The most heartbreaking films: Valentine's Day edition

There are some holidays that sneak up on you so stealthily that you risk even missing them. Valentine's Day is one of them, for which our team has compiled a list of those films that can both warm up and break your heart. We've tried to put together a selection of both fairly trivial and original choices. Enjoy.

But before we continue, we want to remind you that here we promote the love of art and try to inspire you to take your camera and make a short film. Leave the boring pre-production routine to the Filmustage - automatic script breakdown - and focus on your creativity!

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Art by @nadi_bulochka

"The Notebook"(2004) - Nick Cassavetes

"The Notebook" is a classic of modern melodrama which to many looks like just another twist on a plot once created by Shakespeare: lovers come from different social classes, which gets in the way of their love. However, despite the simplicity of the plot, "The Notebook" is an incredibly beautiful and poetic love story that has already struck the hearts of many viewers. Sceptics can hardly argue that it is a wonderfully staged film with plenty of beautiful shots and remarkable acting by Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.

"Breathless" (1960) - Jean-Luc Godard

Considering from the not-so-obvious options, we won't stop agitating you to watch French New Wave cinema, namely "Breathless" by Jean-Luc Godard. The New Wave of the 60's is known first and foremost for its freedom of expression: filmmakers were always experimenting and inventing new cinematic techniques which allowed them to express their creativity. Jean-Luc Godard is one of the pioneers of the new wave of cinema and "Breathless" is one of the major productions of the 60s. For the most part, "Breathless" is not a love story, but a crime story and even an adventurous one, which is nonetheless steeped in romanticism. Jean Seberg and Jean-Paul Belmondo played one of the most satisfying romances in history, which you'll be ready to root for more than DiCaprio and Winslet in "Titanic".

"Her'' (2013) - Spike Jonze

When the director of a cult "Being John Malkovich" writes and directs his new film, you immediately expect a masterpiece. Spike Jonze directs the moving story of one writer who one day falls in love with an operating system. The film, tinged with pastel colours, is riddled with romantic melancholy that will resonate not only with couples but also with those of us who are alone on this holiday. You are advised to watch this film, because it may also be a great aesthetic pleasure: director of photography Hoyte Van Hoytema has managed to reproduce the atmosphere of the script written by Spike Jones very subtly. The film therefore looks very personal and simply beautiful: the handheld camera, the natural lighting, the close-ups and many other tricks are a tribute to the French New Wave.

"Hitch" (2005) - Andy Tennant

Moving on to something lighter and more positive - "Hitch". This is typical New York melodrama from the early 2000's: light, positive and carefree. In addition, Will Smith is insanely charismatic and played his role perfectly. What more could you ask for? Oh, and New York... If you've missed the sunny and so romantic depiction of this mcgapolis, then "Hitch" can provide you with beautiful views and a stone jengle aesthetic.

"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" (2004) - Michel Gondry

What do our memories say about us? Have you ever wished you could erase your memory so that you could never remember the moments when love brought you pain? Probably both of these questions will be answered in Michel Gondry's surrealist film. One of the best roles for Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet in a story about two lovers who decide to erase each other's memories of their relationship. "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" is as beautifully made as it is insane and abstract. This film is reminiscent of a dream and makes you wonder about the nature of human feelings. Gondry can definitely break your heart with this movie.

"Moonrise Kingdom" (2012) - Wes Anderson

Wes Anderson needs no introduction. Especially as we've already written a separate blog about Anderson's directorial style (which you can find by clicking here). "Moonrise Kingdom" is another adult tale from Wes Anderson that puts childhood love at the centre of the story. Here Anderson overplays the established rules for life: children are independent and utterly serious, while adults, by contrast, behave infantile and foolishly. Therein lies the magic of "Moonrise Kingdom". Wes Anderson does not judge his young characters, on the contrary, he gives them freedom, which is why their love is displayed with utmost sincerity and purity.

"La La Land"(2016) - Damien Chazelle

The film is about love, not only in the truest sense of this word, but also about love for music and cinema. Perhaps it is in this desire to pay tribute to such a classic genre as the musical that director Damien Chazelle shows all his sincerity. Both the sets and the actors are tools in the director's hands to praise his love of art, and so the music and the choreography in this film are simply stunning. However, the tools Chazelle uses are also excellent; Gosling and Stone provide subtle acting and the camerawork is riveting to keep your eyes off the screen. And while it's difficult to define this film in any genre other than musical, as "La La Land" constantly changes tone and becomes a comedy or a drama. Either way, we hope you can pick out the highlights in this film and enjoy it.

"Manhattan" (1979) - Woody Allen

Wanting to leave his boring job and usual circle of acquaintances, a TV scriptwriter has an affair with a friend's mistress. "Manhattan" is a very insightful tragicomedy from Woody Allen, which can make you both sad and happy as it raises sharp but important themes of trust and hypocrisy in relationships. However, it's worth remembering that Woody Allen is also an excellent comedian, which makes his dialogues full of wit and punchlines that can't help but raise a smile.

"The holiday"(2006) - Nancy Meyers

What list of romantic films could do without Jude Law? Here we decided that our list of recommendations wouldn't be complete without a melodrama starring this English gentleman. So, what can we say about the film itself? Well, it's quite an ordinary and very light melodrama with a legitimate happy ending. We won't regret watching it, however, nor should we expect "The holiday" - it's a good but utterly simple love story.

"Amélie" (2001) - Jean-Pierre Jeunet

And we decided to finish our list with a very unconventional love story. In general, any film nerd  knows the work of director Jean-Pierre Jeunet and it is definitely worth it to watch this masterpiece together. But if you are not yet familiar with this amazing film, we strongly recommend you to watch it tonight. In addition to a wonderful story, you'll get a quirkily beautiful Paris, great music by Jan Thiersen, and a stunning Amélie performed by Audrey Tautou.

Afterword

So, that's our subjective list of heartbreaking films. We hope you found something you'd like to watch with your significant other. Also leave your suggestions and recomendations below: we'd love to see some feedback! We look forward to seeing you next Tuesday. Have a great week ;)