In the midst of classes, exams, and the endless pursuit of life goals, it’s no secret that college can be a challenging journey. Romantic comedies, or “rom-coms,” offer a way to escape the madness. Last week we discussed Sofia Coppola and what it might mean for Priscilla (https://uatwitch.com/the-sofia-coppola-cinematic-universe-and-what-it-may-bring-for-priscilla-2023/). In this week’s post, we’ll delve into the enchanting world of romantic comedies and explore the profound effect these movies have on us. To make it even more engaging, we’ll take a closer look at 5 iconic romantic comedies that exemplify these effects.
The Magic of Romantic Comedies
Before we dive into the examples, let’s understand why rom-coms are a go-to choice for us:
1. Stress Relief
College life can be overwhelming, with assignments piling up and deadlines looming. Romantic comedies provide a much-needed escape from the chaos, offering humor and feel-good moments that help us relax and unwind.
2. EscapismRom-coms transport you to a world where love conquers all, even when life is at its messiest. This is the ultimate form of escapism when we need a break from the real world.
3. Relatability
As we navigate the tumultuous waters of young adulthood, rom-coms often resonate with our experiences, especially when it comes to love, relationships, and the trials and tribulations of dating.
4. Friendship and Support
Many romantic comedies emphasize the importance of friendships and support systems. This theme can be particularly comforting when you’re far from your family and hometown friends.
Now, let’s take a closer look at 5 classic romantic comedies:
Before we begin here are Buzzfeed’s top Rom Coms. https://www.buzzfeed.com/whinypanda/rom-com-checklist
1. “When Harry Met Sally” (1989)
“When Harry Met Sally” is a classic romantic comedy film released in 1989, directed by Rob Reiner and written by Nora Ephron. The story follows the evolving friendship and romantic entanglements between Harry Burns (played by Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (played by Meg Ryan) over several years. The film explores the question of whether men and women can truly be friends without romantic complications.
Through witty dialogue and memorable scenes, it depicts their personal growth, highlighting the complexities and unpredictability of love and relationships. The film ultimately concludes with a heartwarming and humorous resolution to Harry and Sally’s relationship, proving that sometimes love can be found in unexpected places, even after years of friendship.
This iconic film explores the intricacies of friendship and love as it follows two characters over several years. It reminds us that the person we least expect could become our lifelong confidant.
2. “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)
“10 Things I Hate About You” is a teen romantic comedy film released in 1999, directed by Gil Junger. The story is set in a high school and follows the lives of two sisters, Kat (played by Julia Stiles) and Bianca Stratford (played by Larisa Oleynik). Their overprotective father, Walter Stratford (played by Larry Miller), enforces a rule that Bianca can only date if Kat does. However, Kat is known for her strong-willed and independent personality, making her an undesirable candidate for dating.
Cameron James (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is a new student who falls for Bianca, but he realizes that he can’t date her unless he can find someone to date Kat. He devises a plan with the help of bad boy Patrick Verona (played by Heath Ledger) to win Kat’s heart and thus allow Cameron to date Bianca.
The film explores themes of love, high school social dynamics, and personal growth. As the story unfolds, the characters face various challenges and revelations about themselves, leading to surprising developments in their romantic lives. “10 Things I Hate About You” is a delightful and humorous take on the complexities of teenage relationships and the importance of staying true to oneself.
A modern take on Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” this film is a hilarious journey through the complexities of high school love. It teaches us about the power of authenticity and self-expression.
3. “500 Days of Summer” (2009)
“500 Days of Summer” is a romantic comedy-drama film released in 2009, directed by Marc Webb and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Tom Hansen and Zooey Deschanel as Summer Finn. The film presents a unique and non-linear narrative that explores the complexities of love and relationships.
The story revolves around Tom, a greeting card writer with a romantic outlook on life, who falls head over heels for his coworker, Summer. He is convinced that she is “the one.” However, Summer is a self-proclaimed non-believer in true love and commitment. Despite their differences in perspective, they begin a romantic relationship.
The film unfolds across 500 days of Tom’s life, jumping back and forth in time to depict the various moments and milestones in their relationship. Some days are filled with happiness, while others are marked by heartbreak and disillusionment. Tom reflects on the course of their romance, the impact it has on his life and the bittersweet realization that not all love stories have happy endings.
