It will probably be a surprise that I don't tend to read or watch a lot of romance. I may write erotic romance, but my taste in reading runs to historicals and autobiographies mostly (I'm reading Phillip Schofield's at the moment) and my film collection is primarily horror and action. So I had to think about this topic from Long and Short Reviews quite hard.
After all, what constitutes romantic? I've always been told, for instance, that the romance I write needs a happy ending, but a remarkable number of romantic films (many based on Nicholas Sparks) end sadly. I've been told that Titanic is deeply romantic but the ending is mixed at best.
So, having thought about it, I came up with two possibilities. For films, I went for The Time Traveller's Wife. It holds the crown of being the only romantic film to actually make me cry - I don't do that often, and certainly not for romance. However, I felt the central relationship between the characters was very engaging, and the ending was a little more hopeful than the one in the book.
And honourable mention goes to Emma by Jane Austen, both the book and the Gwyneth Paltrow film, for having the most romantic proposal. Mr Knightley's passionate declaration of love is beautiful, and was sadly ruined in the otherwise excellent recent version by having Emma get a nosebleed in the middle of it.
So what's your most romantic book or film?
I had similar issues ... not because I don't watch or read romance, but because I am convinced my version of "romance" isn't the same as others' version! LOL... Good choices, btw. You can't go wrong with Austen.
ReplyDeleteI'm here: http://www.mariannearkins.com/wednesday-weekly-blogging-challenge-most-romantic
Indeed - got to love Austen.
DeleteI love Austen... but I picked my favorite (I do agree, though, that Gwyneth Paltrow made the best Emma).
ReplyDeleteDefinitely. I love Anya Taylor-Joy but Gwyneth was better.
DeleteThe Time Traveller's Wife is a good pick!
ReplyDeleteThank you - I preferred the film over the book.
DeleteGood choice.
ReplyDeleteI'm convinced our version of romance isn't the same as everyone else's either, but then it's a good day when I can kiss DH without the dog watching. :-) I never said I was romantic, but I do have pushy dogs.
ReplyDeleteI get that - I have nosy cats.
DeleteIt is interesting how they do push HEA endings when many popular romantic movies/books end sadly like you mentioned. Maybe someone needs to start the trend again? lol. But, I do love me a good HEA just so that I don't have to cry, lol
ReplyDeleteI prefer a HEA any day.
DeleteI love Emma! I haven't seen The Time Traveler's Wife. I'll have to try to find it to watch.
ReplyDeleteColletta
It's a good film as long as you can suspend your disbelief.
DeleteIts funny. I love Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice was my pick. The one book I have not read nor movie I have not seen is Emma. I am really going to have to do that.
ReplyDeleteIt's my favourite Austen - I love the wordplay.
DeleteFinally one I've seen. The Time Traveler's Wife. Been a while, so maybe I need to watch it again. Thanks for sharing. Here's mine. https://www.tenastetler.com/most-romantic-book-or-movie-ever-lsrs-weekly-blog-challenge/
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely a good one.
DeleteLike you, I don't enjoy watching romance movies in general. I like romance mixed with other genres, especially horror. I'll have to add the Time Traveler's Wife to my watch list, though.
ReplyDeleteIt's worth a look if you feel like a change.
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