Romantic scenes that get me every time...

BEWARE! SPOILERS!

Seeing as Valentine's Day is approaching... whilst pondering the other day about my favourite romantic scenes in films, it came to my attention that most of them weren't actually in my favourite romances themselves. I love Roman Holiday, Camille, and Sliding Doors, but there's no pivotal moments in those which beat the ones I am about to list. I love those as a whole, but there are other films, not necessarily romances, where gentlemanly gestures, happy endings, or cute encounters bring a tear to my eye. There are countless moments and films to choose from, so please don't tell me I've forgotten any. So here they are, in no particular order.

Rebecca (1940)

I love Hitchcock, I love Rebecca, and I love the spookiness of Manderley and the creepiness of Mrs. Danvers, but my favourite scenes of the entire film are in the first half hour as Joan Fontaine and Laurence Olivier strike up a relationship. There are some great moments and lots of humour. One scene I love is where the pair go dancing one evening. Typical of Hollywood, there is a dance floor dotted with couples, a pond reflecting the twinkling stars of night, and Olivier is dancing with lovely Fontaine. Fontaine is facing the camera - her eyes look around at this beautiful setting, she looks like she can't believe her luck, and closing her eyes, allows herself to be swept off her feet. Cutting to Olivier, he notices she has her eyes closed and smiles because he can see she is having a dream of a time. Cutting back to Fontaine - she slowly opens her eyes to find handsome Olivier smiling back at her. Caught off guard and looking slightly shy, she composes herself and smiles back. No need to be embarrassed - she is just too happy. Here is the scene at 4 minutes in if you want to check it out. 

Laura (1944)

Laura has so many great things about it. Perfect script, perfect cast, perfect music, perfect mystery... the perfect noir! There are a lot of subtle talents in the film that make it work. One of those is Dana Andrews and Gene Tierney. I love the interrogation scene. Detective McPherson (Andrews) knows that Laura (Tierney) isn't being completely honest with him. He knows she is innocent but he also knows she is hiding something. He questions her constantly, trying to make her come clean, and the harder he tries, the closer he gets to her. The interrogation reaches such intensity that he is sitting on the table right in front of Laura, bowing over her he is almost pleading that she be honest with him (he wants her to be innocent). Laura hears what he is saying and I believe she hears the unusual concern in his voice for her, she looks up into his eyes. Now in a dangerously close position, Andrews pulls himself away with much force and walks around to the other side of the desk - making sure there is a solid barrier between them. I love how he has to pull himself away to stop doing anything unprofessional.

Sabrina (1954)

One of the first "old" films I ever watched, Sabrina always says 'classic Hollywood glamour' to me. Even though I think the film falls a little flat when Sabrina (Audrey Hepburn) begins to date Linus (Humphrey Bogart - whom I love as an actor but he is definitely miscast here), I love the first half hour of the film. After attending cookery school in France, Sabrina returns home as a blossoming beauty and fashionable match for bachelor David (William Holden) whom she has been in love with all her life. My favourite scenes are at the very beginning when Sabrina (still a child) is watching David dance with another girl and when Sabrina finally dances with him herself a year or so later. The sumptuous gowns, starry night, extravagant party, and magical music make the party a dream for any girl. To top it all off the orchestra plays romantic favourites like 'My Silent Love' and 'Isn't It Romantic?' which fill the hot summer air. How many of us want to be wearing that gorgeous Givenchy gown, look as radiant as Hepburn, and be dancing with Holden in that fantastic setting? See this clip at 3:44 as a reminder.

Hannah and her Sisters (1986)

I bought a Woody Allen collection recently and am loving every minute of his films. So far, Hannah and her Sisters is my favourite. So many great lines, characters, and moments in this film, but one beautiful scene is the finale. Throughout the film we have been aware that Mickey (Allen) was unable to conceive a child with Hannah (Mia Farrow). Many years later after his divorce, he re-dates Hannah's sister, Holly. The pair get on like a house on fire and live happily ever after. Best of all we realise the full extent of that happiness when the two of them are cuddling at the family Thanksgiving gathering, and Holly tells Mickey that she is pregnant. As if they couldn't be in love with each other anymore, somehow Mickey isn't infertile and they will both be able to start a family together. Beautiful, meaningful scene.

