Today, two simple questions for you, the ever-glorious terribleminds audience.
Number One:
What are some good love stories? Books, film, games, real-life, what-have-you.
Number Two:
What, then, makes for a good love story?
Go.
(Happy Almost Valentine’s Day, all y’all.)
Fred Hicks says:
I’ve always been partial to an early nineties film called Watch It, but it’s impossible to find outside of VHS. A guy friendly chick flick, or vice versa, depending on how you look at it.
February 12, 2011 — 9:25 AM
Kate Haggard says:
Farscape! The only show/movie/anything I was in there solely (ok, not solely. Farscape had everything going for it (except the suits)) for the romance. And this is coming from a girl that plays a lot of Final Fantasy.
A good love story has to be real. I cringe whenever I see the whole Love At First Sight thing played out. I die a little inside when words like fate and destiny come into the equation. I go on a homicidal rampage when everything is perfectly kissy poo poo perfect but tragic and overwrought. Real people and real relationships don’t work that way. No matter what Disney wants to tell us.
I must admit (as you can probably tell by my answer to the first question) that I’m partial to a will-they-won’t-they kind-of-hate-each-other maybe even a little slapping around kind of dynamic. I like to see passions boil over all over the spectrum. It doesn’t have to be explosive – I still think one of the best fictional couples are Benedict and Beatrice.
February 12, 2011 — 9:28 AM
Lee 'Spikey' Nethersole says:
Top of the list has to be Farscape, yes. Whether you like sci fi or not it was one of the best and most engaging emotional roler coaster (considering how often that phrase is bandied about) of recent years.
February 12, 2011 — 10:11 AM
Aiwevanya says:
I’m not really big on romances as such, I can count the number or romantic comedies I actually like on the fingers of one hand (10 Things I Hate About You & A Life Less Ordinary, I think that might be it… unless Shaun of the Dead counts), I do quite like romantic arcs in other genres though, the romantic tension in Castle adds a lot to the show I think, gives it a continuity beyond it’s murder of the week format. I also have a soft spot for really hopeless romances, and I mean hopeless, like the one in Pushing Daisies, where if they ever touch she’ll die and in a similar vein the relationship between Thomas and Justine in the Dresden Files, they’re in love, he’s a lust vampire and the touch of genuine love burns him like holy water does in other vampire mythologies. I’m allergic to happy endings though so anything where love conquers all and saves the day I’m going to want to burn, if on the other hand love survives all and screws up a lot of other things in the process, count me in, that’s my kind of love story.
February 12, 2011 — 10:16 AM
terribleminds says:
I am amazed that Farscape keeps making this list. I haven’t seen the show, and think that I should rectify that problem.
Hmm.
*runs off to find out if it’s on Netflix Instant*
— c.
February 12, 2011 — 11:40 AM
Dave says:
In response to no.1, I’d have to say ‘The Black Tulip’ by Alexandre Dumas. I’m not a fan of love stories, and the end is stupidly predictable, but I absolutely love the way it is written.
February 12, 2011 — 10:18 AM
Josh Jordan says:
I confess that I love both the Princess Bride and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Both demonstrate character diversity, and both can make me laugh. Also, both movies have conflicts which legitimately separate the lovers for a time.
February 12, 2011 — 10:35 AM
Sparky says:
The Secretary, undisputed top of the list
Unusual, occasionally dark, and very strange it shows (to my mind) that love can and will take many forms.
Ten Things I Hate About You
Much Ado About Nothing
Midsummer Nights Dream
Corpse Bride
I’m really not sure what makes a good love story though glancing over my list it becomes quickly apparent that a I prefer my love lighthearted and relaxed most of the time. I mean sure torrid affairs can be fun and all but something about the match falling into place against the odds and despite protests by the protagonists makes me smile. On the far end of the spectrum Secretary and Corpse Bride are both a bit darker, but they are so well executed I can’t help but enjoy. In these stories love has a sort of healing and bonding power but it is something that must be worked towards, something that has real problems and compromise and sacrifice for both parties.
February 12, 2011 — 10:56 AM
Sparky says:
Oh and at the risk of being strange: The Story of O. I mean it started life as a series of love letters between two people, and it is a rather fascinating story all around. Not for the weak of heart though.
February 12, 2011 — 11:17 AM
Angela Perry says:
No suggestions. I like stories with romantic elements, but I despise “love stories.” My favorite line about romance is from the movie The Last Unicorn: “There are no happy endings, because nothing ends.” (Or something like that.)
I just wanted to comment and tell you I love the title of this post. How meta is that?
