5 Movies A Girl Must Watch

Sigh. Movies. I love what the magic of the silver screen can do to you, how it can influence your life, mannerisms, even habits. And like any hopeless romantic, love, in all its forms, fascinates me. Over the years, I have watched many beautiful films with love as the main theme. And over the years, I have gotten to love a few of them, not to mention dislike a few as well.

Here is my list of romantic (not necessarily comedies) movies a girl must watch. And if you are a guy, I guarantee you WILL score brownie points if you plan an evening with your wife/girlfriend and one of these movie DVDs.

You've Got Mail

Forget 'Sleepless in Seattle'! This is the one you have to watch. The second time Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan got together to star in a rom-com, it was magic; THIS was magic. The simplicity in this love story is one to die for, and if you have not watched the movie yet, I will not give any spoilers. But this I must say, have you stopped 'writing' to your beloved? This will encourage you to do so.

Take a look at this brilliant dialogue, as written by Meg Ryan's character Kathleen Kelly to her online friend, Tom Hanks' character Joe Fox:
"Once I read a story about a butterfly in the subway, and today, I saw one! It got on at 42nd and off at 59th, where, I assume, it was going to Bloomingdale's to buy a hat that will turn out to be a mistake, as almost all hats are."

The Holiday

'The Holiday' is the reason why I think Nancy Meyers is the fairy godmother of all romantic movies. Kate Winslet, by far, is the one to watch  out for in this rom-com. Released pretty recently, (2006) this is one movie that will make you say (or think) at least once, 'Hey, I am like that!' And ladies, prepare to bring out that tissue toward the end of the movie… for happy tears, of course.

'The Holiday' also has some of the most amazing dialogue writing I have ever seen and heard on-screen. Take a look at this one.

Arthur Abbot, the senior screenwriter, played by the legendary Eli Wallach, says to Iris (Kate Winslet) at dinner: "This is not a hard one to figure out. Iris, in the movies we have leading ladies and we have the best friend. You, I can tell, are a leading lady, but for some reason you are behaving like the best friend."

Serendipity

'Serendipity' is the game of chance. Of luck, as it were. Luck in love and romance. Would I recommend it in real life? Maybe not. But I do recommend watching this beautiful John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale movie. This is one of those films that will make you believe in having an everlasting soulmate, and that nothing can stop anyone from meeting that person.

Just one line sums up this rom-com. Kate Beckinsale's character Sara tells John Cusack's character Jonathan: "Well, if we're meant to meet again, we'll meet again. it's just not the right time now." 

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Did you know mixed marriages are controversial everywhere? If you're wondering what I am talking about, refer to my earlier post, The Great Indian Mixed Family. The reason why I love this movie is because it's about two very different cultures coming together, because of love. Nothing can be sweeter than that.

If you have not watched the movie, the next dialogue may be a bit of a spoiler, but MAN, is it an ego boost! Maria Portokalos (the mother) gives her daughter Toula, some enlightening advice: "Let me tell you something, Toula. The man is the head, but the woman is the neck. And she can turn the head any way she wants."

But what sums up this film of different cultures, is the following dialogue. Gus Portokalos (the father) makes a speech when both families officially meet for the first time. See what he says: "You know, the root of the word Miller is a Greek word. Miller come from the Greek word "milo," which is mean "apple," so there you go. As many of you know, our name, Portokalos, is come from the Greek word "portokali," which mean "orange." So, okay? Here tonight, we have, ah, apple and orange. We all different, but in the end, we all fruit."

Beauty and the Beast

This Walt Disney classic is a favourite for all ages, and if you have not watched it yet, I suggest you make a stop at your local DVD rental shop, right about NOW. I remember watching this movie when I was a teenager, hoping and wishing for my own Prince Charming to arrive. The Beast, however, was a rude shock. And yet, I was riveted. The music, the dance, the talking kettle (Mrs Potts), candlestick (Lumiere) and wall clock (Cogsworth) were as enchanting as they were lovable.

Just as the intro starts in the beginning of the film, the narrator says: "Once upon a time, in a faraway land, a young prince lived in a shining castle. Although he had everything his heart desired, the prince was spoiled, selfish, and unkind. But then, one winter's night, an old beggar woman came to the castle and offered him a single rose in return for shelter from the bitter cold. Repulsed by her haggard appearance, the prince sneered at the gift and turned the old woman away. But she warned him not to be deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within. And when he dismissed her again, the old woman's ugliness melted away to reveal a beautiful enchantress. The prince tried to apologize, but it was too late, for she had seen that there was no love in his heart. And as punishment, she transformed him into a hideous beast and placed a powerful spell on the castle and all who lived there. Ashamed of his monstrous form, the beast concealed himself inside his castle, with a magic mirror as his only window to the outside world. The rose she had offered was truly an enchanted rose, which would bloom until his 21st year. If he could learn to love another, and earn her love in return by the time the last petal fell, then the spell would be broken. If not, he would be doomed to remain a beast for all time. As the years passed, he fell into despair and lost all hope. For who could ever learn to love a beast?"

So, there you go; make a date, cuddle up on the couch, and watch these classic happily-ever-afters. And make sure you leave a comment about your thoughts about these movies.