The title of this post is misleading, it should probably be "Movies with the most accurate depiction of marriage", but that doesn't have as good of search engine optimization ;). A few of these movies aren't directly about marriage either, but they reveal some fundamental truth about marriage that leaves an impression. These aren't necessarily movies that portray marriage in a positive light, but as all of us that are married know, it's not all sunshine and roses.
Some of these contain nudity and content that some people may find offensive or disturbing. They are in no particular order.
Revolutionary Road
Starring Leonardo Dicaprio and Kate Winslet, who won an Oscar for her portrayal of a suburban housewife who has become disillusioned with her life and her marriage. This movie is as the Thoreau quote, "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation."
The Family Man
Nicolas Cage plays a wealthy, self absorbed investment banker who gets the opportunity to see what his life would be like if he had made different choices. Mike and I love this movie and end up watching it anytime we come across it on tv.
The Notebook
The most romantic movie ever.
Away From Her
I cried through most of this movie and was sad for a full three days after. It is powerful.
Sarah Polley was nominated for an Oscar for the screenplay of this affecting movie.
"It was the opposite kind of love than we usually celebrate in films, which is new love without knowledge and without hardship. It's the whole idea of love after life has had its way with you, and after you have kind of failed each other and things have gone off the rails. Yet love still somehow exists between them" - Sarah Polley.
This Is 40
Mike and I laughed so hard during this movie. It seemed to mirror our own lives in so many ways (minus all the money and giant house). Maybe it was because we have 2 daughters as well, we could see a lot of similarities.
Little Children
This movie has a very disturbing sub-plot (and I'm not talking about the affair), but it also demonstrates how strong the bonds of marriage and children are.
Another Year
I found the couple in this movie to be a bit smug, but I do think that it portrays the easy familiarity and routine that comes with many years spent together.
Julie & Julia
Although this movie is not about marriage, it shows the supportive nature of both Julia & Julia's husbands as their wives pursue their dreams. Disappointingly, in real life, Julie goes on to have an affair and eventually leaves her husband.
Here are a few movies that I haven't seen yet, but that I know reflect on aspects of marriage in their storylines:
Amour
Blue Valentine
Hope Springs
Do you have any other suggestion that I should add to my list?
Great list! I especially love Blue Valentine, Away From Her & This is 40. Now downloading Amour & Hope Springs!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your list - several I haven't seen..which now I'll have to!!! ;) Hope Springs is a great one...
ReplyDeleteHAPPY ANNIVERSARY!