February 12, 2011 — 11:51 AM
not my real name says:
I just saw Last Chance Harvey this morning. While I’m sure it’s not the very best love story out there, it was quite lovely (by that I mean love story lovely), emotional, fresh in my mind, and available on Netflix instant view.
February 12, 2011 — 11:57 AM
lexcade says:
ok, i guess i’ll represent the gamers among us.
one of the greatest love stories in games i’ve EVER seen is in Shadow of the Colossus. there’s zero dialogue. you don’t even know the characters’ names except for the horse. but it’s the story of a man who would do ANYTHING to bring back the woman he loves, even kill these massive Colossi because it MIGHT bring her back. It’s just one of those games you have to experience. (on PS2)
February 12, 2011 — 11:59 AM
Marek says:
I agree with Kate about how a story needs to be for me to like it… and I will go against the grain by recommending you some kids shows.
First off is Avatar, with a wonderful romance developing between one of the mains and a ninja expy chick (and Zuko/Mai are unrealistic, but fun: “I don’t hate you… I don’t hate you, too”).
Second, Wakfu. While it does have some one-sided love-at-first-sight, the love story grows on you because it’s unobtrusive and you can see the other side slowly developing feelings for the first guy… which climaxes in the most bawwww worthy death scene ever. “J’aintre la legende”. :_(
Next, we have Bleach… sit down! Okay, so they dropped it, but while it was developing, Rukia/Ichigo was the bomb. You could see them going from grudging acceptance to tenderness thanks to the fact they had to work together… and it climaxed with the Soul Society arc, which was basically a more badass Orpheus story: boy goes to Hell to save a girl he may or may not love. If you can look past the shounen, the first 2 story arcs of Bleach are a fantastic show.
Phew, now let’s get to my favourite part: the lesbians. Check out “Girlfriends” by Morinaga Milk. It’s a somewhat realistic schoolgirl lesbian story (the Japanese fandom eats that shit up) in which we can see friendship develop into love thanks to companionship… or due to desperation. You decide.
February 12, 2011 — 12:03 PM
Sarah says:
For your first question, lemme throw some of my fave books at you. (Not literally, of course.)
Possessions by A.S. Byatt
Wuthering Heights by oh my god how useless is my brain today (Emily Bronte, thank you Wikipedia)
The Vinter’s Luck by Elizabeth Knox (book, not movie)
I haven’t read any of these in recent years (at least 15), so I can’t say precisely why I liked them so much, but they’ve all stayed with me.
TV romances: Firefly, and Dr Who + Rose Tyler.
I think in order to be entertaining stories, love stories need an element of frustration in consumating the relationship (ie just up to the point of kissing) to keep the audience returning. In any TV show, the charaters have to go through a protracted will-they-won’t-they-get-it-on stage, and we keep watching to find out if they do. As soon as they finally do: meh. No reason to keep watching. Happy people who stay happy just don’t make good watching. Personally I like the clues that show the love is passionate even while it’s being frustrated. Catherine and Heathcliff, if I recall, are pretty well the epitome of wild passionate love, and once their part of the story is done and the book turns to the younger couple who are more staid? placid? it’s a much less interesting story.
February 12, 2011 — 3:16 PM
Kfirah says:
Re-reading the Amelia Peabody mysteries by Elizabeth Peters and ya know, the love between Emerson & Peabody is wonderful, full of faults, but totally, completely, madly in love in spite and because of all that. These two understand each other to a fault and support each other through all ups and downs even though they drive each other to hair-pulling madness sometimes. These books are the best Valentine’s Day reading, I think.
The later stories when their son, Ramses falls in love with Nofret, are passionate of a different kind. I love that although they are madly in love, they still don’t know each other well enough to trust and just support each other. It really speaks of young love…not enough experience with life yet. Emerson and Peabody are more pragmatic and experienced and become aware of their undividing romance and are a much more solid pair from the beginning. Ramses & Nofret have to find their way. Lovely contrast.
February 12, 2011 — 5:18 PM
Lisa Kilian says:
I’ve been researching this very question myself as I gear up to write a kick-ass love story.
My observations:
1. The couple must be forced apart.
2. Any time when you can allude to the fact that destiny brought these people together or they were meant to be together always adds to the romantic effect.
3. Both must be head over heels in sexual attraction for over each other.
4. Sex is not the same thing as intimacy.
5. They both must have flaws and they both must hurt each other.
Lisa
February 12, 2011 — 5:28 PM
Andrew Jack says:
There’s an amzing little indy Irish film called Once that kicked all the different kinds of ass (there are seven).
It was charming, funny and very real.
And yes, awesome, if somewhat disturbing, title of today’s post.
