Cover Some of the best films with a dash (or more) of romance for your watchlist (Photo: edited by Angela Nicole Guiral)
Some of the best films with a dash (or more) of romance for your watchlist (Photo: edited by Angela Nicole Guiral)
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Tired of the swipe? These essential films, including ‘About Time’ and ‘Chungking Express’, restore faith in the art of the bond
Modern romance often feels like a series of transactional encounters. We swipe through faces and trade pleasantries, often forgetting the spark that speaks of a true connection. Cinema serves as a mirror to our deepest desires, showing a glimpse into the complexity of human bonding. These stories remind us that affection exists in the smallest gestures and the loudest silences.
Finding faith in love again requires us to deviate from the cynical. We must look toward narratives that celebrate the beauty of a shared moment or the pain of a missed chance. The following selections provide a roadmap back to the core of what it means to care for another person.
Here are some films that restore a sense of wonder to the idea of devotion, listed in alphabetical order.
More from Tatler: Where love wanders: 7 Filipino films that let places lead the story
‘5 Centimeters per Second’
Above Takaki, a programmer from Tokyo in ‘5 Centimeters per Second’, suffering from depression
Above ‘5 Centimeters per Second’ characters Takaki and Akari recognise each other at a train crossing
Takaki, a programmer from Tokyo in ‘5 Centimeters per Second’, suffering from depression
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Distance and time act as the primary hurdles for two childhood friends. The story follows their drifting lives through several years. It captures the ache of growing apart and the lingering weight of a first crush.
‘50 First Dates’
Above Adam Sandler as Henry Roth and Drew Barrymore as Lucy Whitmore in ‘50 First Dates’
Adam Sandler as Henry Roth and Drew Barrymore as Lucy Whitmore in ‘50 First Dates’
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A man falls for a woman who loses her memory every single night. He spends every day creating a new first impression to win her over. It is a comedic look at the effort required to maintain a bond.
‘About Time’
Above Domhnall Gleeson as Tim and Rachel McAdams as Mary in ‘About Time’
Domhnall Gleeson as Tim and Rachel McAdams as Mary in ‘About Time’
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A young man discovers he can travel through time and uses this power to find a partner. He eventually learns that the true magic lies in living a normal life. The narrative focuses on the value of every single day spent together.
‘Before Sunrise’
Above Ethan Hawke as Jesse and Julie Delpy as Céline in ‘Before Sunrise’
Ethan Hawke as Jesse and Julie Delpy as Céline in ‘Before Sunrise’
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Two strangers meet on a train and decide to spend one night in Vienna. Their connection builds through a single, long conversation. It portrays the intensity of a fleeting encounter that changes a life.
See also: 7 summer fling novels to read if you liked ‘People We Meet on Vacation’
‘Chungking Express’
Above A still from ‘Chungking Express’ by Wong Kar-wai
A still from ‘Chungking Express’ by Wong Kar-wai
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Two stories of lovesick policemen play out in the crowded streets of Hong Kong. One finds comfort in a mysterious woman, while the other remains oblivious to a secret admirer. It shows how people find solace in a bustling city.
‘Fallen Angels’
Above A still from ‘Fallen Angels’ by Wong Kar-wai
A still from ‘Fallen Angels’ by Wong Kar-wai
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A hitman and his partner navigate a world of crime and isolation. Their paths cross with a man who communicates through eccentric actions. The film explores the strange ways individuals seek out companionship in the dark.
‘Kita Kita’
Above Alessandra de Rossi as Lea and Empoy Marquez as Tonyo in ‘Kita Kita’
Alessandra de Rossi as Lea and Empoy Marquez as Tonyo in ‘Kita Kita’
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A woman suffering from temporary blindness finds a friend in her upbeat neighbour. He helps her see the world through his eyes and his humour. Their bond proves that sight is secondary to a genuine connection.
‘Lost in Translation’
Above Bill Murray as Bob Harris and Scarlett Johansson as Charlotte in ‘Lost in Translation’
Bill Murray as Bob Harris and Scarlett Johansson as Charlotte in ‘Lost in Translation’
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Two lonely souls find each other in a luxury Tokyo hotel. They share a bond that transcends their age gap and their respective marriages. The film highlights the comfort found in being understood by a stranger.
‘Maurice’
Above James Wilby as Maurice Hall and Hugh Grant as Clive Durham in ‘Maurice’
James Wilby as Maurice Hall and Hugh Grant as Clive Durham in ‘Maurice’
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Set in the rigid society of Edwardian England, a man struggles to accept his identity. He eventually finds a partner who accepts him completely. It is a bold look at the courage needed to live an authentic life.
‘Pride and Prejudice’
Above Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew Macfadyen as Mr Darcy in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ (2005)
Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew Macfadyen as Mr Darcy in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ (2005)
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A spirited woman and a wealthy gentleman must overcome their initial misconceptions. Their journey involves navigating family expectations and social standing. It remains a definitive study of how respect leads to affection.
‘Up’
Above Carl and Ellie in the opening sequence of ‘Up’
Carl and Ellie in the opening sequence of ‘Up’
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The opening sequence depicts a lifetime of shared joy and sorrow between a couple. After his wife passes, an old man embarks on a journey to fulfill a promise. It serves as a reminder that devotion lasts far beyond a single lifetime.
‘Your Name’
Above Taki Tachibana and Mitsuha Miyamizu in ‘Your Name’
Taki Tachibana and Mitsuha Miyamizu in ‘Your Name’
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Two teenagers begin to swap bodies across vast distances. They must find a way to meet and prevent a disaster. The story suggests that some people are linked by a thread that defies logic.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is a digital editor at Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
