Hello you and welcome to Thursday Movie Picks, a weekly series hosted by Wandering Through the Shelves where you share three movies to fit the theme of the week each Thursday, just in case you just tuned in.
Love is in the air, Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and this is week two of the Valentine's Edition, and we are talking May-December Romances. For those unfamiliar with the topic - I didn't have to google it this time, for the record - all those romances with a big age gap fits. Here's my picks:
Lost In Translation (2003)
A well-known, middle-aged American actor, in Tokyo to shot a commercial for a whisky, meets Charlotte, the young wife of a visiting photographer. There's immediately chemistry between the two of them, and their friendship soon become a romance. The best part of this romance is that, for once, is not physical but about souls and minds. There is also great acting (Scarlett Johansson especially... I wonder what has happened to her).
Carol (2015)
An immediate connection sparks between Therese, a young woman working in a Manhattan department store, and Carol, al alluring woman trapped in a loveless marriage. The connection eventually deepens, and love blossoms between the two women. A tender, and thoughtful film with a love scene masterfully done, beautifully shot and so wonderfully acted that it conveys all the passion of the moment.
Oldboy (2003)
I bet you're wondering what the hell is doing this film here, right? A brutal and disturbing story about a man kidnapped, imprisoned and released after 15 years behind bars, who must find his kidnapper in 5 days. If you are familiar with the film, you know the tragedy that unfolds in the final act, a drama that would have never occurred if it wasn't for the sweet and moving romance between Oh Dae-su, the kidnapped man, and the young and beautiful Mi-do.
(I know the age gaps are not huge, but this is the best I could do. I'm sorry)
(I know the age gaps are not huge, but this is the best I could do. I'm sorry)
No need to apologize. Oldboy certainly fits the theme. Easy for me to say since it's one of my all-time faves.
ReplyDeleteSigh. I still need to see Lost in Translation.
I love, love, and love Oldboy so it was an obvious pick for me.
DeleteIf you have to apologize then I have to do it to because "Oldboy" is on my list as well :D It fits perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to see Oldboy gets so much love.
DeleteI've only seen Lost in Translation, and just within the last two months, and while it didn't blow me away I liked it and agree it was nice to see something based on an emotional connection rather than a sexual one.
ReplyDeleteI will see Carol, when it was out life was just so chaotic and it was gone when I got the chance. Looking forward to it. I really should break down and see Oldboy it shows up in these lists so often.
I tried for a mix of older man/younger woman and vice versa for balance as well as some humor & drama.
Murphy’s Romance (1985)-In her early thirties divorcee Emma (Sally Field) and her young son are new in town where she is trying to make a go of a horse farm. Middle aged druggist Murphy (James Garner) takes a shine to her and tries to send business her way while slowly romancing her. Things are progressing nicely until Emma’s irresponsible but charming ex-husband turns up and tries to win her back. Complications ensue. Amiable, ambling comedy netted Garner a best actor Oscar nomination.
Forty Carats (1973)-Fortyish Ann Stanley (Liv Ullman) has a brief fling with 20 something Peter Latham (Edward Albert) while on vacation in Greece. Returning to her New York home she runs into Peter again at a party and he wishes to pick up where they left off. Ann mindful of their age difference is leery. Peter however will not be put off. Somewhat stagy (it’s based on a play) but it’s nice to see Ullman loosen up and character actress Binnie Barnes is a hoot as her irrepressible Mom.
Autumn Leaves (1956)-Lonely 50ish spinster Millie (Joan Crawford) meets equally lonely 30ish Army vet Burt (Cliff Robertson). Despite her initial reluctance they marry after a whirlwind courtship. One day Burt’s ex-wife and father show up telling Millie Burt is mentally ill and their presence does seem to spark a great deal of agitation in him. Millie, sensing there is more than meets the eye, attempts to help Burt and get to the bottom of the situation. With the high priestess of 50’s anguish in the lead you just know that will include much melodrama but the film does try and provide some insights into mental health issues. The title song is sung over the credits by Nat King Cole.
Honorable mention-Leon: The Professional (1994)-When her entire family is murdered by an out of control DEA agent 12 year old Mathilda (Natalie Portman) is reluctantly taken in by professional assassin Leon (Jean Reno). Hunted and sworn to vengeance they form an intense connection during which he teaches her his trade. Not so much a May/December romance as a tale of extreme emotions under extraordinary circumstances. Both leads give wonderfully nuanced performances.
I haven't seen any of your picks, but I've seen your honorable mention, Leon. I absolutely love that film!
DeleteOh man, Oldboy is so twisted here! Great pick. I love Lost in Translation, I wasn't crazy about Carol but it fits so well here. Especially the book version where Therese was only 19.
ReplyDeleteLost in Translation is LOVE!!!
ReplyDeleteI have seen Lost in Translation and that is a good choice! For once it shows a romance without all the sex etc... but can still be sensual. I still have to see Carol and have not seen Oldboy but I have heard about it in the last few weeks
ReplyDeleteI've seen all of these, and none of them crossed my mind. Great picks! Lost in Translation is just a perfect film.
ReplyDeleteGreat picks! I still haven't seen Oldboy and I definitely need to re-watch Lost in Translation sometime soon.
ReplyDeleteCarol - I want to watch, heard so many good things about it.
ReplyDelete