For those of us tired of sappy romances
Whether you call Feb. 14 Galentine’s Day, Palentine’s Day, the Worst Day of the Year or by its traditional name, Valentine’s Day, the endless parade of mush and sappy lines can get old — especially when you are single.
Instead of breaking out “The Notebook” for the 700th time, try some of these tales of love gone wrong.
‘High Fidelity’ (2000)
This John Cusack movie is a personal favorite of mine. It boasts a great soundtrack, with artists from The Velvet Underground to the Vaselines included. It also includes Jack Black in the cast, ensuring some level of hilarity along the way.
“High Fidelity” follows Rob Gordon (Cusack), a record store owner, through a recently failed relationship with his long-time girlfriend Laura. As Gordon muses on his past relationships, he breaks down his ego and grows as an individual.
This movie is great for music lovers regardless of their relationship status.
‘A Tale of Two Cities’ (1935)
Whether or not you are crushed by the ending of this Dickens classic rests in who you are rooting for. Are you as enthralled with the straight-laced Charles Darnay as Lucie Manette is, or will you fall for the self-defeating Sydney Carton and empathize with his unrequited love? As stressed college students struggling with meeting expectations, Carton may prove a kindred spirit.
Set in the tumultuous time leading up to the French Revolution, you may end up learning a bit of history along the way.
‘Seven Pounds’ (2008)
Following the post-apocalyptic “I Am Legend,” Will Smith returned with the emotional twist ending of “Seven Pounds.” The film follows Ben Thomas (Smith), a personable IRS agent with a dark plan.
A man with nothing left to lose after a life-altering tragedy, Thomas ventures out into the city to befriend seven people in need. What Thomas is offering them is much more precious than a few dollars — organs. Whose you may ask? His own.
A man of efficiency and precision, all is running smoothly until Thomas meets Emily Posa. Will their budding feelings for each other derail Thomas’ plan? Watch “Seven Pounds” to find out.
‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ (1961)
The movie immortalized in the Deep Blue Something song of the same name, this Aubrey Hepburn classic pairs well with the need for independence. Holly (Hepburn) lives in a New York apartment with a friendly stray cat. A charismatic realist, Holly alternates between longing for a rich older man to marry and her love of her boisterous single lifestyle.
When a handsome young man moves into the apartment building, Holly begins to fall for him despite his lack of wealth.
However, in the iconic final scene, Holly famously argues, “We belong to nobody, and nobody belongs to us. We don’t even belong to each other.”