What made me sad when I watched this movie was that there are no romantic comedies like this anymore, that appeal to both men and women AND delve into the male/female phsyche. I know Annie Hall is one that I need to see, but anyone know any other intelligent romantic comedies?
Bob. Bob had bitch tits.
Yes, you definitely need to see ANNIE HALL. In fact, there are several Woody Allen films that you might like. I would recommend MANHATTAN - it's not as funny as ANNIE HALL, but the dialouge is clever and much like that of WHEN HARRY MET SALLY. I would also recommend ABOUT LAST NIGHT and FRANKIE & JOHNNY '91(more of a drama, but still similar). If I think of anything else, I'll post again.
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This may be a bit of a stretch, but I think "Sideways" may qualify as an intelligent romantic comedy.
Although it's mostly about the voyage taken by two guys experiencing mid-life crises, much of the story and dialogue centers around their romantic relationships and delves pretty deeply into how they perceive their relationships with the opposite sex. And, the dialogue is pretty funny.
Yeah, I agree about SIDEWAYS. It's more of the male point of view, simply b/c the main character is male. But, it's definitely similar.
shareI'd like to add, Sideways has possibly the funniest commentary ever.
shareSleepless in Seattle, to be sure. And You've Got Mail, while it's not as good as WHMS and SIS, certainly qualifies as an intelligent romantic comedy. Nora Ephron wrote all three films.
"I believe, I believe, it's silly, but I believe."
I agree romantic comedies now days have all become a bit cliche.Alot of them are still enjoyable though (even if they're guilty pleasures).
shareYes movies and life tend to glorify sex as the most important part of male and female relationships. Praising attraction over love, seduction over friendship. We crave to have relationships with the oppposite sex that are strong and emotionally sound, and don't crumble with the lack or surge of attraction.
shareI wish they would make more Romantic comedies too. I assume the genre is not popular at the moment. Too bad for those of us who like these films.
shareOne advice: watch "The story of us", another incredible romantic comedy by Rob Reiner (director of WHMS)...simply amazing!!!!!!!
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This may not classify as quite as intelligent but Notting Hill is definitely a boy, girl perspective rom com and quite enjoyable, imo.
shareI agree...
In fact each of Richard Curtis's rom coms are worth watching, although perhaps not as intelligent as WHMS, including Four Weddings and Love Actually.
I couldn't agree with you more about the dry spell in romantic comedies. Most so-called romantic comedies these days appear to bepredictable, weighed down with crude humor, or dominated by unappealing characters.
I've taken refuge in literary adaptations(e.g., the 1995 adaptations of Jane Austen's Persuasion and Sense and Sensibility, Shakespearean comedies, etc.). And Cold Comfort Farm (with Kate Beckinsale) is a hoot.
If don't mind a period setting, try Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, which is in theaters as I write this. It's mostly a romp but has some serious undertones.
You mention Annie Hall. I would say if you are checking out Woody Allen, do not miss Hannah and Her Sisters, which I enjoy more and more with each viewing (Annie Hall, which I didn't really appreciate in my 20s, is another one that stands up well).
And try some non-English language films. I really enjoy a good little French comedy now and then -- something like The Valet, The Closet, or My Best Friend. And the Japanese film Shall We Dance? is just a complete and utter pleasure. You may have to hunt for that on DVD, though.
The following are all available on DVD as of this writing. Some are period comedies, some are literary adaptations, and others are recent comedies. A few fall into the predictability trap or are a bit crude at times, but I've found them watchable.
Crossing Delancey
A Room with a View
Sense and Sensibility
Persuasion
Emma
Much Ado about Nothing
The Laws of Attraction
Must Love Dogs
The Jane Austen Book Club
Born Romantic
Amelie
"Annie Hall, which I didn't really appreciate in my 20s, is another one that stands up well."
I'm still in my twenties and I too don't see why people consider this such an outstanding movie... Here's hoping it'll grow on me too in time!