When Harry Met Sally... (1989)

Two very close friends are both completely unaware of the fact that they have fallen in love with each other. At a museum, the pair are discussing moving on from past relationships. Sally has a date lined-up for the night, Harry enquires if she will be wearing what she has on right now. After responding 'yes', Harry tells Sally, "You look great in skirts," then turns his head back to the artwork they are admiring. Even though he has not seen her reaction to his compliment, we can see the wonderful smile spread on her face. It means so much to her that he thinks this, that he thinks she looks "great". I think we can all safely say that we felt similar when the person we liked told us we look great. This scene really captures the simplest of moments that mean the world when you have feelings for somebody. p...

Sense and Sensibility (1995)

Jane Austen... Alan Rickman... Kate Winslet? Talk about lethal combination. Austen has written some of our favourite romances and there have been many an adaptation. But it is this one, Sense and Sensibility, directed by Ang Lee and with a screenplay written by Emma Thompson, that moves me the most. Of course I love the story between Elinor and Edward Ferrars, however, the most touching scenes, in my opinion, are those between Colonel Brandon and Marianne. For example, the 'Weep No More Sad Fountains' scene. Whilst Marianne treats her neighbours and family to a song, Colonel Brando walks in (unnoticed by all except Elinor). As if transfixed by some magic spell, his brisk steps gradually become slower and finally come to a complete stop. The expression on his face is shock, amazement, lovestruck? Marianne continues to play because she has not seen this new guest. As the song comes to a close, we are shown Brandon again. He hasn't moved a muscle throughout the entire song. Standing motionless, his eyes have gained a look of great emotion and intense longing... we, like Elinor, can see that he has already fallen for Marianne who sits like a porcelain doll at her piano and sings like an angel. 

Cruel Intentions (1999)

I have already discussed this scene in detail in a previous blogpost. Just that perfectly constructed, 'teen love' moment. Annette has gone home after feeling like she has humiliated herself in front of Sebastian (he rejected her). Realising his true feelings for Annette and terrified of losing her, Sebastian goes after her. As Annette gets off the train and takes the escalator, Sebastian appears at the top. The ascending steps head towards him, like some tragic romantic hero, waiting for her - motionless. Eventually she clocks him, let's be fair - how could she miss him with the shot? Sebastian declares his love and they share a passionate kiss in the middle of the train station. The camera circles the pair, making them feel like the centre of the universe. This is their moment.

Tarzan (1999)

There are so many clips from Disney films like make me go 'awwwww' but it is this clip from the Tarzan number, 'Strangers Like Me' which I've always had a weakness for. The song shows the relationship blossom between Jane and Tarzan as they learn from each other. But the song ends with some night-time, vine twirling. Jane, apprehensive at the thought of doing something so adventurous, is given a push by Tarzan. Floating through the air, her nervousness disappears and she joyously swings through the branches. Before she gets too carried away, however, Tarzan grabs her vine so that his and hers begin to entwine, to the point where they are close-up, nose to nose, with Tarzan looking intensely into Jane's eyes. But, this is a Disney film, so the intensity subsides when Jane gives a bashful smile. This twilight, jungle twist on a star-lit night is gorgeous, ever-so romantic, and Tarzan seems like the perfect gent!

Lost in Translation (2003)

Such a powerful finale. Bill Murray stopping his taxi and chasing after the woman he loves. Giving her a goodbye embrace and kiss, he then whispers in her ear. We never really hear what he is saying, but we can guess two things by Scarlett Johansson's face: 1.) her tears tell us that he is telling her how much he loves her, and 2.) her smile tells us that he is coming back for her. No over the top speeches, no cheesy music. Just two people in the middle of the crowd, both were heartbroken at the thought that they would never see each other again, but guess what, they love each other and will be reunited soon. All sealed with a hug and smooch of course. The happiness on Johansson's face is beautiful and the reassuring calmness of Murray (not to mention the determination and deep feeling in his eyes when he holds her) are some top notch acting performances.

