Top Ten Film Romances

From top left: When Harry Met Sally, Brief Encounter, Dirty Dancing, Beauty and the Beast, Brokeback Mountain, Casablanca and centre, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

With it being Valentine's Day, Ticket Stub is all loved up this week! To mark this occasion, I have picked my Top Ten Film Romances.

What are your favourites? Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog. 

1. Casablanca (1942) - Rick and Ilsa

"Here's looking at you, kid" 

One of the most iconic Hollywood romances starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. 

2. Beauty and the Beast (1991) - Belle and Beast

"Tale as old as time..."

This animated love story is enchanting and wonderfully romantic, showing the importance of inner beauty and not judging by appearances.

3. Dirty Dancing (1987) - Baby and Johnny

"Nobody puts Baby in the corner"

Starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, the sexy dancing and cute scenes between the two characters make this one of the best coming of age romances.

4. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) - Joel and Clementine 

"Why do I fall in love with every woman I see who shows me the least bit of attention?"

Erasing the memory of their relationship, we see the sweet yet destructive romance between Joel and Clementine. One of my top favourite films of all time.

5. When Harry Met Sally - Harry and Sally

"You say things like that and you make it impossible for me to hate you. And I hate you, Harry. I really hate you"

What can I say? I had to include it! If you read Ticket Stub often, you know I adore this rom-com. Harry and Sally test out the theory whether men and women can just be friends. 

6. Titanic (1997) - Jack and Rose

"I'll never let go"

I grew up with this movie and loved the Romeo and Juliet nature of Jack and Rose's relationship. Not only are they confronted with objections from society, they have to survive a sinking ship. 

Certainly one of the top film romances.

7. Brokeback Mountain (2005) - Ennis and Jack

"I wish I knew how to quit you"

Ennis and Jack fall in love in a tragic romance based on Annie Proulx's short story which I highly recommend reading.

8. Brief Encounter (1945) -  Laura and Alec

"If you'd die, you'd forget me. I want to be remembered"

A classic black and white cinematic romance. Laura and Alec meet at a railway station and begin a romantic love affair.

9. Annie Hall (1977) - Annie and Alvy

"Love is too weak a word for what I feel  - I luuurve you, you know, I loave you, I luff you"

Another favourite on Ticket Stub, Annie Hall may not end in the perfect romantic fashion but it is one of the best takes on romantic relationships.

10. Sleepless in Seattle (1993) - Annie and Sam

"I don't want to be someone that anyone settles for"

Showing in cinema screens tonight, this is a cheesy rom-com with the glorious Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. The film also references the wonderful An Affair to Remember (1957).

I have missed LOADS of movie romances off this list. 

What are your favourites?

Tweet @TicketStubBlog or comment below!

Happy Valentine's Day <3

Top Ten Firework Scenes

Remember, remember the 5th of November...but what movie scenes can you remember with fireworks? 

I've picked my Top Ten but I'm sure there are plenty I've missed. 

Feel free to tell Ticket Stub your favourites by tweeting @TicketStubBlog and you could be featured in the next post!

1. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Merry and Pippin are the two cheeky chappies in this first film of the epic trilogy. They attempt to steal one of Gandalf's magical fireworks, however, the two hobbits get into a little spot of bother...

2. Toy Story (1995)

Buzz is strapped to a rocket and it's about to blow up in the sky. How will Woody and Buzz escape?

Woody: "Hey, Buzz you're flying!" 

Buzz: "This isn't flying. This is falling, with style!"

3. Manhattan (1979)

Woody Allen's black and white classic is one of the best ever film openings. Along with Allen and his character Isaac, we as the audience begin to romanticise New York "all out of proportion". With George Gershwin's masterpiece Rhapsody in Blue and the fireworks exploding over the Manhattan skyline, how could you not fall in love with this city?

4. Mary Poppins (1964)

The fireworks during Step In Time cause all the chimney sweeps to rush down Mr Banks' chimney and take over proceedings in his town house. The effects are rather impressive for the time too.

5. Mulan (1998)

Fighting Shan Yu on the rooftops of China's Imperial City, Mulan is running out of ideas...cue the little dragon, Mushu, who fires a huge firework rocket on Mulan's command which instantly kills the villain, but also sets off a great display!

6. Brokeback Mountain (2005)

There is no video available on YouTube, but I have inserted a picture here. This scene shows Ennis (Heath Ledger) beating up two guys who insult him with homophobic remarks during the July 4th celebrations. 

Image: theatlantic.com

7. The Little Mermaid (1989)

This is where Ariel first sees Prince Eric. His world is made even more mesmerizing by the fireworks display from the ship. Ariel just has to see more, much to the dismay of Sebastian. 

"Jumping jellyfish!"

8. To Catch a Thief (1955)

Fireworks and sparks fly between Grace Kelly and Cary Grant as they look across at the display on the French Riviera. And we all know what those flashes of fireworks symbolise, Mr Hitchcock...

9. Titanic (1997)

(Again, there is no video on YouTube - I will get the actual screen-grab soon.) For me, this has always been a memorable scene. All alone out in the cold Atlantic, it is the extreme over-head wide shot of the ship releasing the firework that shows how fatally doomed the Titanic and its passengers truly are. 

Image: thetruthaboutguns.com

10. A Bug's Life (1998)

You can always count on Pixar to be clever - here the "harvester salute" sees the harvested plants collide together in the air to create the insects' very own fireworks display as the 'warrior' bugs return to their home.

I hope you all have a wonderful Bonfire Night! Wrap up warm, enjoy the fireworks - and if you can't go to a display, be sure to take a look at these movies instead!