot of the movie was shot in England and Ireland. I enjoy the way the story is told, too, as the story is relayed through a grandfather reading it to his grandson. A lot of the funniest bits are when the grandson interrupts the grandfather while he’s reading. I’ll always remember the line, “Is this a kissing book?” And of course, the romance. It’s a classic one, and the chemistry between Cary Elwes and Robin Wright is immaculate. The movie pokes fun at a lot of fairy tale tropes, and is at times, an obvious satire. But that doesn’t make me love it any less. This movie has it all – a stellar cast, brilliant acting, wonderful characters, and, (no this doesn’t make a movie by any means), the best sword fight on film.
My second pick is Pride and Prejudice 2005. Sorry, the incredible 1995 miniseries won’t be making this list. This is a more recent adaptation, but doesn’t try to seem “mOdErN” like other adaptations (cough cough Persuasion 2022 cough). Once again, the chemistry between the main pair, Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) and Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfayden) is off the charts. I was considering putting Atonement on this list, as I enjoy that movie as well, but it’s not a great film if you’re looking for a classic and sweet romance. Which is precisely what Pride and Prejudice 2005 is. Much of Jane Austen’s subtle wit isn’t lost in this adaptation. The costumes also shine here, too, as made by the amazing Jacqueline Durran. One of my favorites is Elizabeth’s Netherfield ball dress. Though The Princess Bride is my favorite movie of all time, Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book. And this adaptation is so lovely. The cinematography is gorgeous, too, with one of my favorite shots being of Elizabeth writing “Dear Jane” on a piece of parchment. And the rain scene – an unexpected but welcome change to the same scene in the book. This movie has truly bewitched me, body and soul.
Anyway, that’s all I have for you this time. Have an awesome Valentine’s Day, and I’ll talk to you soon! Bye for now.