“We swam against the current, our hands intertwined, and we decided to never let go of each other. She looked at me, like only soulmates can look at each other and she took a leap of faith in me. Together we faced the unknown. She never doubted in us, she never explored other options, even when she could have. I was everything she wanted and needed. Those are the reasons why failing her wounded me, this is why I will never forgive myself for leaving her behind. I didn’t mean to, only death could have broken us apart, and it did. He took her away from me rather sooner than what I expected.”
Death is the only certainty we have, and yet, we decide to avoid thinking about it at all costs. Every day we roll the dice of fate, hoping to win. We risk everything in the name of love to spend our lives next to that special person. We thrive on the fantasies of building a home and family together. This dream comes to a swift end, and it is not because of a third party or a fight. It all ends overnight because death has decided to step all over on our long term plans.
We will never know if these passionate stories were doomed to fail because they ended too abruptly. The following movies represent the love that failed to be eternal but is altogether epic because of its fleeting nature.
SPOILER ALERT! IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THESE MOVIES BEFORE, JUST CHECK THE TRAILERS, WATCH THEM, AND THEN, COME BACK AND KEEP READING.
Moulin Rouge (2001), Baz Luhrmann
It’s set in the early Twentieth Century, and the story is loosely based on La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi, and Alexander Dumas Jr.’s, Lady of the Camellias. The characters are Christian and Satine; he is a bohemian, and she is the jewel of the Moulin Rouge. Surrounded by the bohemian lifestyle of Beauty, Truth, and Love, they find each other. Like any other romantic movie, they will have to face a series of trials that will test their love, including the presence of a rival and the insidious consumption.
Autumn in New York (2000), Joan Chen
New York is always the best stage where we see romantic stories unfold. On the streets of Manhattan an older man meets a young cheerful woman. Her kind spirit and her love for life will teach him what he needs to enjoy every minute this world has to offer.
Open Your Eyes (1997), Alejandro Amenábar
If you’ve already found that special person, never let them go. Even if your life changes overnight due to a tragic accident, even if they are a mess, even if they are just a dream, and even if you might need to overcome dozens of difficulties, fight for them. Love and let yourself go, open your eyes.
Harold and Maude (1971), Hal Ashby
A suicidal teenager and an older woman, who could die any minute, develop a complex relationship, based on their different points of view in life. It is a masterful film with a Freudian approach, which reminds us that stereotypes are useless. Harold and Maude will prove that their obsession over death can give birth to a great love story.
Cherry Blossoms (2008), Doris Dörrie
Trudi and Rudi are living in Germany when he is diagnosed with a terminal disease. Her wife, driven by the idea of pushing him out of his comfort zone, takes him on a trip; however, death find her first. He decides to pay homage to his wife by continuing his journey to see Japan. When he arrives to the Asian country, he meets a woman named Yu. They soon develop a friendship filled with the contrast of both cultures. This movie will undoubtedly make you cry.
Cruel Intentions (1999), Roger Kumble
Sebastian is a heartbreaker with a dangerous reputation; he is known for his ability to seduce women. Sebastian and his step sister make a bet to see if he can seduce Annette, the most conservative student of their school. In the middle of this game, Sebastian will slowly fall in love with her.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCFR2vpMIQU
Atonement (2007), Joe Wright
This epic love poem is based on one of the most important books of the Twenty First Century. Two lovers are separated by a misunderstanding and the lies of a girl. To be reunited, he will have to fight in the front lines during the WWII, and she will wait for him. The girl, regretting her actions, decides to become a nurse and help the wounded. The final plot twist will shock you and convince you that this is one of the greatest love stories.
One Day (2011), Lone Scherfig
Emma and Dexter’s relationship starts on July 15. This day marks the beginning and ending of their friendship, and the start of love. Death and happiness will follow this couple in all their adventures. If you want to deeply explore each of the characters, we recommend you to read the book first.
