#POPCULTURE | Valentine’s films for the heart
by Sam Gianan & Jersey Gutierrez
Every 14th of February, people all over the world celebrate Valentine’s Day, a day to honor different types of love a little more than usual. A few common acts of celebrating the holiday are giving flowers, eating together, or giving letters. However, the pandemic has set certain limitations as for how we could express our affection and appreciation for those we greatly care about. Luckily, even when apart, there are still some activities to do together, such as watching movies! Whether you plan to watch with friends, a special friend, family, or maybe just by yourself, you’ll find a perfect match through these recommendations.
“If you could wish for anything, what would it be?”
This 2021 animated film set in modern-day China tells the story of Din (Jimmy Wong), a teenage boy who hopes to rekindle his relationship with his old friend, Li Na. As he perseveres to earn money and meet her, he is given a magic teapot, the home of a wish dragon who grants him three wishes. Sounds familiar?
This story goes a few steps ahead of what you’re thinking by giving light to different friendships that we love and learn from along the way.
What would your wish be? Will you remain stuck in the past or look forward to the future?
Our Times is a Taiwanese film set in the ’90s that will make you wonder what the future holds.
Truly Lin (Vivian Sung), an office worker thinking about her adulthood, brings us back to the simpler times. During her high school days, she was pining for Ouyang, the school heartthrob. She soon meets the notorious troublemaker, Hsu Tai-yu (Darren Wang), who is in love with Tao Min-min, the prettiest girl at their school. Together, Tai-yu and Truly are driven by their goal to break the couple apart and help each other win over who their heart desires. As they form their plan, they spend more time together, learning more about each other, themselves, and love.
Soul is an animated film about Joe (Jamie Foxx), a music teacher who dreams of becoming a professional jazz player. In an accident, his soul is separated from his body, and he seeks to reunite them before his first gig as a musician. Throughout his attempts to do so, he finds out the meaning of life and the importance of enjoying each day. The movie makes us realize the value of living and appreciating the little things that come before us, circling around the theme of “It’s not about the destination, but the journey itself.”
“I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.”
Notting Hill is a film that revolves around the romance between William (Hugh Grant), a British bookstore owner, and Anna (Julia Roberts), a famous Hollywood actress. Their relationship struggles through their problems with privacy, differing lifestyles, and baggage from their pasts. It explores an arc of once again seeing the beauty of romantic love despite past mistakes and hurting.
School of Rock is a 2003 film about Dewey Finn (Jack Black), a guitarist who was kicked out of his own band. Having nothing left but the need to pay rent, he poses as a substitute teacher for elementary students. He soon discovers that the students from the class he is “teaching” plays classical music, giving him hope to form a new band.
The movie explores the found family trope and the importance of good mentorship relationships as Dewey grows to genuinely care for his students, guiding them and supporting their passion for their talents.
On the other hand, Encanto takes us through the story of biological families and the relationships between each generation. The animated film tells the story of the Madrigals, a family of gifted people with special powers, except for the protagonist, Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz). When her family’s powers are in danger, she decides to go on a journey to restore their magic.
The tale explores relationships between siblings, parents, and grandparents, and the effects of pressure and perfection.
Although some of these films may be fueled by unrealistic circumstances and clichés, these fantasy-like elements keep us grounded with reality. Through these films, we get to experience the stories of love among different characters and learn from them, for sometimes, fiction is a teacher to our reality.
Valentine’s Day may be a special day to celebrate all types of love, but even beyond it, we must remember to continuously cherish those we care for.