February 12, 2011 — 5:33 PM
Eric Satchwill says:
It seems to me that on top of the delicious torture of will-they-won’t-they and various things conspiring to keep them apart, what makes for good love in stories is when the characters still aren’t sure how to deal with ‘love’ even when they’ve finally gotten together. Conflict in the communication/trust arena where they have to learn how to be a ‘we’ rather than a ‘me’. On the other hand, that’s the exact type of conflict that makes me want to yell at the book/tv/computer because they’re being so bloody clueless. Maybe that’s the point? I think I’ve lost mine.
But going back to favourites. I’ll throw in another vote for Farscape because that show bloody well rocks.
The relationships in Lynn Flewelling’s Nightrunner series keep me coming back again and again. She does a great job of building up to the love between the characters, and keeps throwing things in their way. Even now when I know exactly how things are going to go, they still tug at my heart.
February 12, 2011 — 6:09 PM
Jan says:
Mmm. Favorite Romance Movie must be Playing by Heart, if only because it has the great Sean Connery himself falling being in love. It’s more about romance than A Romance though.
I’m a proud romance fan, I devour them. Good ones, smutty ones, dirty ones and so bad it is good again ones – I love it all. I always thought that I had multiple persona’s, because how could this sucker for romance be an SF/F fan as well? But now that there’s more and more cross-over stories, I realized it all comes down to escapist reading.
I think Good Romance comes down to a couple of things.
Characters you can root for, which undergo some serious developement and growth through the story. Preferably at least partly thanks to the encounter/interaction with the love interest.
Inner and Outer conflicts (that aren’t too far fetched), which the hero and heroine overcome together.
A Happy Ending (if not, it’s technically not a Romance Novel, but a love story)
Great Romance should also have excellent dialogue, and a nice balance between emotion and humor.
And sizzling chemistry of course 😀
Some of my personal favorites: The Surgeon’s Lady by Carla Kelly; Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase, Persuasion by Jane Austen…
In the Crossovers I really liked The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook as well, though maybe slightly more for the awesome worldbuilding than for the romance.
February 12, 2011 — 6:19 PM
Jan says:
EDIT: Sean Connery _defines_ falling in love.
February 12, 2011 — 6:19 PM
Shannon Green says:
I don’t know what the formula is for a good love story but I know the elements I like. The main one is that the couple lives happily ever after. I tend to get pissy if they don’t.
The Notebook was a good love story even though it ripped my heart out, tossed it on the floor, stomped on it, then threw it back in my face. They had their happily ever after and then they died together. What could be more perfect?
The Abyss was a good love story with a little sci-fi thrown in. Or maybe it was good sci-fi with a love story thrown in. Either way, the main characters willingly die for each other but still get to end up living happily ever after. You just don’t see that very often.
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers is my favorite literary love story. It’s also one of the few Christian fiction books that I actually like. It’s loosely based on the book of Hosea where a man marries a prostitute and basically loves her so unconditionally that it changes her life…but not quickly or easily.
Then there’s Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy who have to overcome social status problems and misconceptions before they finally end up together. Plus there was a touch of that good girl/bad boy thing that I find so appealing.
So I guess I like my love stories with bad boys, prostitutes, aliens and death as long as they live happily ever after.
February 12, 2011 — 6:23 PM
Will Entrekin says:
Shakespeare in Love. Hands down.
If you don’t mind a self-mention, my novel Meets Girl fits the bill, I think.
Although both, technically, are tragedies, and not romances. Except that nobody dies.
Which is, I think, what makes for a good love story. Story is about conflict. So it’s either Harlequin/romcom, or . . . . well, tragic, really. Is “happily ever after” really a satisfying ending? No. Nobody wants happily ever after, and there’s no story in happily ever after. Happily ever after isn’t reality; it’s happy fantasy, and bad happy fantasy at that.
I think The Princess Bride works as a happily-ever-after story because it’s a total satire of that fantasy, and the sort of satire that’s so brilliant it’s unrecognizeable as such.
February 12, 2011 — 6:50 PM
Louise Curtis says:
From TV, my two favourites are “Mad About You” (the final episode was great) and Lily and Marshall in “How I Met Your Mother” (both are actual long-term relationships with physical attraction AND things in common – I gag at Bella and Edward because the basis of their love is that her blood is extra yummy and he has pretty pretty eyes).
Oh! And Luke and Lorelai in “The Gilmore Girls”. It was so obvious that he loved her and she loved being around him, but they came from utterly different worlds – and when they did finally get together, they actually talked about things instead of simply misunderstanding and breaking up (until. . . well, never mind). All these pairs also have plenty of differences, and THAT (rather than some stupid web of lies or one of them cheating/loving someone else) is what creates tension.
Hey, just like life.
