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Hindustan Times
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Every romance movie tries to hack love. Here's why it doesn't work IRL
Romance movies will have you believe that love is a shiny, fragile thing that can be distilled down to one great metaphor. Think of your favourite romcom. You can probably recall the line that made it famous; the piece of wisdom that, the movie promises, will change everything we know about love. Let's call it, for lack of a better term, the Love Hack. Audiences measure their relationships against it. It shows up in Insta Reels and Reddit compilations of the best relationship advice of all time. Every generation has their own. And it's probably ruining more relationships than it saves. Because a Love Hack rarely works in the real world. And even the fictional world is starting to wise up. In To All The Boys I've Loved Before (2018), Lara Jean comes to realise that love isn't how it's described in the movies; 'it's better because it's real'. So, what is love? Oh, we're not offering a hack of our own. But here's what the movies get wrong. 'Love means never having to say you're sorry.' Love Story (1970) Excuse me, what? Anyone in a real relationship will tell you that you spend half of it apologising, and the other half being apologised to. In the movie, Ali MacGraw's character says it to Ryan O'Neal's character, after he apologises for his anger. Tsk tsk. That moment certainly needed an apology. And in subsequent interviews, MacGraw herself has disagreed with the line, calling it 'crock'. Couples fight; disagreement is part of love. Saying sorry means you're a grown-up, that you acknowledge the effect your words or actions have had on another person, regardless of intention. A whole generation of Love Story watchers skipped this. We don't have to. Cutting up fruit or moving onto the next topic as if nothing really happened just means you'll land up in couples' therapy later. 'When you realise you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.' When Harry Met Sally (1989) Sounds wholesome. But is this really a test of love? For Harry and Sally, who spend their adult lives crossing each other's paths without realising that they should be together, it's a neat little conclusion. For everyone else, not so much. Remember when Geet left her whole family behind in Jab We Met, and fled home to start a new life with Anshuman? Bad idea. Besides, research shows that taking your time and marrying later leads to better, longer-lasting relationships. Also, marriage? In this economy? Who are you, a 20-something influencer with generational wealth? 'I think I can really fall in love when I know everything about someone.' Before Sunrise (1995) You know we'd come for this line. In the movie, Celine tells Jesse that knowing the mundane things about a person makes you fall for them: 'The way he's going to part his hair, which shirt he's going to wear that day, knowing the exact story he'd tell in a given situation'. Celine, ma cheri, you've got it backwards. Leave the tedious detail for after. No point seeing someone drool in their sleep, get petty with relatives and leave dishes 'soaking' in the sink right from the start. Even in the most long-lasting relationship, it's good to not know everything about your partner. It keeps the mystery alive. 'Love is passion, obsession, someone you can't live without.' Meet Joe Black (1998) Oh dear! How to hate on Brad Pitt, in his prime, playing Death? This line, thankfully, comes from Anthony Hopkins's character, who believes that his daughter is settling for a tepid partner (and not Brad Pitt)! But this is a dangerous pop-culture myth. If your entire relationship feels like a burning, fiery dance of emotion, chances are it will combust soon. Slow-burn love – showing up when they're sick, doing the dishes, listening to the same stories for the 16th time – doesn't fuel summer blockbusters. But it's the real test. 'You don't marry someone you can live with, you marry the person you cannot live without.' P.S. I Love You (2007) First of all, this is confusing. Unpack it a bit and you'll realise that both mean the same thing – that the person you cannot live without is ultimately the person you should live with. But that takes learning too. Also, it reeks of co-dependent behaviour. The person you should first learn to live with is you. And if you can't live without someone, maybe you're not ready to be a fully functioning adult yet. The Four Question Theory: 'Is he kind? Can I tell him everything in my heart? Does he help me become the best version of myself? Can I imagine him as the father of my children?' The Life List (2025) Four hacks for the price of one. When the Sofia Carson starrer came out, there were reports of couples feeling dissatisfied with their own love stories. Some even broke up because their relationships didn't pass the four question test. (Maybe they were low-key looking for an excuse to quit). PR gimmicks aside, it's too much of a quick-fix. An entire relationship can't be summed up in four questions. And besides, the fourth one is hardly inclusive. What if you can't see him/her as the parent of your child because you don't want to have kids in the first place? From HT Brunch, June 21, 2025 Follow us on
