Movie Reviews Net

Nothing dippy, sappy or overly sentimental here; nothing cliché or uninspired. The following films and their short descriptions have intellectual backbone while capturing the romance women like to see on the screen. These are each perfect films for smart women to enjoy — and smart men won’t mind them either!

The A&E adaptation of Jane Austen’s masterpiece Pride and Prejudice stars Jennifer Ehle (of Sunshine fame) as the witty Elizabeth Bennet and Colin Firth (Love Actually) as the serious Mr. Darcy. Few film adaptations carefully mirror their novels as this one does. It portrays life and love in Regency England. Due to its length, it is a safe choice for a long weekend when there is time for an intermission. The support cast is equally as wonderful and features some of the finest British actors and actresses working today. This film is a must for any fan of classic literature.

Dangerous Beauty starring Catherine McCormick (of Braveheart fame) and Rufus Sewell (Middlemarch) portrays the life and love affairs of the historical Venetian courtesan, Veronica Franco. This beautiful cinematic offering is a breathtaking bit of history that sheds light on a real personage from the Reformation and plague era when Venice was the jewel of the sea and the gateway to the east.

Far From the Madding Crowd, based on the classic Thomas Hardy novel of the same name, stars the ever-lovely Julie Christie (Dr. Zhivago) as Bathsheba Everdine — a woman ahead of her time. Our heroine rejects a marriage proposal as the film opens only to forge her way into the world of men by running her own large farm. Love and obsession take their toll on her and the characters around her making for an in-depth portrayal of life in the rural Victorian world.

The Lover, quite possibly one of the most romantic films ever, is based on the novel of the same title by French author Marguerite Duras. Although it is often said that the movie is seldom better than the book, this film does what adaptations are meant to do—it enhances the original by bringing it to life visually. This haunting love story takes place along the Mekong River in French Indochina. It is the forbidden love between a young French girl and a wealthy Chinese man. Nothing could be lovelier on film than this stunner.

The Scent of Green Papaya is a foreign film that takes place in Vietnam during the war; however, this is not a war story. The only reference to war is discussion of the blackouts and helicopters in the distance. Otherwise, this quiet film simply depicts the life of a poor peasant girl who comes to work for a family in the city. As with the other listed films, the cinematography is lush, but the story is brilliant as it is subtle. Pair this one with the Lover for an unforgettable double-feature set in the far east.

As long as we are in eastern lands, try the Joy Luck Club based on the Amy Tan novel of the same name. This is a film containing multiple stories that weave through scenes. Each story captures the essence of either mother or daughter’s lives—the pivotal moments of love and loss that make them into the adults they are. It blends the worlds of China and San Francisco—but also depicts womanhood, sometimes a country in itself meant to be explored and understood.

Finally, for the young intelligent woman (although an older audience will appreciate this one too) there is Ten Things I Hate About You. Even though this film was marketed for the teen crowd, it does some very interesting things. The film is marvelously based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew and characters throughout the film quote actual lines from the original play which blend rather nicely with the otherwise teenage banter. The movie features Julia Stiles (Save the Last Dance) and Heath Ledger (Four Feathers) before they made it big. A love story that is both witty and romantic, in its way, at the same time.

Of course there is always The English Patient or Dr. Zhivago, but these films are not quite as known, but certainly deserve to be sought out by an audience who will not be disappointed. Forget the popcorn though — better spring for a nice bottle of wine and friend to share it with.

Are there any other chick flicks for smart girls you would recommend?