The Notebook (2004)

Whenever this film comes up in conversation, boys and girls say one of two things. Either, 'If you're a bird I'm a bird,' or 'It wasn't over, it still isn't over.' Two quotes from many lovey dovey, tear-jerking moments in the film. Trust me - there are plenty to choose from. But that doesn't make it a soppy film. One thing I love about The Notebook is it's realism. And no I'm not saying every guy writes a letter for 365 days of a year or love can perform miracles, etc. The realism I like is the love between Allie and Noah. How they meet, how their love blossoms, their break-up. The most powerful scene for me is this one where Allie has recently been reunited with Noah (years after they split-up). She has also just been told of the letters he sent her. An emotional wreck, Allie is forced to pull-over whilst driving home because she isn't in a fit state to drive. Whilst she tries to calm down, she reads Noah's letters. The letter she reads is so touching:

“My Dearest Allie. I couldn't sleep last night because I know that it's over between us. I'm not bitter anymore, because I know that what we had was real. And if in some distant place in the future we see each other in our new lives, I'll smile at you with joy and remember how we spent the summer beneath the trees, learning from each other and growing in love. The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds, and that's what you've given me. That's what I hope to give to you forever. I love you. I'll be seeing you. Noah”

Firstly, the letter is beautifully written. Secondly, Ryan Gosling reads it in his lovely, low voice. And thirdly, there is so much truth in it. These are the words of a young boy who has had his heart broken. He couldn't sleep because he knows their relationship is over. To this line Allie let's out a whimper - Noah's words mirror how she felt at the time, the thought of the relationship being over is still very painful for her. Noah is a good guy though, and the love he felt for her was genuine. He will not look for revenge, he doesn't feel any anger, he loves her very much and wishes her only the best. He will no longer dwell on the pain of the split but remember the memories of a warm summer and falling for her. The music for this is very fitting, in fact it's the most subtle, understated element of the entire film. It's played in a lot of scenes but can go unnoticed (kudos Aaron Zigman). A very low melody that sounds like the sun setting on a summer's day - warm, hazy. I love this scene. It gets me every time. Maybe it's power lies in how the feelings of the two leads are so relatable.

Howl's Moving Castle (2004)

Such a simple scene, very much like the one in When Harry Met Sally... After revealing a safe haven for Sophie whilst he is away (and may not return), Howl is happy that she will be safe during the war. But Sophie knows that this arrangement is in case of Howl not returning and believes he is going away because he doesn't love her. Why shouldn't he love her? Because she isn't beautiful... whether young or old.

Sophie: Obviously, I'm not a beautiful girl. Only thing I can do is clean the house, though.
Howl: Sophie, you are beautiful! You really are!

Shocked at her low self-esteem and at her assumption that he sees her as ugly, Howl declares loudly that she is beautiful. Hasn't Sophie noticed that he has always liked her? Always been intrigued by her? That he is taking care of her with the land to ensure that she is safe and provided for? It's only a couple of lines, but hearing Howl tell Sophie adamantly that she is beautiful is such a touching moment. Christian Bale voices Howl and gives the animation real character, he brings him to life, and you can hear the truth/love in his words.

Up (2009)

Pixar always touch the right nerve with their films and this opening for Up may just be the greatest thing they have achieved. It tells the love/life story of Carl & Ellie, from when they met as children, to when they are old and grey - all in under 4 minutes! The shock at the end of the 4 minutes makes your stomach drop. It is such a shock, especially for a children's film, but it is pulled off tremendously. The warmth of the sequence, the music, the simple scenarios and the terrible tragedies, all engage with human emotion and the audience responds. Michael Giacchino composed a stunning, very memorable melody that suits the mood and tone of the film perfectly. It's like the film and music have always existed. What is so powerful about this scene is that feels like we are looking through the past of a real person, seeing their highs and lows, their loves and losses...  heartbreaking stuff. Few romances have packed the emotional punch that those opening minutes of Up managed to do.

Tarzan: Where have I seen that before?

Disney's Tarzan is one of the studio's unsung greats. Their telling of the tale of the ape man is surrounded some of the best animation/ computer effects ever done in a film, Disney's animators created a jungle that seemed real enough for us as an audience to become lost in it, and fall in love with it. Again, Disney does not fail with it's characters who are just as lovable as any of it's predecessors. And of course, the soundtrack, although it is all mostly sung by Phil Collins, is full of upbeat, exciting songs, along with a very beautiful score in the more serious parts of the film. Yes Tarzan has everything and more you would expect from a Disney film, and I'm sure that Walt Disney would be more than proud of it.