Louise Curtis – who doesn’t like romance unless it’s either mostly funny or mostly something else (kidnapped by pirates is good).
February 12, 2011 — 7:34 PM
Joanna Aislinn says:
There’s something about this place…
Best romance/love story: Hmm–I love a great romance or story with romantic elements: PS I Love You (the movie–haven’t read the book); Love Actually; Ashes in the Wind (Woodiwiss); See How She Dies (L. Jackson); sequel to my debut (which I hope to have out there soon).
What makes it awesome: as long as you drag me in and make me want to believe, I’m good. Don’t care where or when: NYC today, the Oregon trail, Regency England, holodeck on the Enterprise.
Joanna Aislinn
Dream. Believe. Strive. Achieve!
NO MATTER WHY
The Wild Rose Press
http://www.joannaaislinn.com
http://www.joannaaislinn.wordpress.com
February 13, 2011 — 8:39 AM
Sean Riley says:
I actually liked The American President. Sure, it’s a bog-standard romantic comedy, but somehow including some (even just a taste) of actual cut & thrust political world as a contrast really helped the storyline, giving the love in it a chance to stand out from the everyday world.
And High Fidelity is a favourite of mine, but I think calling it just a love story is a bit reductionist.
February 13, 2011 — 3:45 PM
terribleminds says:
High Fidelity = Post-Modern love story, maybe?
— c.
February 13, 2011 — 3:45 PM
Jennifer says:
I sort of skimmed lightly over the comments already made, so apologies if someone has mentioned this already (but I didn’t see it).
Pride and Prejudice, in all it’s forms, has to be one of the most towering pillars to the genre ever written or filmed. Yes, technically it’s a comedy and it’s period (and written back in the day) so the problems associated with the couple aren’t today’s problems. But it’s the love that’s enduring. The BBC 6-hour mini-series with Colin Firth is excellent, as is the Matthew McFadyen/Keira Knightley version from 2004.
Sense and Sensibility. For someone who never married, the author sure knew a decent bit about love and yearning. I highly highly recommend the 1995 Ang Lee film.
Jane Eyre. Yes, I know, another period piece. But it remains wonderful, and love is the winner here in this story. It also shows a different kind of love. Not quite so passionate and perfect. Full of flaws and loss. It’s gothic and wonderful. There have been numerous excellent film adaptions made, and every one I’ve seen is good (with the exception of the Timothy Dalton one – it’s ok, but the newer versions are better). The newest version is a British film with the delicious Michael Fassbender and the lovely Mia Wikowski. It looks to be promising.
I second the mention of Much Ado About Nothing. Kenneth Branagh’s film is absolutely gorgeous and wonderful.
I also second the mention of The Notebook. You’d have to be a cold-hearted individual to not be moved at least a little bit by that film.
I used to be a devotee of the Historical Romance when I was a teenager. Believe it or not, for the soft-core erotica that they are, the love stories are always spectacular – and typical.
Of the couple of regular fiction books that also are centrally designed around love are Through a Glass Darkly and To Dance with Kings. Both Historical, both just fiction — they eschew the descriptive sex scenes 😛 However I have read them both more than 20 years ago and they remain vivid in my mind and I remember them even now.
Love stories almost always need to focus on the barriers to being with the object of your affection. They don’t even necessarily need to consummate in any fashion to be satisfactory. The obstacles are the drama – and what happens at the end creates either a tragedy or happy-ending.
February 14, 2011 — 7:33 AM
Sue Campbell says:
More than anything, likable, believable characters that you just know will be perfect together. Then keep them apart for as long as possible, until the females reading/watching are squirming in their chairs, panting, and wanting those two to y’know do it. (The males will have lost interest long before.)
And one other thing. There are hairs on those toothbrushes. •shudders• Eeeeww!
February 14, 2011 — 6:27 PM
Karen Balcom says:
I was only drawn to read this because of sex and biscuits. See, I read a self-pubbed book last year that was, in broad terms, sucky, but there was quite a steamy scene involving sex and biscuits. Any time you combine kitchen sex and fresh-from-the-oven baked goods, I’m there. That’s a love story for sure.
February 16, 2011 — 1:22 PM
AB says:
What makes a great love story? Two genuinely nice people who find each other. And please, no stupidity. I’m probably the only person in the world who thinks Romeo and Juliet were idiots. A witty, honest heroine, a smart, appreciative, perhaps slightly wicked hero, and maybe some romping mayhem around them (think Much Ado About Nothing) and I’m there.
Best love story? On video I’d have to say “Howl’s Moving Castle”. As far as books, I refuse to pick one from the library’s worth of stories I’ve read.
February 24, 2011 — 11:41 PM