With Valentine’s Day now behind us, we were constantly exposed to romantic love and all of the different types of ways that people experience it throughout February. Based on life experience and personal opinion, people come to view romance as close friendship, unconditional devotion, and even heartbreak. No matter how people define it, love is the very basis of humanity, as all humans strive for genuine connection. Oftentimes, film attempts to express the human experience and show different perspectives on relationships and romance. Films expose us to various forms of love, teaching us that it looks different for everyone.

Students in the Indian Hills community were asked about which film defines what love means to them. Junior Abigail Manning said, “I think West Side Story because the love that is romantic surmounts all the other types of love. It shows the obsessive and quick force of love.” West Side Story is a classic musical based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, which follows forbidden love. Their immediate “love at first sight” makes for an even more dramatic portrayal of obsessive devotion. Similarly, junior Sarah Cerchio responded, “The Notebook because Noah was doing everything for Allie no matter how much effort it took.” The Notebook is one of the most popular and profound romances of our time. Separated by social class, Noah and Allie are consistently torn apart despite their attraction to one another. Their relationship is difficult, tumultuous, and sacrificial at times, but it is all worth it to make their love surmount. This type of reckless display of emotion highlights how love does not depend on wealth or rationality but instead, the heart. 

Noting another classic love story, senior Shannon Cassidy said, “Titanic because it is about sacrifice and fighting for love.” Titanic is one of the highest-grossing movies of all time, and it continues to be relevant in today’s culture. This historical fiction story surrounds a rich but depressed young woman named Rose who meets a poor but adventurous young boy on the Titanic. They instantly fall in love despite their difference in social status, and they both learn about different values of life from one another. This heartbreaking story highlights the powerful force of love, showing that even short affairs can last a lifetime. Junior Sophie Fox mentioned, “Singin’ in the Rain because Don and Kathy’s relationship is based on genuine love and respect for each other and not solely based on fame or phoniness.” This definition of love, based on mutual care for one another, has come to represent the classic film portrayals of romance.

However, love stories do not always have to be within romance movies. For example, Junior Karley Kurz notes, “I think a movie that defines romantic love to me is Forrest Gump. Forrest is so in love with Jenny that he’s driven every day by the thought of her. The emotions are so deep and complex between both characters throughout the entire movie that it really reminds me of what love is about. It’s a very complex thing, it really never has a straight path.” Indeed, Forrest spends his life moving in and out of his romantic relationship with Jenny. However, he never stops caring for her, showing that one can love without being loved back. Likewise, junior Ariana Admani mentioned, “500 Days of Summer because at the end, he realizes that the timing of a relationship doesn’t matter if the person is right. It is not where it is, it’s who it is.” This story is driven by a young man who is obsessed with a girl named Summer before, during, and after their relationship. Her lack of commitment is heartbreaking for him, but in truth, their feelings for each other were not balanced. This marks the difference between being in a healthy relationship and simply being in love. In addition, Junior Marianna Adragna responded, “I think Little Fish defines romantic love because it shows the ups and downs in relationships, yet shows how love comes through in times of need. It is super sad, but it shows how important love is to our memories and what makes us people.” The appreciation for sadness within love highlights that romance has difficult moments at times, but it is worth it for someone you truly care about.

Love stories can be fun, too! Junior Julia Coppo said, “How To Train Your Dragon 3 because with love comes loss and undying loyalty and support.” Of course, animated movies have some of the most beautiful love stories. This always shows that love exists within all living things, from humans to animals to mythical creatures. Junior Tess Amador responded, “I think How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. It’s definitely not a conventional rom-com, but I think it captures how unexpected romantic love can be and how love that’s worth it is so unconditional you’ll love the entire person with all of their weird quirks.” How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is hilarious and lighthearted, making for a positive and funny outlook on love. 

So whether you enjoy heartbreaking films, dramatic romances, or cute romantic comedies, you can always learn from a love story.