Favorite Love Stories

Although primarily known as the "Gay Cowboy Movie", this film is so much more than that. Yes, I am sure that I will receive numerous comments, from close-minded individuals, those that are bothered by the idea of two men being in love. But, if you were to remove the fact that the two main characters in this film are men, you would feel as I do: that this is not only one of the best love stories, but one of the best films of our time.

Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry's adaptation of Annie Proulx's short story is so wonderfully well done, the original score by Gustavo Santaolalla is simply beautiful, Ang Lee's direction is awesome, as always, and the breathtaking cinematography by Rodrigo Prieto is enough to make one love this film, all on its own. Completely stunning, every shot even better than the previous. But it is the cast that is truly astonishing. Michelle Williams gives an amazing performance as Alma, the wife that ultimately finds out her husband's secret and his betrayal of her and their family. Jake Gyllenhaal also gives, in my opinion, his best performance to date as Jack Twist. But it is Heath Ledger that gives the most sincere and heartbreaking performance that I have seen in quite some time. As Ennis Del Mar, a man that is torn between trying to lead a "normal" life and the desire to be with the one that he loves, Ledger really should have been recognized by the Academy for his performance in this film. He was truly a phenomenal talent.

First-class performances by the cast, beautiful cinematography and an amazing script are all reasons that one should set aside their personal opinions of homosexuals and watch this film. Because in the end, its not about being gay. Its about who we love, and that isn't always something that we can choose. It chooses us. Ledger himself said it best, in an interview with Time magazine: "I don't think Ennis could be labeled as gay. Without Jack Twist, I don't know that he ever would have come out... I think the whole point, was that it was two souls, that fell in love with each other." ♥

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The love story on Inman and Ada is one of my favorites, cannot believe that I had left it off of my faves list. Shame on me. Beautifully shot, wonderfully written and the cast is amazing. From Jude Law's Inman and Nicole Kidman's Ada, to the supporting cast made up of such great actors as Philip Seymour Hoffman, Natalie Portman and Giovanni Ribisi, this film has one of the best casts ever. But it is Renee Zellweger's Ruby Thews that I absolutely love. She def deserved all of the accolades that she received.



Some say that this film is slow and takes forever to lead up to the reunion of the two main characters and that after all of that build up, the ending is a disappointment. But that's why I enjoy it so much. It is more than just quick boy meets girl, they fall in love and live happily ever after kinda love story. It is a fine example of what real storytelling is all about. It shows how our lives can be changed, by the simple encounters that we have with individuals on a daily basis. Just as it shows that love may not always come when we want it to and that life doesn't always turn out how we had planned. ♥

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fantasy dramedy starring Johnny Depp, Dianne Wiest, Alan Arkin, Winona Ryder and Vincent Price. cinematography by Stefan Czapsky. written by Tim Burton and Caroline Thompson. directed by Tim Burton.

Edward Scissorhands is the tale of a man (Depp) with scissors for hands, whose inventor (Price) passed away before he had a chance to complete him and who is one day taken home with the local AVON sales lady, Peg Boggs (Wiest). it is there that Edward is introduced to the colorful characters that inhabit the local suburban neighborhood. it is also where he is introduced to Peg's daughter (Ryder), with whom he falls in love with.

I cannot say enough about this film. from the magnificently shot cinematography, to the hilarious and heartwarming performances of the talented cast, to the beautifully written story. I absolutely love this film.

every shot of this film is unique and beautiful, bringing to life the characters and their environment in such a way that I had never seen before. as a young girl, it was the visuals in this film that first captured my attention and made me feel as if I were a part of this fascinating world. or at least make me wish that I were. Stefan Czapsky's cinematography is one of the reasons that this film is a classic.

Johnny Depp as the title character and Dianne Weist as the loving and kindhearted Peg Boggs deliver two of my favorite performances on film. Depp is perfection as Edward. I honestly cannot envision another actor in this role. and Weist... ah how I love her. she is definitely one of Hollywood's most underrated actresses. her portrayal of Peg is one of her finest performances. I so want Peg as my aunt!

and of course, where would this film be, if it weren't for the genius that is Tim Burton. his vision is unlike any other. only he can capture the world as he does.

a true classic, one that will forever hold a special place in my heart. ♥

such a great love story. one of my favorites. ♥

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Great little film by director Forrest Whitaker, my favorite of Sandra Bullock's to date. Mae Whitman's performance still gets to me every time I watch it and Gena Rowlands is great as always. And then there is Harry Connick Jr... *le sigh*. Definitely worth a watch if you haven't seen it. ♥

epic romantic drama starring Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, Julia Ormond, Aidan Quinn and Henry Thomas. based on the novel of the same name by Jim Harrison. cinematography by John Toll. directed by Edward Zwick.

set in the WW1 era through the 1930s, the film follows the lives, loves and losses of Colonel William Ludlow (Hopkins) and his sons, Alfred (Quinn), Tristan (Pitt) and Samuel (Thomas) on their ranch in Montana.

wonderful performances, great script and breathtaking cinematography make this film an instant classic. love it! ♥

romantic drama starring Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands and James Garner. based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks of the same name. directed by Nick Cassavetes.

the film begins with the introduction of Duke, a charming older gentleman, who resides in an assisted living home, and the lady whom he reads to everyday. The story that he reads begins in the 1940s and tells the story of Allie Hamilton and Noah Calhoun, a young couple from two completely different worlds, who meet and share a passionate summer romance.

one of the greatest love stories to ever be put on film and my personal all-time favorite. beautifully acted and wonderfully directed, this is one case where the film was actually better than the book. I absolutely love this film.

one of my favorite moments: when Duke's children ask him why he chooses to remain at the assisted living home, he tells them that's my sweetheart in there. I'm not leaving her. this is my home now. your mother is my home. now that is true love. ♥

romantic comedy starring Harrison Ford, Julia Ormond and Greg Kinnear. based on the play Sabrina Fair. directed by Sydney Pollack.

Sabrina Fairchild (Ormond) is the daughter of the Larrabee family's chauffeur and has long been in love with the youngest Larrabee, David (Kinnear), from a far. but alas, he does not even really know she exists. but once Sabrina comes back from Paris and has blossomed into a beautiful, confident woman, David suddenly takes notice... even though he is already engaged to be married. in steps the oldest Larrabee brother, Linus (Ford), who plans on doing whatever it takes to ensure that his brother goes through with his engagement... and so he can ensure a corporate merger with his brother's future in-laws.

pretty good stuff, but I still prefer the 1954 Billy Wilder original, starring Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and William Holden. ♥

cannot find one single thing that I do not like about this film. I like it so much, that when its on television, I am actually willing to sit through the commercials just so I can watch it. love love love it ♥

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romantic comedy starring Kyra Sedgwick, Campbell Scott, Bridget Fonda and Matt Dillon. written and directed by Cameron Crowe.

the film follows a group of single twenty-somethings that live in an apartment complex in Seattle, Washington.

well-written, great cast and a kickass soundtrack. plus, cameos by Eddie Vedder, Chris Cornell and Tim Burton! ♥

<3 Redford.

great film. ♥