A non-linear narrative about the complexities of love, this film challenges our perceptions about relationships, reminding us that love is not always a straightforward path.
4. “Crazy, Stupid, Love” (2011)
“Crazy, Stupid, Love” is a romantic comedy film released in 2011, directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa. The movie weaves together multiple interconnected storylines that explore the complexities of love and relationships.
The central character, Cal Weaver (played by Steve Carell), is a middle-aged man whose life takes a dramatic turn when his wife, Emily (played by Julianne Moore), tells him she wants a divorce. Devastated, Cal starts frequenting a local bar where he encounters Jacob Palmer (played by Ryan Gosling), a suave and confident ladies’ man. Jacob takes Cal under his wing, coaching him on how to regain his self-confidence and charm women.
As Cal navigates his new single life, he becomes entangled in various romantic relationships. Meanwhile, his teenage son, Robbie (played by Jonah Bobo), is in love with his babysitter, Jessica (played by Analeigh Tipton), who, in turn, has a secret crush on Cal. Cal’s daughter, Hannah (played by Emma Stone), is dealing with her own relationship dilemmas.
Throughout the film, the characters grapple with issues of infidelity, unrequited love, and personal growth. The story is marked by moments of humor, heartbreak, and revelation. Ultimately, the characters’ paths intersect in a climactic and unexpected turn of events, leading to a resolution that emphasizes the importance of genuine connections and the messiness of love.
This movie delves into the messiness of love and relationships, emphasizing the importance of self-improvement and personal growth. It reminds us that it’s okay to make mistakes in love.
5. “The Proposal” (2009)
“The Proposal” is a romantic comedy film released in 2009, directed by Anne Fletcher and starring Sandra Bullock as Margaret Tate and Ryan Reynolds as Andrew Paxton. The film tells the story of a Canadian executive who faces deportation from the United States and hatches a plan to marry her assistant to avoid this fate.
Margaret Tate is a successful but demanding editor-in-chief of a book publishing company. Facing the risk of deportation due to an expired visa, she persuades her assistant, Andrew, to agree to a fake marriage to keep her in the country. In return, she promises to promote him to a position he’s long desired.
The film follows the duo as they travel to Andrew’s family home in Alaska for his grandmother’s 90th birthday. There, their initially reluctant and contentious relationship begins to evolve, and they find themselves entangled in a web of family dynamics and humorous mishaps. As Margaret and Andrew spend time together, they begin to genuinely care for one another.
“The Proposal” explores themes of love, family, and self-discovery as the characters navigate their complicated situation. The film combines humor with moments of emotional depth, ultimately leading to a genuine romantic connection between Margaret and Andrew.
This film explores the fake-to-real relationship trope with humor and heart. It teaches us that love can sometimes be found in unexpected places, like a fake engagement.
The Impact of Romantic Comedies
Now that we’ve explored these classics, let’s consider how romantic comedies impact our college life:
1. Shaping Expectations
Romantic comedies can influence your expectations of romance and relationships. While they offer delightful stories, real-life love is often more complex and nuanced. It’s essential to maintain a balance between fantasy and reality.
2. Positive Escapism
These movies offer a positive form of escapism, providing a break from the daily grind and a chance to relax, recharge, and temporarily forget your worries.
3. Building Empathy
By watching characters navigate the ups and downs of relationships, we can develop empathy and understanding for the diverse experiences of others.
4. Stimulating Conversations
Romantic comedies can spark interesting conversations among friends and peers about love, friendship, and the challenges that come with both.
5. Mood Enhancement
The humor and feel-good nature of rom-coms can brighten our mood and provide comfort during challenging times, making them the perfect remedy for a bad day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, romantic comedies are more than just a source of entertainment. They’re a window into the joys and complexities of love, and they can profoundly impact our college life. While these films may influence our perceptions and expectations, they also offer valuable life lessons and a chance to escape, relax, and bond with friends.
So, grab your popcorn, gather your friends, and enjoy the enchanting world of romantic comedies throughout your college journey.
