August 29, 2009

If you love Roman Holiday...

Roman Holiday set Audrey Hepburn's career into orbit. It shares the story of a princess who, while on a tour of Europe, wanders away from her quarters in Rome and is taken in by an American reporter (Gregory Peck). When he discovers her identity, Peck keeps his profession a secret in hopes of the story of a lifetime. Slowly, a romance develops between the two that tests the loyalties of each.


If you love Roman Holiday, you'll probably love:

Possession (2002)
Two literary scholars discover a previously undocumented romance between the two rival Victorian poets they have each been studying. This discovery leads them on a journey to uncover the truth.

If a detective story about an affair between two Victorian poets doesn't sound too exciting, I can't blame you. But this film manages to be completely engaging and whole-heartedly romantic in a way that few modern romances do.

Before Sunrise(1995)
Two strangers make a connection aboard a train moving through Europe. Realizing that they are each headed in different directions in a matter of hours, they decide to spend the day walking through Vienna. The question: can the love of your life last only one day?

Rarely has a screen romance been more honest. If you like this film, it's sequel Before Sunset is the rare case of a follow-up surpassing its predecessor.

Amelie (2001)
Like Hepburn's princess, Amelie is a young woman who has lived a very sheltered existence. Much of her life is spent immersed in whimsical fantasy. After devoting herself to bringing happiness to those around her, she noticing a young man who might just be as quirky as her.

This French film is the biggest stretch on the list. If you are intimidated by subtitles, it may not be for you. I pity you because you are missing out on a magical little film.