Whether we accept it or not, February is here and so are the explosions of red and pink decorations, the bouquets of flowers, constant flirtations, and hand-holding that consequently come with Valentine’s Day. Some only see the day as a fake Hallmark holiday to sell extra treats and cards, others enjoy the time with their special someone, and the rest just drudge through. Wherever you may fall, February is without a doubt the month of romantic comedy watching.
Rom-coms are perfect for either your Valentine’s Day date, Galentine’s party, or self-care night happily alone in your comfy pjs in bed. But what makes a film a “good” romantic comedy? While of course the most coincidental yet perfect “meet-cutes,” likeable characters, charming banter, and predictable endings are important, it is the overall aesthetic that produces a satisfying and serotonin-boosting film. Pivotal are the effortlessly stylish outfits, ranging from Julia Roberts’s chic but simple ensembles in Notting Hill to Kate Hudson’s elegant gala dress in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. The soundtrack also plays a crucial part in setting the scene, such as the classics in You’ve Got Mail with songs from Stevie Wonder and Harry Nilsson to the moody indie mix in 500 Days of Summer featuring The Smiths and Temper Trap.
Over the years since their heyday in the 90s, rom-coms have evolved and have become more complex, unique, and even thought-provoking. Taking into account all of the components that contribute to a well rounded romantic comedy, here are some of my top romantic comedies that are must-watch (or re-watch for the umpteenth time).
- You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Starting off strong in 1998 with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, the classic but never disappointing enemies-to-lovers storyline, the 90s aesthetic, and nostalgic feels. Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan), optimistic and cheery bookkeeper, and Joe Fox (Tom Hanks), prickly and big shot business man who is in competition with Kathleen, start instant messaging and spark an unexpected relationship while unaware of the others’ identities. The film is enthralled in the theme of hope and finding love in unexpected places that will without a doubt help cure any dreary Valentine’s Day blues. After watching, you are guaranteed to want to open your own small bookstore, start instant messaging on an old clunky computer, and wear sweater sets so cute they will surely merit a feature in Fashion Soc’s weekly ‘What People Are Wearing at Trinity’ series.
- 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
10 Things I Hate About You serves as the best escape from rainy and cold Dublin and the stress of lectures and readings to a sunny Californian stereotypical American high school. Kat (Julia Stiles) is the moody, judgmental, yet smart girl that detests relationships and love; that is until Patrick (Heath Ledger), the too-cool-for-school bad boy, is paid to go out with her. A loose adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, this film is full of stylish 90s fashion, retro technology, classic songs, and questionably appropriate humour.
- Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Unfortunately, rom-coms have a very specific equation when it comes to appearance. The relationship often centres around a middle- to upper-class heterosexual white couple. Crazy Rich Asians helped break the stereotype, showcasing a South Asian couple. When Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) and her boyfriend Nick Young (Henry Golding) travel to Singapore for a wedding, Rachel learns about Nick’s family’s wealth and prominence. The film educates the viewers on rich Asian culture and heritage while also keeping the traditional romantic comedy components that produce laughs, hope, and a serotonin boost.
- Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
For those that do not particularly enjoy rom-coms, Silver Linings Playbook serves as an unconventional romantic film that still offers humorous banter and romantic moments as well as a profound, realistic, and even darker themes that do not paint the world in a rose-coloured lens. Pat (Bradley Cooper), just released from a mental institution, teams up with Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) in a dancing competition in order to win back his wife. Both Pat and Tiffany help work through each other’s mental challenges, deeping their understanding of themselves and each other. Pat and Tiffany’s chemistry takes the viewer on a rollercoaster of emotion eliciting tears, laughs, and nervous anticipation.
- La La Land (2016)
While musical movies can be hit-or-miss, La La Land does not miss a beat. Power duo Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling create a touching and poignant film with impressive yet simple musical numbers, bringing a romantic comedy to the next level. The film follows Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), an ambitious yet unsuccessful jazz musician, and Mia (Emma Stone), an aspiring actress, as they fall in love and struggle with juggling their passion for each other and their dreams. While some may not consider La La Land a traditional rom-com, the film contains witty one-liners and picturesque romantic moments crucial to fitting the film in the category, while also bringing unique storylines that keep the viewer on their toes. After watching, you will be walking around campus humming the songs with a spring in your step ready to join the next DU Players musical.
- Valentine’s Day (2010)
There is no other film as perfect for Valentine’s Day than the aptly named Valentine’s Day. Full of A-list celebrities like Julia Roberts, Anne Hathaway, Bradley Cooper, and even Taylor Swift – and what is better than a film with a T-Swift appearance as well as an original song for the cheesy but cute montage. The film follows multiple characters on their journey of ups and downs on the eponymous day. Each storyline is full of entertaining twists and turns that keep the viewer engaged while also letting them sit back and relax, safe in the knowledge that everything will turn out okay – because after all, it is a rom-com.
WORDS: Aoife Bane