Spectator
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Spectator
Literate and sensitive romance: Falling Into Place reviewed
Falling Into Place is a love story written by Aylin Tezel, directed by Aylin Tezel, and starring Aylin Tezel. That's a lot of Aylin Tezel so I was nervous going in. What if it's too much Aylin Tezel? What if Aylin Tezel and I don't get along? Who even is Aylin Tezel? But I knew within the first few minutes we were in safe hands and I was set to like this Aylin Tezel. In Falling Into Place she's created a literate and sensitive romance that is allowed to unfold gently. If it's 'high-octane action' you're after, then your better bet this week is Ballerina, the John Wick spin-off. This is strictly for the low-octane crowd. Do not expect octane. The film opens on a wintry Isle of Skye where Kira (Tezel, who is famous as an actress in her native Germany, I now know) has decamped for the weekend. So, too, has Ian (Chris Fulton). He's come to visit his troubled family. Kira had booked into a B&B with her boyfriend but he's just dumped her and now she's here alone. There's a spark from the moment they first lock eyes across a crowded pub bar. They spend the night together but it's one of those Before Sunrise nights. That is, a night of connection rather than consummation even though the sexual attraction is strong. They lark about in the dark streets, their conversation sometimes daft, sometimes existential. Tezel writes, directs, stars and looks adorable in a little woolly hat – is there no end to her talent? – which, thankfully, she never pairs with a pastel-coloured cardie as would have to happen if this were a romcom.
Perth Now
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Black Phone 2 is 'more violent, scarier, more graphic'
'Black Phone 2' is "more violent, scarier" and "more graphic" than the original film, according to director Scott Derrickson. The first movie - starring Mason Thames and Ethan Hawke - was based on a short story by Stephen King's son Joe Hill and was released in 2021 with the second instalment now due for release in October - and Derrickson has now told fans they can expect more gore in the follow-up. He told The Hollywood Reporter: "It is certainly more violent, scarier, more graphic. And part of that is because of the age of the kids." The first film followed the story of a teenage boy Finney Shaw (Thames) who is abducted by a serial killer called The Grabber (Hawke) and thrown into a soundproof basement. The youngster then finds out he can hear the voices of the villain's previous victims through a disconnected phone and they try to help him escape. Thames is back for the second film, and Derrickson revealed he wanted to make a follow-up quickly before the young castmembers aged too much. He added: "I thought if I go make another movie first and don't make a sequel now like you're supposed to, then by the time I finish, these kids are all going to be in high school." The second film was helped along by Hill, who sent the director some ideas, and Derrickson is convinced having a slightly older cast gives the film a different feel. He said: "A middle school coming-of-age horror movie is a different animal than a high school coming-of-age horror film ... There's a ratcheting up of intensity because of that." Derrickson previously admitted making a sequel 'wasn't a foregone conclusion". When Screen Rant asked the director what fans could expect from 'Black Phone 2', Derrickson said: 'A lot of surprises, for sure. I just finished shooting 'Black Phone 2', and what I can tell you is that I didn't feel obliged to make a sequel. It wasn't a foregone conclusion that I would make a sequel." On a production budget of roughly $18 million, 'Black Phone' grossed $161.4 million at the box office. Before his return for 'Black Phone 2' was confirmed, Hawke - who had previously worked with Derrickson on the 2012 horror flick 'Sinister' - said he would happily reprise his role as The Grabber in the sequel. The 'Before Sunrise' actor told Collider: 'I had a really wonderful experience making my first scary movie with him. We did a movie called 'Sinister', and he's just a real filmmaker. "I love the way he thinks about film and storytelling. And as I get older, I really enjoy working in different genres as an actor. It's a way to shape [and] change yourself as a performer. 'By trying to learn the math of what makes a great romantic comedy, what makes a great art film, what makes a great horror film, what makes a great Western, you know, there's a certain geometry to all that and Scott is brilliant at that. 'And so, basically, if he wants me to be in 'Black Phone 2', I'm gonna do it.' 'Black Phone 2' is due for release on 17 October 2025.
