Every love story begins “once upon a time” and after some seemingly impossible barrier that the two starcrossed lovers conquer, they live “happily ever after.” The same goes for romance films. These sentimental features leave our hearts mushier than a soaked loaf of bread.
But what about the films that don’t end the way we expect? What about those love stories that end in heartbreak? Where’s the expected
“happily ever after”? For some of us this Valentine’s Day, this is the reality. And if that’s you, sit back, grab a cake pop and check out these top 10 “Happily Ever NEVERS”.
“Blue Valentine”
(2010) Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams Truly “blue”, this romantic- drama follows the slow and tormenting demise of a married couple
who try everything to make the matrimony work.
“Brokeback Mountain”
(2005) Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal This beautifully raw love story of two homosexual cowboys, whose “unorthodox” relationship in a very traditional Wyoming proves to be deadly…literally.
“Romeo and Juliet”
(1996) Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes A “modern” adaption of Shakespeare’s tale, the film is an unclad tale of forbidden love and consequence.
“The Reader”
2008) Kate Winslet, David Kross Age really does matter in this German story of a teenager whose taboo sexual relationship with an elder woman reveals even darker secrets than the one they’re trying to conceal.
“My Girl”
(1991) Macaulay Culkin, Anna Chlumsky Although the main characters haven’t reached puberty, their innocent summerlove and quest for life’s meaning reveal something profound at the after loss of a life.
“Boys Don’t Cry”
(1999) Hilary Swank, Chloe Sevigny Brandon is a transgendered teen who, after finally finding love with a girl in a small town, fights to keep his lover and his life when it is revealed that he was born biologically female.
“500 Days of Summer”
(2009) Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zooey Deschanel In a nonlinear narrative, this film follows two young hearts: one on a mission to find
true love, the other on a mission to share it. Seems perfect until one abandons the mission.
“The Painted Veil”
(2006) Edward Norton, Naomi Watts Every marriage or relationship has its trials and tribulations but the envelope is pushed in this marriage when infidelity, an unexpected pregnancy, and an infectious disease accompany the newlyweds.
“A Walk to Remember”
(2002) Mandy Moore, Shane West Opposites attract in this “bad boy meets good girl” film and a passionate love ignites. But there are some obstacles love can’t conquer and terminal illness is one of them.
“Fried Green Tomatoes”
(1991) Mary Stuart Masterson, Mary-Louise Parker Fried Green Tomatoes, bar-b-q, and pecan pie are plated with a racist town and two
unlikely lovers in this Southern tale. Add a side order of murder and this order’s ready to serve.
