What to watch on Valentine's night?

Ruby Sparks

With a romantic soul, the talented novelist Calvin Weir-Fields wrote a novel about his dream girl named Ruby Sparks. And the next day, a real-life Ruby Sparks appeared and became his girlfriend. From then on, whenever things went wrong in their relationship, Calvin simply wrote down his wishes, and Ruby would act according to what he wrote.

With its many humorous and unexpected plot twists, natural acting, and the dreamy, "cloud-like" style of the couple in a fantasy romance, the film delivers more messages about love than just pure entertainment – ​​that even with a perfect lover, you can't have a perfect, flawless relationship.

You should watch these if you enjoy: Stranger than Fiction, 500 Days of Summer

Fried

Based on the young adult novel "There's a Crazy Girl Across the Street" by Wendelin Van Draanen, Flipped revolves around the story of Juli and Bryce. From their first meeting, 7-year-old Juli knew that Bryce was the love of her life, while Bryce felt annoyed by Juli's constant presence. However, in 8th grade, everything changes when the young Bryce begins to develop feelings for Juli, while she is confused about her own emotions... This charming and gentle film will evoke nostalgic memories of a bygone era of innocent romance in viewers.

You should watch these if you like: Stand By Me, The Sandlot, Moonrise Kingdom

Before Sunrise

The film takes place in ancient Vienna, the city of love and music. Jesse, an American recently dumped in Madrid, is despondent and buys a train ticket to travel across Europe. Céline is a beautiful young French woman on her way home to start a new semester. They meet by chance on the train, and after only a few minutes of conversation, Jesse makes a crazy suggestion: they'll get off in Vienna together and explore the city. The next morning, Jesse will catch an early flight back to America, while Céline returns to France, and they never see each other again.

With its minimalist storytelling, the film features only two main characters wandering the streets of Vienna and talking about everything under the sun. There are no dramatic events, no challenges to overcome, no misunderstandings to create tension or tension in their relationship. Just two young people leisurely strolling through the streets, exploring Vienna, discovering each other, and discovering themselves. Yet, along with its sequels, Before Sunset and Before Midnight, Before Sunrise has become a memorable film, capable of satisfying the romantic hearts that still dream of adventures in the ancient and beautiful cities of Europe, and the belief that true love never ends.

You should watch this if you like: Lost in Translation, Once

Beginners

Beginners is a comedy/drama about the profound humor and transformation life can bring, even in seemingly the most serious moments. It explores the playful confusion and surprises of love through Oliver's story as he meets Anna, just months after his father's death. This new love overwhelms Oliver with memories of his father, who, at age 75 after 44 years of marriage, emerged from his shell to live a full, vibrant, and intensely gay life. His father's sudden transformation, through humorous and touching events, brings them closer than ever before. And now, Oliver strives to love Anna with all the humor, courage, and hope his father taught him.

You should watch this if you like: Mary and Max, The Go Getter

Moonrise Kingdom

Moonrise Kingdom is set in 1965 on a New England island. While attending Boy Scout summer camp, orphaned boy Sam Shakusky suddenly disappears without a trace. It turns out Sam is meeting Suzy, a girl living with her family on the island. Having planned their escape through letters for a year, the two run away from their oppressive environment and enjoy a life of freedom without adults. Watching Moonrise Kingdom, viewers feel like they are reading a picture book, or looking at a vibrant, realistic, yet abstract oil painting… and can't help but wish they could be like the children in Moonrise Kingdom, never growing up, and that their love for each other would remain small, adorable, and whimsical…

Recommended if you enjoy: Flipped, Stand By Me, Stranger Than Fiction

Safety Not Guaranteed

Would you believe a few lines from a newspaper advertisement that read: “Looking for a time travel companion. This is no joke. You’ll get paid upon your return. Remember to bring weapons. Safe but not guaranteed, I’ve only succeeded once before.” It sounds absurd and outlandish, yet Darius Britt, an intern at a Seattle magazine, had to investigate to gather information for his readers. From there, *Safety Not Guaranteed* expands into a romantic comedy with a science fiction ending that is nonetheless heartwarming, suggesting that love and happiness can come to anyone, even the most eccentric.

You should watch this if you like: The Go Getter, Celeste and Jesse Forever

The Spectacular Now

The Spectacular Now tells the story of Sutter Keely, a party-loving and extremely self-important guy. However, after being dumped by the hottest girl in school, he gets so drunk he loses consciousness. When he wakes up, Sutter finds himself next to Aimee, a beautiful but eccentric girl who is ostracized by many in school. This ironic situation sets the stage for a romantic and touching love story. The film won a special award for acting at the Sundance Film Festival and received much acclaim from audiences for its heartbreakingly realistic portrayal of teenage love: not just beautiful and poetic romances, but also selfishness, ambiguity, abandonment, and hurt.

You should watch this if you like: Stuck in Love, Short Term 12, The First Time

From Time

Looking at the poster or watching the trailer for About Time, many might think it's a romantic comedy. That's true, but not entirely accurate. The romantic storyline serves as a pretext for director Richard Curtis to tell a story about the multifaceted nature of life, the story of Tim's journey when, at age 21, he discovers he has the ability to travel through time and change things directly related to his life. Deciding to use his ability to find his true love, Tim experiences unforgettable memories and unexpected events. About Time is gentle like a ballad, encompassing the ups and downs of life, making viewers appreciate every moment spent with loved ones even more.

You should watch this if you like: Ruby Sparks, Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind

It's Kind of a Funny Story

Based on Ned Vizzini's novel, the film tells the story of Craig Gilner, a teenager in a state of depression who, after attempting suicide by jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge, seeks help from a psychiatrist and is advised to be admitted to a mental hospital. From there, *It's Kind of a Funny Story* addresses the stresses and anxieties of life and mental hospitals, but it is also the mental hospital that allows the unfortunate characters in the film to escape their pain. Love between people is like plants; it can flourish and take root even in the most unexpected places – mental hospitals, which are home to the sick and the deranged.

As the title suggests, It's Kind of a Funny Story is a film for those who are always optimistic and believe in the good things in life, but who feel a little disheartened due to some difficulties. If you are struggling, feeling like everything is too bad, and want to overcome obstacles to move forward, then this is the film for you.

You should watch these if you like: Definitely, Maybe, Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, Youth in Revolt

Lars and the Real Girl

Lonely and suffering from paranoia, Lars chooses Bianca, a sex doll, as his lover. Despite the initial objections from his brother and sister-in-law, and the ridicule of others, Lars's love gradually seems to change people's hearts because of its sincerity and loyalty... The most touching aspect of the film is perhaps the reaction of the people in that small town. They have an unspoken agreement to treat Bianca the way Lars treats her. They love Bianca, scold Lars when he treats her badly, and tell him what Bianca confides in them. There are moments when viewers feel that Bianca is a real girl, sitting there listening to people talk about her, looking at Lars affectionately, silently sulking at her boyfriend who is scolding her…

What began as a comedy and gradually transformed into a deeply moving love story, Lars and the Real Girl is not only about a lonely man searching for a way back to human connection, but also carries a message about accepting the differences of those who are considered unconventional in society.

Huong Thao