If "A Walk to Remember" Restored Your Faith in Romance Then, Boy, Do I Have Something For You!

It's an easy, restful Sunday afternoon. You don't have any plans or commitments and the day seems slow but promising. You find yourself contemplating how you'll spend the rest of your free time.

Maybe you'll get creative and start making little crotchet farm animals. You know, like the ones you've seen on your favorite arts and crafts social media pages.

Perhaps you'll finally do a deep cleaning and organizing of your bedroom closet. It's about time you color-code your wardrobe.

But you honestly just want to take it easy today.

After a few ideas come and go, a familiar desire comes over you in a swift yet subtle manner. You're in the mood for romance! For reasons you don't care to talk about, your romantic life hasn't been the most ideal. In fact, it's been quite "complicated" and for that reason, you aren't in the mood for any overly-complicated romantic affairs. You want something sweet, gentle, and simple.

Something that's going to put you in a loving, rapturous mood.

Something that can restore your faith in love and make you excited about romance once again.

A Walk to Remember (2002)

Fortunately, you begin to remember scenes from A Walk to Remember.

You know, the story by the famous author, Nicholas Sparks, that was later turned into a film. The one where Landon Carter, a sly troublemaker who cares more about his social status than his schoolwork, falls in love with Jamie. Jamie Sullivan, a reserved, terminally-ill young woman who also happens to be the daughter of the town’s reverend.

Yeah, that one.

You've always loved the movie because of its refreshing simplicity and softness. It's soothing to you and displays a side of the human condition that you find both compelling and beautiful. You love the way it highlights the value of being selfless to the one you love and the manner in which it expresses faith and forgiveness.

The bond between Landon and Jamie is formed lovingly and with such grace, it is easy to admire and swoon over.

You adore how Jamie inspired a transformation to take place within Landon that allowed him to become a better version of himself.

Yes, this movie has very familiar tropes and a rather cliche plot. (Which is the only reason why it could possibly earn a 27% on Rotten Tomatoes. I mean like, c’mon.) But you still adore this film to pieces.

You know the significance of such a movie and the impact it has had on your own perspective of love and life.

You want to watch a film that has the same amount of substance but a different, fresh story.

You begin to wonder what other films could ignite your passion for romance again...? What other films can provide you with a soothing love story and display gentle human affection in a way that can make you swoon? You want a film you can essentially relax into; rest in.

Orfeu Negro (1959)

You’re in luck! You come across a romance film titled Orfeu Negro. You quickly read the synopsis and watch the trailer. And in the trailer, you hear melodic bossa nova playing consistently in the background. You see vibrant dancing bodies everywhere, you take in the breathtaking setting of the film, and you notice the signs of sweet, gentle romance.

You even note that the film has a rating of 90% on Rotten Tomatoes.

You’re intrigued.

You find out that Orfeu Negro, translated in English to 'Black Orpheus', is a Brazilian art film based on the ancient Greek myth of two young lovers, Orpheus and Eurydice. Taking place in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival, the couple spends their time falling in love and running from death to the sweet sounds of bossa-nova. The film fuses Greek mythology and Afro-Brazilian culture/religion to create an explosion of art, beauty, and romance.

You’re convinced! You watch the film with high hopes and you are not disappointed.

The film has the substance that you were looking for. It highlights tender affection between the main characters, Orpheus and Eurydice. Their romance is pure, passionate, and beautiful.

You notice some similarities between both movies.

Comparable to Landon's behavior transformation in A Walk to Remember, Orpheus is transformed almost immediately after meeting his fated lover, Eurydice. He's inspired by her to be gentle, loving, and protective, which are entirely different traits than he was originally displaying at the start of the film.

You find his transformation heartwarming and admirable. And as you watch the scene where Orpheus carries Eurydice through the night while speaking sweetly to her, you realize that this movie is something you can relax into. You can enjoy its simplicity and inherent softness. You're happy about that.

When the movie ends, you are so hyped up on romance that you are itching for another. It's still early and you're ready to sink your teeth into another loving film. Perhaps something a little more lighthearted since the other two both ended in tragedy.

Before Sunrise (1995)

Much to your surprise, you stumble upon another promising movie. One that apparently doesn't have any tragic elements but still promises to deliver the substance that you're looking for. The film is titled, Before Sunrise and has a shocking rating of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.

After a brief overview of the film, you realize that it is a story of two young adults, Jesse and Celine, that meet on the train. They begin having a conversation and immediately find that there is a spark between them. Even though they are heading to separate places, Jesse convinces Celine to get off in Vienna with him to explore the city together for a day. The film focuses on the development of a bond between Jesse and Celine through epic dialogue, romantic gestures, and the exploration of the beautiful city of Vienna.

Without needing any more convincing, you prepare your snacks and decide to watch the film.

You are blown away by such an intriguing dialogue between Jesse and Celine throughout the entirety of the film. The words they say to each other come out so organically; you're in awe. You appreciate how effortless their connection is and how genuine their affection is toward each other. You love how the film displays the pair growing closer to each other in such a natural, progressive manner.

It's beautiful and a perfect depiction of sweet, gentle romance.

The film being both slow-paced and steady allows for you to savor every precious moment of the film. It exudes a mood that throws you into a space of sheer delight, adoration, and love.

When the film ends and the room goes silent, you remain in the same comfortable position; frozen there for a moment. You begin to revel in all of the wonderful emotions the films have brought out of you today.

You’ve feel inspired and in a state of both love and vibrance.

What a perfect Sunday afternoon it’s been for you!