Who doesn’t love a good romance film? They’re more elusive than we tend to think. A great romantic drama or romantic comedy can often be lost in the mix of formulaic romantic comedies filled with manic-pixie-dream-girls, workaholics, “adorable” klutzes, and commitment-phobic men.
We here at Mosaic Times understand the struggle that comes with finding a good romantic film and we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of our top five intercultural romantic movies.
5. The Hundred-Foot Journey
If you are a foodie and a sucker for romance, then this film is for you. In the south of France, an Indian family sets up a restaurant across the street from a Michelin star French restaurant. The culture clash between the restauranteurs sets off a series of events that leads to good food, good romance, and a better understanding of what is achievable when we come together. Well acted and beautifully shot, The Hundred-Foot Journey is definitely worth checking out.
4. My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Familial expectation is a loaded concept. Something most of us can relate to. Which makes the story of Toula, the daughter of Greek immigrant parents, almost universal. Toula is expected to settle down and marry a Greek man in order to keep her parents’ Greek traditions alive. Everything changes when Toula meets Ian, a handsome teacher with Northern European ancestry. With a cute romance, crazy relatives, and poufy dresses, My Big Fat Greek Wedding celebrates romantic love but also the love for one’s family (eccentric as they may be).
3. Bend It Like Beckham
This British movie has something for everyone: sports, romance, immigrant parents, and friendship. Jesminder “Jess” Bhamra loves to play football (soccer for those of us in North Amercia), but her immigrant Sikh parents do not approve. With the help of a friend, she joins a girls football club without her parents’ knowledge. Jess’s journey is filled with love of the beautiful game, romantic love, and love for friends and family. Bend It Like Beckham is a fun movie with real heart.
2. Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
This 1967 classic film boasts a star studded cast that includes Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, and Sidney Poitier. This film came out the same year that laws against miscegenation (a.k.a. mixed race marriage) were struck down by the United States Supreme Court. In the film, Matt and Christina Drayton are surprised when their daughter introduces them to her fiancée John, an African-American doctor. Matt and Christina have trouble accepting the situation, despite being proponents of racial equality in all other aspects of their lives. The situation is further complicated by John stating that if Matt and Christina disapprove he will end his relationship with their daughter. This movie explores themes of racism, class, and love; but as a film it also stands the test of time.
1. Loving
This beautiful film is one of our favourite movies of all time, not just in the romance category. It’s based on the true story of Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple from Virginia that got married and then were arrested under Virginia’s anti-miscegenation laws. The film follows them from just before their marriage to the landmark Loving v. Virgina Supreme Court case that struck down anti-miscegenation laws across the United States. The love story in Loving is so sincere and relatable, that over-the-top Hollywood declarations of love aren’t required. With an amazing script based heavily on the documentary The Loving Story, gorgeous cinematography, and superb acting, we can’t recommend this film highly enough.
