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I wrote earlier this month that “sometimes it’s not the grand gesture, the dramatic sprint through the train terminal, the hand pulling you out of harm’s way; sometimes it’s your husband finding your knee beneath the table, and you thinking: little does he know he’s holding the world together right now.”
That said — who doesn’t equally love the boombox over the head, a la John Cusack in “Say Anything”?
What is the most romantic movie scene you’ve ever seen?
When Mr. Magpie was out of town a week or two ago, I re-watched “Out of Africa” and I continue to believe the scene in which Meryl Streep reaches her hand back to hold onto Robert Redford as they soar over Africa takes the cake in this category. It’s a moment of romantic restraint — just a hand squeeze — but there is intense connection, friction, and foreboding just beneath, and the surging soundtrack adds to the sense of crescendo. Earlier in the movie, Streep’s character asks how a pilot they are observing overhead is going to land his plane, and Redford’s character responds (paraphrasing): “That’s the secret — don’t.” And so when they are up in the air together, there is a feeling that things will end badly between them, which they do. But in that moment, they are alone, together, and they understand one another in a way no one else seems able to. There are scenes that are more intimate in the movie, like when he washes her hair (!) or walks into her tent while on safari, or dances with her on the terrace of her home, but it’s the hand squeeze in this scene that does it all!
A close second, perhaps, is the scene where Nicholas Cage sees Cher standing in front of The Metropolitan Opera in “Moonstruck.” The way he looks at her — ! There is no other word for it: he is lovestruck. It’s a quirky movie but their chemistry is powerful. And at the other end of the spectrum (love on full display — less nuance) there are parts in “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” (the 2022 Netflix adaptation) that I will never forget. (Have you seen it? Hot!). And I thought the romantic scenes in the adaptation of Sally Rooney’s “Normal People” were incredible. Difficult to take your eyes off of the actors, and so believable.
What do you think? What are the romantic scenes in cinematic history?
Post-Scripts.
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+Jenni Kayne released its popular Cooper cardigan in a stripe!
+I keep thinking about this interesting top. Would be such a great way to dress up a pair of trousers for an evening out, or compliment to a dramatic skirt (look for less with this) for holiday wear.
+This capelet in the brown fleece is divine – I own in a different color but love the chocolate hue for this season!
+New (chiiiic) colorway for Nili Lotan Shon cords. If you find the barrel leg on the Shons too dramatic, try Citizen’s slightly more refined Marcelle. Fit TTS.
+You know I love the striped early mornings tee from Ayr (use code WARMUP for 10% off) — now I have my sights set on their cropped version, The Half Day, as well as their balletic scoopneck long sleeves.
+Still obsessed with our vacuum all these years later. Still works like a charm. I am just not a stick vacuum gal – I hated all the charging! This one is so, so powerful and has an easy to use retractable, loooong cord.
+As a puzzle enthusiast (I actually was just thinking excitedly about the ones we pull out around Thanksgiving/Christmas), these puzzle trays are such a cute innovation / gift! As far as actual puzzles go, we love these art-focused ones from Pomegranate and these vintage inspired ones from Cavallini. But how cute are these “holiday themed ones” from Pieceworks as a gifts this season? Like, this one is modeled after a tin of Christmas cookies!
+If you’re thinking ahead to holiday, I thought this red tree topper was unexpected and chic.
+This popular whipstitch trim jacket is on sale (at time of writing this)! More coats along these lines here.
+The first birthday banners from this Etsy shop are SO precious. Great photo opp.
+Cute surprise for your little one.