Romantic Movie Series – Final Notes

In February, I published a series of blog posts about my favorite romantic movies. I tried to pick some which I could really “get behind” in terms of script and characters whose decisions don’t all make me facepalm. Of course, I enjoy other romantic movies than the ones listed, but some are really for pure entertainment when I want a no brainer. The eight movies I wrote about in this series are some that I can rewatch, and some on a (semi) regular basis.

I realized that certain patterns emerge when I put these (unlikely) titles together. I like when the romance isn’t the sole narrative element of the movie, i.e. when it deals with family, career, blends different movie genres. I love good banter between the main couple of course, and solid chemistry, but I don’t see the need for graphic sex scenes. I enjoy when the chemistry is obvious and making the tension huge and sometimes almost unbearable while showing nothing graphic is a more solid accomplishment in my view from a direction standpoint.

I also find it important that the characters evolve but not just because of each other. It is important that they want a change and can take matters in their own hands and not just look for a crutch into the other person. Mutual respect and building the relationship over several months/years if possible is something I find important.

It seems that I’m showing that I’m entering my thirties at the end of the year, because I don’t really care anymore for teenage couple stories. I prefer watching movies about grown ups, even if “young” grown up. I don’t mind characters making mistakes: I think it is important they do, but I prefer characters who are able to learn from them, realize they made some, and not just be stupid hot heads the whole movie, or whining beings.

So, I hope that you enjoyed the blog series, and in February 2015, I already have another romance oriented blog series in mind, but not for actual romantic movies! Until then, here is the recap of all the lists from the 2014 romance series:

1. The Cutting Edge
2. The Bodyguard
3. Serendipity
4. Baby Boom
5. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
6. Kissing Jessica Stein
7. Speechless
8. Playing by Heart

Romantic Movie Series #5 – Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham was directed by Karan Johar and released in 2001. This Bollywood movie stars famous actors and focuses on the Raichand family, notably the three following couples: Yashvardhan “Yash” (Amitabh Bachchan) and Nandini (Jaya Bachchan), Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan) and Anjali (Kajol), Rohan (Hrithik Roshan) and Pooja (Kareena Kapoor).

I love Bollywood movies, especially the mid 90’s-mid 2000’s. It has a lot to do with the actors, because the ones before and the one since then don’t have styles that speak to me as much. I like how feelings and emotions can be so well described and at the core of the characters’ experiences in these movies, including this one. I normally don’t like musicals, save for very few exceptions. Yet, I like this aspect of Bollywood movies and I find them a visually and musically appealing way to go through sentimental expression as well.

Without getting into too much detail about this three hour long movie, I love how it pans over about a dozen year, and show character development for everyone, even those like the father, who is set in his own extremely traditional ways. I like how all the characters have to navigate through ethics, familial values, free will and finding their ways in between cultures. Beyond the three different romances – only one shown during its early stages and not beyond marriage, family is at the core of the movie, and adds to all the dynamics at play.

password: family