I Like These Movies

Today a thread on Freelance Success, an online community of writers I belong to, got me thinking about two of the best romantic comedies ever produced. Since falling in love might very well be considered the ultimate adventure, I decided to add them to my recommendations list.

These are two of a very short list of movies that I actually own. I've watched them both many, many times—often as a double-feature. A roaring fire, a glass of wine, and these two films: it just doesn't get much better than that.

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Moonstruck

Starring Cher and Nicolas Cage
I saw this movie by myself and, when I left the theatre, I actually felt like I was walking on air. I consider this an example of a perfect script where every character, every plot point, every tiny bit of dialogue are beautifully brought together to express the writer's vision of the enduring truths of love and family. When John Patrick Stanley was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, I vowed that if he didn't win, I would never watch the Oscars again. (Fortunately he did.)

This scene between Rose Castorini (Olympia Dukakis) and her daughter Loretta (Cher) says it all:

Rose: Do you love him, Loretta?
Loretta: No.
Rose: Good. When you love them, they drive you crazy—because they know they can.

Sabrina

Starring Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, and William Holden
Directed by the great Billy Wilder, the decision to cast Humphrey Bogart as the anything-but-dashing romantic lead was pure genius. If you've only ever seen him in his tough-guy roles, you definitely need to check this one out. Swoon.

Click here to see all my recommendations.

Do you have a favourite book or movie or song that speaks to your own adventurous spirit? Tell us about it!