The aim of this blog post is to share my thoughts on the many references to previous Disney films in Tarzan, which cannot be ignored. They are not signs of Disney getting sloppy and using material that they have used before, not at all. I see Tarzan as a homage to all the Disney classics, as well as a classic in it's own right. We could even call it, the Once Upon a Time in the West of Disney's animated films.

I think the most obvious reference in Tarzan is to The Jungle Book, and before you roll your eyes, it's not because they are both set in a jungle. Both follow the story of male being brought up by a group of animals; for Mowgli is was a wolfpack, for Tarzan it is a family of gorillas. However, where Mowgli can seemingly act like any animal he wants but is ultimately still human in how he walks, Tarzan has become the link between man and ape. That is one of the aspects I think Disney did brilliantly in this film, they made it believable that Tarzan was one of the gorillas, even to the point where he had to learn English to speak to the humans that arrive, because he only speaks in 'gorilla'.

Another big reference to previous films was the character of Kerchak, leader of the gorilla family. This character is impressive in his sheer size, imposing presence and his wisdom for the group. But this character has elements of so many other characters: namely Mufasa, the Beast, Chief Powhatan and the Great Prince of the Forest (Bambi's father). Kerchak has a similar role to Mufasa and Powhatan- they are both leaders and both have wisdom of age that helps them protect their family. There are many moments in Tarzan where they show Kerchak looking down at Tarzan, always alone and high up- this is very similar to Bambi's father. As for his similarity to the Beast, both have the same voice- frightening but tender, much like their character.

The character of Tantor as a baby elephant, I think everyone will have noticed, is remarkably like the baby elephant in The Jungle Book- similar blocked-noise, squeaky, cute voices. Both are adorable friends to our main characters. In fact, even the mother of Tantor is pretty much identical in voice and character to the mother of the elephant in The Jungle Book.

As for the villain, he is quite unique apart from a slight similarity to Governor Ratcliffe. Both British explorers who have no respect for the foreign people/animals who inhabit the land they are trying to take over or make money from.

We cannot forget Jane's father, Professor Porter who looks like nearly every father figure in the Disney filmography. The sultan, King Hubert, the King from Cinderella and Maurice are all short, with a white hair and a big white moustache. Aside from that similarity, this character is very fun and original, bringing a lot of comedy to the film.

On the other hand, our damsel in distress is breath of fresh air after the other Disney heroines. I love Belle, Ariel and Jasmine, but compared to Esmeralda, Mulan and Meg who have a sharpness and strength that you don't find in the princesses. Jane is also British, making her incredibly funny for you can see the American view of the Brits- the characteristics usually being prim 'n' proper, and a little silly times.

As for the character of Tarzan himself, he is really very different to other Disney males. There is so much intensity with this character, and for once, I do feel that our hero really does love our heroine. Like Hercules, it feels that the hero loves her personality, instead of the 'love at first sight' formula that is found in so many of Disney's films. Wonderful as these conventions are, it is lovely to see a romance blossom throughout the film, and is beautifully expressed in the number 'Strangers Like Me'.

What I really love about Tarzan is that it is a real journey. It starts with Tarzan's biological family's journey, then with Tarzan's journey to become an ape, then his journey to learn from humans- ultimately his journey of life and we totally feel a part of that. Phil Collin's does a fantastic job with the soundtrack, so much so that we want to be in that jungle, and we even feel a bit tearful with his almost ambient score when Tarzan finally finds his original home and discovers his real parents.

Last but not least, the visuals in Tarzan are out of this world. Thanks to computer technology, Disney's animators managed to create intricate jungle branches and vines that appear like a video game or a rollercoaster, taking us on this fun ride that Disney has never visually been able to do before.

Tarzan is one of Disney's most exciting films boasting wonderful characters, memorable songs and breathtaking visuals, it a must for anybody who just wants to escape for a couple of hours. And for all you Disney fans out there, keep an eye out for the many references to it's predecessor, there are many more which I have not mentioned but are well worth noting. It is Disney's homage, and finale to a decade where the studio came back to life bigger and better than ever, before continuing with lesser films, and having only Pixar to redeem the company's former glory.