When it comes to watching a romantic movie the tendency is to reach for the chick flick, but it’s a common misnomer. Romantic films are responsible for some of the all time greats. And although things rarely turn out for the best as in the lighter stuff designed for pyjama parties don’t be put off. This makes them no less romantic…

Casablanca, 1942

It’s the romantic ending of all romantic endings. Bogart and Bergman’s goodbye is unsurpassed in film history, “…you’ll regret it. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow, but soon, and for the rest of your life…”. I feel weepy just thinking about it. As an interesting aside to the romance, the final scene with the plane in the background is a forced perspective. The producers were ‘short’ of cash and used a scale model and to make it fit they used dwarf extras in the background. Clever, huh?

Brief Encounter, 1945

It’s arguably the most romantic tale ever told. A study of repression and restraint this classic keeps commuters optimistic that one day their tiresome daily grind might have its monotony broken by crippling love arriving out of the blue on a blustery platform. The film is an archetype of understated yet over felt desire. Amazing.

The Graduate, 1967

Forget “Mrs. Robinson, you’re trying to seduce me. Aren’t you?” It’s all about the climax, the dramatic and for all appearances ‘Hollywood ending’ that the film gives to the viewer. Yet the uneasiness that prevails throughout and continues as the titles run give one the conclusion that love is a complicated and misunderstood force.

True Romance, 1993

Despite its name this film involves all you’d expect from a story originally penned by Tarantino, i.e. violence and swearing. But seeing as we’re all grownups, I’ve included it here. In reality it is an achingly tender love story between a prostitute and an Elvis loving, comic book reading, martial arts cinema fan outsider. It’s pulp movie making at its best. Clarence and Alabama blaze a trail, protecting one another by whatever means necessary. A talented ensemble cast doesn’t do any harm either. It’s quality, plus it supplants the phrase ‘I love you’ with ‘you’re so cool’. Which, is so cool!

Lost In Translation, 2003

It is a poetic and beautiful film about the connection between two characters who find themselves ever more marginalised in their own lives. Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson’s characters tentatively grow close after meeting in a Tokyo hotel and embark on an adventure. Sofia Coppola creates a film in which you feel like nothing happens, but afterwards the world seems a better place. Magnificent.