News18
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
6 Romantic Hollywood Films For A Summer Movie Marathon With Partner
Last Updated: This dreamy romantic plot of Before Sunrise tells the story of two strangers falling in love with each other. There's always something magical about warm summer nights. With a light breeze and the scent of something sweet in the air, summer nights make for the perfect excuse to stay in and cosy up with your bae. Whether you want to escape the heat or are just craving some quality time, a movie marathon is always a good idea. Here are six movie ideas that will be perfect for a movie marathon with your partner: When Harry Met Sally—Amazon Prime Video This timeless classic film follows the encounter between the title characters, culminating in a short-term friendship over their shared drive to New York City. Years later they cross paths again, and they're forced to deal with their feelings for each other. At its core, this classic Nora Ephron film addresses the age-old question, 'Can men and women ever just be friends?" Before Trilogy —Netflix/Amazon Prime Video This dreamy romantic Trilogy tells the story of two strangers falling in love with each other. With Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, and Before Midnight – the movie series explores the twists and turns of the relationship between Jesse and Celine. From meeting on a train journey to getting to know each other and finding comfort and love in one another, the trilogy touches upon every aspect of a budding romance and ultimately provides an honest view of a long-term relationship and the problems that come with it. With deep conversations and emotional confrontation, the film proves that even soulmates need to fight for their love and to stay connected. The Princess Bride – JioHotstar The ultimate fairy tale mashup captures romance, comedy, and adventure with a hint of fantasy as Buttercup, a princess, falls in love with Westley, a farm boy. Their enchanting love story blooms in all its glory as the couple fights all evils to rekindle after a long separation. Gone With The Wind – Amazon Prime Video Adapted from Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel, Gone With The Wind is set against the backdrop of the American Civil War. This epic historical romance follows Scarlet O'Hara, a strong-willed woman chasing her love Ashley Wilkes, who is married to his cousin. With dramatic twists, burning passion, and the grandeur of characters, the film always remains a classic. The Notebook—Amazon Prime Video The classic Nicholas Sparks film follows the love story of Noah and Allie. Hailing from different worlds, the couple faces countless problems as they strive to be together. But their bond endures all heartbreaks and the intense test of time as Noah and Allie end up together forever. The first encounter, 365 love letters, and the iconic rain-soaked kiss culminate into one of the greatest love stories of all time that perfectly embodies the 'till death do us part" emotion. Based on Jane Austen's one of the greatest novels, Pride and Prejudice is the perfect slow-burn love story between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Set against the backdrop of Regency England, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's love story unfolds in ballrooms, banters, and against all societal odds. This iconic period drama is a must-watch for couples. First Published:
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When Mani Ratnam's wife Suhasini called out Bollywood's lack of originality: 'Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan do stereotypical roles'
Acclaimed filmmaker and actress , wife of National Award winning filmmaker Mani Ratnam, once stirred conversation with her sharp critique of Bollywood's creative direction. In a 2010 interview with The Times Of India, the National Award-winning actress expressed disappointment with how Hindi cinema often lifts ideas from international films without credit. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Reviewing Anjaana Anjaani, she said it felt strikingly similar to Before Sunrise and The Girl on the Bridge, adding, 'Bollywood sometimes blatantly copies without buying rights or acknowledging the original work.' Criticism of Bollywood Icons and Formulaic Choices Meanwhile in another interview with The Telegraph, Suhasini didn't shy away from criticizing Bollywood's most iconic actors. 'Aamir and are still doing stereotypical roles,' she remarked, also pointing out that , despite his legendary status, stuck largely to his 'angry young man' image. According to her, mainstream Hindi cinema hasn't pushed its stars into unexplored territories, making their body of work predictable over the years. Why She Finds Hindi Films 'Unbearable' Suhasini further revealed she had stopped watching commercial Hindi films years ago, calling them 'absolutely unbearable.' She lamented their lack of regional grounding, contrasting them with South which, she said, reflects its roots more authentically. 'Only now are Hindi films becoming regional,' she noted, citing exceptions like Shahid, but criticized the larger trend of 'pan-Indian' stories that lack cultural depth, such as Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham or Kal Ho Naa Ho. Kamal Haasan's brother and actor Charuhasan hospitalised
