A swarm of butterflies migrating to the Northeast in mid-summer represents perseverance for a purpose or passion. Love is one of the most powerful forces we experience, whether for life, yourself, a significant other, or family and friends. Embracing love in all its forms is essential. Its essence of being has been captured through many different art forms, one of which is film. And what better way to celebrate the month of love than by watching films that embody this philosophy? Here are ten incredible films to get you started:
- Moonlight (2016)
First up is Moonlight (2016). This film explores bewildering themes such as identity, black masculinity, vulnerability, sexuality, and self-acceptance through the character of Chiron. He navigates these struggles while he is coming of age. If anything, this narrative mainly focuses on discovering your authentic self and letting that flourish over a mask. This is all made possible by self-love, of course!
- Soul (2020)
This cathartic animation brings attention to what many of us likely ponder everyday: what makes my existence meaningful? This story follows a struggling teacher who aspires to be a jazz musician, and it highlights how the beauty and purpose of life exist in the little wonders that are often overlooked. While it is good to pursue something you believe will fulfill your destiny, that should never be the focal point of your life. It should rather be to embrace the small pleasures that make life meaningful.
- Eat, Pray, Love (2010)
Putting your happiness first is an integral part of self-love. Sometimes, many deem it as selfish. Eat, Pray, Love (2010) emphasises just how “selfish” one should be to pursue their happiness. This is done through the character of Elizabeth who voyages to three countries to find herself. In the process, she leaves behind things and people she once loved in order to pursue her own happiness. This film represents love existing in three different ways. The connections Elizabeth forms become her community, and redefine what love is in her romantic relations. This is all while she focuses on growing a connection with herself during her travels.
- Something You Said Last Night (2022)
What often makes familial relationships complex is how dissimilar every member is. Everyone grows up to be their own person with their own ideals that oftentimes clash with others’ ideals. Something You Said Last Night (2022) follows a family where each of the characters struggles with familial values and their own complicated lives due to how estranged they are from one another. This film highlights the importance of not only closeness, but also understanding and compassion in relationships.
- Bones and All (2022)
Bones and All (2022) is so much more than just a film about a romance between two cannibals that are on the run from their nature. It has a deeper underlying meaning. The two main characters, Maren and Lee, show a strong hunger for life while facing danger from their own community and non-cannibals. This signifies their love for life despite the dire conditions that await them. The film highlights just how bittersweet love can be when the two characters find themselves in the face of a heart-rending circumstance.
- Sabrina (1954)
Capturing the chaos of what love can be at times, Sabrina (1954) is a classic romcom. Chaos ensues when a chauffeur’s daughter navigates the rivalry between her father’s employers’ two sons, winning the affection of one while falling for the other. This film is a must-watch if you would like to see a mix of romance, comedy, horror, idiocy, and, of course, the vintage charm that the black and white visuals lend it.
- It Happened One Night (1934)
Perfect for date nights is the movie It Happened One Night (1934). This timeless romcom portrays an amazing enemies-to-lovers trope as it focuses on a journalist and an heiress who find themselves stuck together after being left behind by a bus. The characters fall deeply in love with each other while on a road trip, and they give life to what becomes a fiery romantic relationship in the fullness of time.
- Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Pride and Prejudice (2005) inspires us to recognise that the strong emotions of love, although unpredictable like a gust of wind, are ultimately what matter. An arrogant Mr Darcy and a strong-willed Elizabeth Bennet find themselves deeply in love, realising that not even their own ideals can stand in the way of their feelings. The film also displays numerous relationship dynamics and different personalities within the families and friends of the two characters, adding to its comedy.
- Summerland (2020)
If you have been wishing on a shooting star for a queer period piece with a happy ending, Summerland (2020) is just the one for you. This film defines various forms of love, illustrating how chance can progress into fate. It highlights the strength in the significant bonds we share, even with chosen family. This helps to reunite two past lovers who have unconditional affection for one another.
- The Notebook (2004)
With an airy-fairy storyline that curates a blend of sweet, happy, and sad emotions, The Notebook (2004) serves as the true definition of “love conquers all”. This film narrates the journey of two lovers, Noah and Allie, whose love faces judgement because of their families’ social statuses. Amid the struggles, the two end up finding their way back to each other, proving that the power of love lies in its immortality.
Whether gifting 365 love letters to your significant other like Noah did for Allie, or munching on chocolates and watching a movie under a clear starry sky with your loved ones, remember that love actually is all around.
