The Top 10 Relationship Movies Of All Time (Part 2)

Continuing from our previous post, here are movies 6-10 of our Top 10 list.

6. Love Actually

7. Tootsie

8. All Of Me

9. Jillian's Vantage

10. A Cool, Dry Place

Love Actually


Oh, how do we count the joys of this multi-faceted heart-fest? First, you get to feast your eyes and ears on some of the greatest actors of our time: Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman and Colin Firth. Second, there is a wildly funny turn by Bill Nighy, an aging rock star who makes an improbable promise he ultimately must make good on. Third, the movie touches on themes that everyone has confronted at one time or another: the challenges of communication, forgiveness after a betrayal, the healing power of love, even the transformation of a feisty secretary (nicknamed "Plumpy" by her father) into a Prime Minster's consort. Full of good old-fashioned cheer, this movie is a good one to watch during the holiday season.

Tootsie


In our opinion, the most perfect comic screenplay ever written. Then, when you add Dustin Hoffman's performance, one of the greatest in the history of film, you have a movie for the ages. The primary relationship-wisdom explored in the movie is the search for authenticity. It captures brilliantly the struggle for authenticity that happens in every close relationship. Each of us is wrapped in layers of persona, the masks we wear to get through the rigors of childhood and adolescence. When love emerges and takes us on its eternal journey, the masks are revealed as what they are: covers for the inner conflicts we fear and the inner magnificence we deeply seek to express. If we remove the masks, we set about the task of resolving our inner conflicts and expressing our true potential. If we choose to cling to our masks, fearing what lies beneath, we continue to obscure our true identity and rob ourselves of the ability to make our creative contribution to the world. Tootsie's got all that in it, plus some of the funniest, wisest dialogue ever written.

All Of Me


The Buddha taught a crucial piece of relationship wisdom that's brought to life in this comedy classic: each of us must integrate the masculine and feminine elements within us to be fully enlightened. The story is that, due to bizarre circumstances, half of Steve Martin's body is occupied by the spirit of a wealthy rage-aholic (played to mean-spirited perfection by Lily Tomlin.) This leads to many complications, many of which come to life in Steve Martin's inspired body-language throughout the movie. The relationship wisdom you gain from the movie is important, even life-changing: until we become one with all parts of ourselves, we cannot be fully present for the one we love.

Jillian's Vantage


One of the greatest short films ever made, this movie was in the first collection sent out by The Spiritual Cinema Circle. Made by a gifted filmmaker named Geno Andrews, Jillian's Vantage brings together a man and a woman who are dealing with their life-challenges in very different ways. This movie's "reveal," the Ah-Ha! Moment, is one of the most satisfying we've ever seen. From a relationship perspective, Jillian's Vantage touches on a crucial issue we all face in relationship, how to come to terms with the flaws we perceive in ourselves. The movie shows us, with great sensitivity and wisdom, how to shift our view of those flaws, and by doing so, heal them.

A Cool, Dry Place


This is one of the best movies ever made about the realities of commitment. The characters in this movie reveal complex layers and committed lives. We love it that the dad lives out the job loss and child-care issues that usually appear in the woman's role. We love it that the characters are intelligent and that we can learn something about deep bonding from a film that is so entertaining. We also love seeing a soft, caring relationship between a father and son. Vince Vaughn gives a stunning performance here, the best work we've seen from him.

Comments

[naschkatze]

I agree about Moonstruck. That is the one movie I wish I could just step into, know those people, live in that house, eat at that restaurant. One of my favorite relationship movies is Love with a Proper Stranger with Natalie Wood and Steve McQueen.

[Theda]

"Moonstruck" is wonderful.
I also like "L.A. Story" with Steve Martin......a great relationship movie.

[moda31]

my favorites are When Harry Met Sally, A Lot Like Love, and Serendipity. I can't believe none of those made the list, especially when harry met sally, that's a classic.

[Badger84]

High Fidelity, When Harry Met Sally, Serendipity....

[rowzeer]

What about "Ghost"?

[rowzeer]

I really liked "the Illusionist". I know some critics complained the Jessica Beil and Edward Norton didn't have chemistry, but I disagree. I know plenty of couples who you wouldn't think go together but that's what makes it interesting.

[booboo111]

What happened to "The Graduate" or am I "DATING" MYSELF?!

[ibsteve2u]

Me, I think "Fried Green Tomatoes" is a great relationship movie...but perhaps the criteria used for this list is too strict for it.

[PhillyQuaker]

Anyone see The Hours and times by Christopher Munsch? About John Lennon and Brian Epstein's little getaway to Spain in 1963.

Great stuff. Do not miss if you love the Beatles.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hours_and_Times

[JessWonderin]

How can you overlook "10 Things I hate About You"?????

[chandra-shekar]

Wonderful list by Kathlyn and Gay. Thank you!

Why is it that some of the most life affirming, joyful and soulful movies are about food? Food is a universal language of love. It sustains us. In all cultures, the preparing, cooking and savoring of food binds families and bridges differences.

The culinary experience is an experience of the soul.

Here are my favorite 10 food movies:

1. Like Water for Chocolate
2. Eat Drink Man Woman
3. Babette's Feast
4. Mostly Martha
5. Woman on Top
6. Big Night
7. Tortilla Soup
8. Chocolat
9. Tampopo
10. What's Cooking

Bonus movie: Ratatouille

(excerpted from my blog)

[lornejl]

Are those real movies ?

[chandra-shekar]

Yes, of course. Just check out Netflix. They are all wonderful.

[wolfgangmo]

Not only are they real movies they are darn good ones too.

[dawlishgal]

Don't forget the gluttony scene from "Tom Jones"

[mamacat]

I especially liked Eat Drink Man Woman, Babette's Feast, and Tampopo.

[naschkatze]

Oh, Babette's Feast. Yes! That movie is about a Christian agape.

[wondering]

Just curious, what is the oldest movie on this list? About 1990?

Try a movie pre-1980. That's when they made movies for adults.

[wolfgangmo]

Good is good. It doesn't matter when it was made.

[ptillen]

Right, but you don't get to call your list the "Best of All Time" when they've been making movies a lot longer than since 1980.

[speakyourmind]

I've never heard of "A Cool, Dry Place." But now you've got my interest piqued! I love Vince Vaughn, so I'm going to have to rent this one.

[imfedup]

What the heck is a RELATIONSHIP MOVIE? And yes, the chemistry between Steve Martin and Lily Tomlin was electrifying. Maybe Ellen DeGeneres could star in the remake.

[speakyourmind]

I'm guessing...a movie about the intricacies of relationships?

[MzTexas]

Love Actually is the BEST movie ever!