Changing times bring changing genres. While some genres have evolved over time, others have stood still. In the past ten years, romantic comedies have gone through an existential crisis as superhero franchises have replaced their lighthearted charm with special effects extravaganzas that are heavily fandom driven. While romantic comedies were considered feel-good films with a repetitive third act (where the boy and girl finally kiss), the genre had a major impact on representing women in their own skin. Be it the lead role of Marilyn Monroe Seven years itch or the path breaker When Harry met Sally, women turned out to be funny, confused, real characters as hopeful and imperfect as men.
Several actresses, such as Sandra Bullock and Meg Ryan, were successful in these characters because they brought out women's inner inhibitions by feeling loved and accepted for who they are. Unfortunately, most romantic comedies directed by men rob women of their intelligence and often portray them as man-hunters. However, several romantic comedies directed by women stand out for lacking the nuances of being a woman while being incredibly funny. Here are the best romantic comedies directed by women that will take you back to simpler times.
10 The proposal
The proposal was directed by Anne Fletcher and follows an unlikely boss named Margaret, played by Sandra Bullock, who convinces her assistant, played by Ryan Reynolds, to pose as her fiancé so she can avoid deportation from the United States. Although the film was a critical failure, The proposal remains special because of the strange chemistry between Bullock and Reynolds in an extremely predictable plot. The movie works when a viewer doesn't want to be challenged and wants an easy ride, which makes The proposal very rewatchable as a comfort film. The witty dialogues and eccentric characters played by Betty White and Oscar Nuñez make the movie enjoyable. One never looks The proposal before the end, but how Margaret comes out of her shell and gives herself a chance to fall in love.
9 27 Dresses
27 Dresses was directed by Anne Fletcher and stars Katherine Heigl as Jane, who is addicted to bridesmaids for her service over self-esteem. An unfortunate incident makes her question her peculiar obsession. She meets a reporter played by James Marsden who is interested in her unique pursuit and her life takes a romantic turn. The film holds no surprises, but is unique for Heigl's performance as a cynic who has ironically gotten caught up in weddings. The film was aimed at fans of the genre and is a perfect fit for Valentine's Day.
8 Enough said
Enough said was directed by Nicole Holocefner and stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Eva and James Gandolfini as Albert. Eva is a divorced masseuse who falls in love with Albert, but has second thoughts about him when she discovers he is her client's former husband. The film was dedicated to Gandolfini, who died before the film's release and was praised for his charming performance. The loss of the actor increased his lovable presence in the film and was praised by audiences and critics alike. Julia Louis-Dreyfus was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor. Enough said remains special because it focuses on two divorced, middle-aged protagonists as protagonists in a plethora of romantic comedies aimed at the young and immature.
7 Something has to give
Something has to give was directed by Nancy Meiers, starring Jack Nicholson as Harry Sanborn and Diane Keaton as Erica. Harry is in a relationship with a much younger Marin, which shocks her mother, Erica. She questions Harry and confronts his womanizing approach to relationships, while Harry slowly softens towards Erica. The film follows the love-hate relationship between two opposing personalities, and Nicholson and Erica were praised for their performance. The film was a commercial and critical success, with Keaton being nominated for Best Actor for the Academy Awards and winning the Golden Globe Awards for her performance. Nicholson was too nominated for the latter. Something has to give continues to be a rom-com favorite for authentically portraying older characters dealing with their troubles looking for love.
6 Mama Mia!
Mama Mia! is a jukebox musical comedy directed by Phylida Lloyd, which is adapted from the book and play of the same name written by Catherine Johnson. The story is based on the background of the musical numbers of the classic Swedish band ABBA. It follows bride-to-be Sophie, played by Amanda Seyfried, who is raised by her single mother Donna, played by Meryl Streep. Sophie invites three men to her wedding who could be her potential father. Donna goes on a rollercoaster ride as she meets her ex-lovers on the eve of her daughter's wedding. The film is a nostalgic ride to the 1970s pop era, when ABBA was at its peak, and doubles as a unique holiday film as it is set in Greece. Streep is commendable for her comedic timing and her singing skills. It's impossible not to sing along to the movie if you're an ABBA fan.
5 It's complicated
It's complicatedis directed by Nancy Meyers, and stars Meryl Streep as Jane and Alan Baldwin as Jacob, who play a divorced couple with unfinished business in their love life. Jane is also attracted to Adam, played by Steve Martin, which complicates her life. The film is unique for its take on divorced couples falling in love again and how boundaries should be set with divorced couples. The film explores sexuality in aging couples from a fresh and hilarious perspective.
The film was praised for Streep and Baldwin's performances, with both being nominated for Golden Globe Awards for their performance. The cast included Zoe Kazan and John Krasinski and was awarded the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures Award for Best Ensemble Cast. The film was nominated for Street and Baldwin was nominated for the Critics' Choice Awards, the Satellite Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards for Nancy Meyers for Best Picture and Best Screenplay.
4 Bridget Jones' Diary
Bridget Jones' Diary was directed by Sharon Maguire and follows the life of Bridget Jones, played by Renée Zellweger, based on the book of the same name written by Helen Fielding. The film was a reinterpretation of Jane Austen's pride and prejudice, where Bridget is a woman in her thirties who writes her wishes in her diary and intends to manifest them in real life. However, two men enter her life and fight for her affections, which changes her plans. Audiences and critics alike enjoyed the film for Zellweger's comedic timing and her insight into an everyday British woman dealing with physical issues. Bridget learns to change herself to be better with the man she loves.
3 Sleepless in Seattle
Sleepless in Seattlewas directed by Norah Ephron which follows the life of a journalist named Annie, played by Meg Ryan, who falls in love with a widowed architect, played by Tom Hanks, when his son talks on a radio show looking for a new partner for his father. The movie is inspired by the movie An affair to remember, released in 1975. Studios were apprehensive about making it Sleepless in Seattle, as the main characters do not meet for most parts of the film. The film was notable for being realistic and romantic comedy at the same time as it brought about the nuances of a long-distance relationship. The main characters believed in two different ideas of love, but the movie was compelling because it balanced the romantic themes with the drama of being a single parent and a committed partner in love with someone else.
2 You've got mail
You've got mail was directed by Norah Ephron and stars Tom Hanks as Joe Fox and Meg Ryan as Kathleen Kelly who develop a virtual relationship over email while forgetting they are professional rivals. The story was based on the Hungarian play Perfumery which has been adapted several times as films. The film is known as one of Ephron's best directorial works and is sometimes considered a wittier Ephron sibling Sleepless in Seattle. Thiswas the third film where Ryan and Hanks were written as romantic interests, but were positively accepted for its fresh take on romance in the new age of emails. The film remains relevant and is still enjoyed decades later for its romantic themes and also for its depiction of small business in the 90s.
1 The holiday
The holiday was directed by Nancy Meyers, which follows two women who look for love and trade their home for a vacation to cope with heartbreak over Christmas. The two main characters were Iris, played by Kate Winslet, and Amanda, played by Cameron Diaz. The film was written by Meyers considering Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black, all of whom agreed to act in the film. The holiday checked all the boxes of a comforting romantic comedy and Winslet was applauded for her performance in a lighter role, while she was best known for her tragic parts.
Although the film was released during the holiday season, it was not necessarily a holiday-themed film. The women in the movies give themselves a break and go on a journey of self-love instead of spending time with their friends. The holiday an unconventional romantic comedy that has aged very well.
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