Happy Love Day!

In honor of “Love Day”, I decided to post a list of some good alternative romantic films. When I say “alternative”, I mean films that aren’t primarily known for being romantic, or films that you may not have seen. This weekend, instead of going out to dinner, eating mountains of chocolate, or sitting around and watching your flowers wilt, why not watch some films?

And if you are tired of the same old romantic films, then this list will provide some fresh fodder for a romantic evening with your mate, or a romantic night alone. Whatever the choice, I hope this “holiday” has not drained your back account and leaves you with a good feeling going into the weekend.

Six Alternative Romantic Films (in no particular order)

Brazil
A movie impossible to describe with words. In a world where paperwork is king and technology, corporations and the government have run amok, love can move a story forward. Sam Lowry falls in love with the woman of his dreams (literally), and she leads him on an epic odyssey through this dystopian world. Terry Gilliam at his best, this is an essential yet depressing viewing for those trying to follow their dreams.

Postman Blues
A simple postman who falls in love with a girl dying of cancer tries to get back to the hospital to see her before one of her procedures. What could be melodrama is handled deftly by Sabu. The guy gets sucked into three different stories, and changes three lives. Through a series of events, the police think he is the most heinous killer of all time, but with the help of his friends, he won’t let them stop him from reaching his love.

But I’m a Cheerleader
A candy-colored comedy about a pastelly scrapbook of an institution where parents send their gay children to turn straight. Where else would two girls find true love? But can the teens rebel against what their parents and everyone else tells them is right when they know how they feel? Great set-design, great candy-pop-indie music and a colorful sense of humor make the world and and characters in this film stand out.

Heavenly Creatures
Peter Jackson directs the true story of two young teen girls who are driven to murder one of their parents by their desire to be together. His direction breathes life into the magical world they create and live in. When their relationship veers from normal friendship into something that the parents term “unhealthy”, then drastic measures must be taken. The film moves determinedly towards the harrowing finale, and you can really feel the love and obsession of the young couple.

Habit
Larry Fessenden turns the vampire myth on its ear. He directs and stars in this modern retelling where Sam, a young musician, falls in love with a tempting vampire(?). Is she is a vampire or not? The film keeps you guessing the whole time. But one thing for certain is that the film drips with Sam’s desire for her, which leads to some great sex scenes. But the best part is the incredible mood created on a shoestring budget that elevates this simple story of desire into something much more.

Birth
What better way to celebrate the holiday than by watching Nicole Kidman fall in love with a little boy that may or may not be her dead husband. Johnathan Glazer creates a slow deliberate pace where Kidman shines in the lead. Just when she is getting her life back together and remarrying after her husbands surprising death, a child comes along who brings back these feelings in her. It is very creepy to see them bathe together, and to see her kiss him, but you can really feel her love for her husband and what it does to her.

Well, that is it. Six choices to help make your Love Day weekend one to remember. Can you think of a better way to celebrate love than to see artists destroy the generally accepted notions of it what it should be? I can’t, but I have been known to be shallow Kubrick-loving individual.