Jane Campion’s critically-acclaimed period romance Bright Star opens in theaters nationwide on Friday. Based on the real-life romance between poet John Keats and the girl next door, this is a film that will make you pine for a time when courtship had strict rules and suitors were forced to put their emotions on paper. To help celebrate, we’ve assembled a list of the romance flicks that define their decade. Weigh in with a comment and let us know what we’ve missed!
2000’s – Slumdog Millionaire
The moment:
Latika: I thought we would meet only in death. Jamal Malik: This is our destiny. Latika: Kiss me.
1990’s – Titanic
The moment:
Jack: Winning that ticket, Rose, was the best thing that ever happened to me… it brought me to you. And I’m thankful for that, Rose. I’m thankful. You must do me this honor, Rose. Promise me you’ll survive. That you won’t give up, no matter what happens, no matter how hopeless. Promise me now, Rose, and never let go of that promise. Rose: I promise. Jack: Never let go. Rose: I’ll never let go. I’ll never let go, Jack.
1980’s – When Harry Met Sally
The moment:
Harry Burns: I love that you get cold when it’s 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you’re looking at me like I’m nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it’s not because I’m lonely, and it’s not because it’s New Year’s Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.
1970’s – Annie Hall
The moment:
Alvy Singer: That sex was the most fun I’ve ever had without laughing.
1960’s – The Apartment
The moment:
C.C. Baxter: You hear what I said, Miss Kubelik? I absolutely adore you. Fran Kubelik: Shut up and deal.
1950’s – Roman Holiday
The moment:
Princess Ann: I have to leave you now. I’m going to that corner there and turn. You must stay in the car and drive away. Promise not to watch me go beyond the corner. Just drive away and leave me as I leave you. Joe Bradley: All right. Princess Ann: I don’t know how to say goodbye. I can’t think of any words. Joe Bradley: Don’t try.
1940’s – Casablanca
The moment:
Ilsa: I can’t fight it anymore. I ran away from you once. I can’t do it again. Oh, I don’t know what’s right any longer. You have to think for both of us. For all of us. Rick: All right, I will. Here’s looking at you, kid. Ilsa: [smiles] I wish I didn’t love you so much.
1930’s – Gone with the Wind
The moment:
Rhett Butler: No, I don’t think I will kiss you, although you need kissing, badly. That’s what’s wrong with you. You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how.