Romantic films can be as forced and trite as they come. But there are those that strike the chord of people who tread their lives as loveless individuals.
If you’re one of those who have consciously decided to be single, the movies featured below will make you think twice of your lifestyle choice.
Punch Drunk Love
While Adam Sandler has had his share of terrible films, Punch Drunk Love was his coming out party as a well-rounded actor. He plays Barry Egan, an executive to a company selling novelty toiletries. Barry appears happy and congenial from the outside, but hides a violent personality which he only lets out when nobody is watching. His life takes to a different turn when he meets Lena Leonard (Emily Watson).
Why will it depress single people: People will relate to Barry, a broken person that is only aggravated by his surrounding – having a nosy family and lonely lifestyle does not help his cause. It is through Lena that Barry makes sense of his rage and madness.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
The film centers on the relationship between Joel Barish (Jim Carrey) and Clementine Kruczynski (Kate Winslet). They were former lovers but did not know about it before meeting again. This is because they had the knowledge of their past relationship erased by Lacuna Inc.
Much of the scenes in the film takes place in Joel’s mind while under procedure. But Joel had a change of heart during the extraction process by attempting to save Clementine and preserve his memory of her.
Why will it depress single people: Love is not something that anybody can just prepare for. It’s a majestic roller-coaster ride that takes you to the highest highs and the lowest lows. The experience is too much for people to take – even marriages break and require a divorce attorney to clean up the mess they created. But in the film’s tearful conclusion, sometimes you just have to love no matter how much it can hurt.
Pretty Woman
The film is best known for launching Julia Roberts’ career to superstardom. She plays Vivian Ward, a tough-as-nails but kind-hearted prostitute, who meets a rich and ruthless businessman in Edward Leigh (Richard Gere). Edward hired Vivian as his escort during social events while at Los Angeles. But as their worlds collide, so do their feelings for each other.
Why will it depress single people: Whether the film paints a realistic picture is immaterial, but if a prostitute can make a wealthy debonaire to fall in love with her, then everything is possible!
Amelie
Amélie Poulain, played by Audrey Tautou, is a shy waitress who decides to make the lives of the people around her better. While doing random acts of kindness to others, she was having difficulties in making her romantic life for the better with Nino Quincampoix, who collects discarded photographs from photo booths.
Seen in limited release in 2001, Amélie remains to be the highest grossing French film in the U.S.
Why will it depress single people: Amélie is as timid and selfless as they come, but she nonetheless was able to muster enough courage to do something nice for herself. Maybe after watching this film, you can find your inner confidence and find the love that you deserve.
Once
One of the best and most surprising films of 2007, Once pairs musicians Glen Hansard (of The Frames) and Markéta Irglová as a struggling street musician and an immigrant flower seller, respectively. They get to know more about each other by way of songs, all of which play a big part in the film’s narrative. Their kindred spirits were meant for each other, but their life situations prevents them to becoming more than just that.
Why will it depress single people: While the film wraps up in what can be seen as a tragic ending, it is rare that someone meets a person with whom they can feel at best with themselves. It is also through their relationship that they were able to move on with their lives.
Originally posted on March 10, 2015 @ 7:49 am
