Sadaf Ahsan picks 10 romantic movies of the last decade that feature women who have aspirations beyond securing a man (and yes, the headline was borrowed from the name of a Tori Amos song.)
Romantic dramas and specifically comedies, or rather “rom-coms”, have been famously known for featuring endearing, heartbroken leading ladies on the eternal search for that necessary love from a charming, handsome man. And while there is certainly nothing wrong with being single and looking, it’s also nice to watch these ladies on the search for more than just a man, women who we know will be fine without one if it just so happens that he never shows up at her doorstep. So, if you’re ever looking for something a little different, these romantic films of the past decade feature women with more aspirations than just love (in no particular order):
Pride & Prejudice (2005): A wonderful film, but also a necessary read, Jane Austen’s Elizabeth Bennett is possibly the most well-written independent female character of all time. This is the original girl-meets-boy-and-despises-him-but-not-for-long love story. While Bennett’s four sisters are constantly keeping their eyes peeled for their next beau and possible husband, Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) is not quite so interested in marriage, and being a wise and outspoken girl makes her the odd one out. That is until she meets Mr. Darcy.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004): Michel Gondry and Charlie Kaufman’s story—of a woman who, after a bad breakup, has memories of her ex erased from her mind in order to get over him and move on—is a feast for the mind. Visually a stunner, but also an incredible peek into the human mind when it is thinking, breathing, living and most importantly, loving. Kate Winslet as Clementine is, if anything, headstrong and a relentless moving force that is constantly herself (a difficult feat), captivating Jim Carrey’s Joel so feverishly, he can never forget her no matter how hard he tries.
Before Sunset (2004): Richard Linklater returns to his story (Before Sunrise, 1995) of one of the most memorable couples in film history, nine years after they first met. Ethan Hawke’s Jesse and Julie Delpy’s (who also co-wrote the script) Celine reunite in Paris with only a few hours until Jesse’s plane leaves. For one more time, possibly even the last, the two stroll through Paris trading stories, experiences and the love they still carry for each other and probably always will. This is a love story without the sap, and with all the heart.
Garden State (2004): Natalie Portman outshines Zach Braff’s Andrew Largeman, a young man who returns to his hometown after his mother’s death only to meet Portman’s Sam, a girl who most memorably tells him The Shins will change his life. Though it is clear that she is what will change it; an effervescent, quirky and fearless girl who hides her own concerns in a dream world wrapped around reality—a way we all wish we lived, and can only hope we will one day find our own Sam to show us the way there.
Waitress (2007): Adrienne Shelley wrote and directed this independent and underrated feature, starring an endearing Keri Russell who plays Jenna, a waitress with a knack for making delicious pies in a small town diner. Jenna is married to Earl, a controlling and verbally abusive husband who takes her earnings, and while she tries to hide portions of it and plans the day she will leave, she suddenly discovers that she is pregnant. Not one to give up and drown in her sorrows, Jenna enters to win a $25000 pie making contest prize and begins to find a friend and love in her doctor, Jim (Nathan Fillion), slowly finding she can survive and thrive on her own two feet.
Amelie (2001) is a dreamer, one who fantasizes of great love and beauty, and what better a place to fantasize about this than Paris? While Amelie’s day job is that of a waitress in a Parisian café, after finding and returning a childhood possession to the former occupant of her apartment, and seeing the great happiness it brings him, Amelie sets out on a voyage around Paris to make others feel that happiness. All the while, of course, falling in love with a quirky photo collector. This film is as easy on the eyes as it is story-wise.
Chocolat (2000): Vianne Rocher (Juliette Binoche), a single mother, and her young daughter move to a small, conservative town in France and open a chocolate shop during Lent, despite being met with great skepticism. But quickly, Vianne manages to work her warmth (and her delicious chocolates) into the hearts of the townspeople, meanwhile finding love along the way.
Something’s Gotta Give (2003): Romantic comedy staple Nancy Meyers brings us Jack Nicholson as wealthy businessman Harry and Diane Keaton as the successful playwright Erica. Harry meets the mother (Erica) of his latest young fling, and the two do not hit it off, to say the least. They are exactly what the other despises in their opposite sex. While Erica is independent, Harry is cocky and insecure and while one likes to be alone (or so she thinks), the other likes to be constantly surrounded, preferably by women.
Two Weeks Notice (2002): Lucy Kelson (Sandra Bullock) is a smart, sharp New York lawyer working as chief counsel for Hugh Grant’s George Wade, a multi-millionaire who needs advice on everything from tearing down a building to choosing a tie—which is what eventually drives Lucy to quit. After all, she’s not only a feminist, but an environmentalist, and while she tries to prevent the destruction of local landmarks, Wade’s real estate developing company is more interested in tearing them down—so, to quit or not to quit?
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003): Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey, romcom regulars, star in this adaptation of Michele Alexander and Jeanie Long’s bestselling book. McConaughey plays the quintessential advertising executive/ladies’ man (a little less Don Draper, a little more, well . . . Matthew McConaughey) trying to woo Hudson’s Andie Anderson in order to win a bet. Andie seemingly goes along with Barry, though she is really writing an article on how to lose a guy in 10 days and he’s the bait. They’re two people with hidden agendas, two people in equal places of power and success and love is their last objective—sounds like a perfect match.
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