Jenny and Ollie From Love Story by Eric Segal – Jennifer Cavilleri and Oliver Barrett IV
Just like Romeo and Juliet, this is one of my favorite love stories. Although I give my own characters happy ever after endings, there’s room for great romances where the lovers lose each other too soon, or when they’re too young. This story was very sweet on so many levels.
Love Story: Love means never having to say you’re sorry. Read the summary now.
Warning, this is a tear-jerker: Click on image for trailer
Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell – Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler
When I’m asked who are some of my favorite fictional couples are, my mind goes straight to this couple. They’re a good example of the more realistic love relationships that aren’t syrupy sweet.
This is my very first book/film in which I did not get my happy ending. Although I always give my own characters in my stories a happy-ever-after, I still learned from these two unconventional characters that in life, and in fiction, we should not strive for perfection or to be liked. Being an individual and staying true to ourselves is more important.
Click the image to see their first kiss, I love the way Rhett has no illusions about either of them. Read the summary now.
Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen) Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet
Ever since my days of studying English literature, I have loved Jane Austen’s books, particularly Pride and Prejudice. I especially like the 1995 British TV series interpretation with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy and Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet.
I liked her fieriness and Mr. Darcy’s growth arc throughout the story. Read the summary now.
Click on the image to see the short video, with Elvis Presley’s “Always on my Mind”.
There is also the very entertaining and funny 2004 Bollywood-esque Bride and Prejudice version, directed by the incredibly talented Gurinder Chadha. Read the summary now.
I have loved Aishwarya Rai since I saw Taal years ago, and she’s amazing here, with her gorgeous, lilty English.
What about my true Bollywood favorite characters, you ask?
Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. This onscreen couple are my all-time favorites, and these are the movies in which they have weaved magic for more than two decades for us all to enjoy:
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) – Rahul Khanna (Shah Rukh Khan) and Anjali Sharma (Kajol) Read summary now.
Alongside this movie, my daughter and I never tire of watching these two classics over the past years too: Kabi Kushi Kabi Gam and Dilwale Dulhania le Jayenge (1995): (Click on the images for the short trailers.)
Many of you already know who my Bollywood hero is – and always will be! – Hrithik Roshan. I love all his movies. Here are some of my favorite movies with him and his lucky co-stars!
Although I love Hrithik paired up with Kareena Kapoor (Yaadein), Priyanka Chopra (Krrish) and Katrina Kaif (Bang Bang), I love the sizzling chemistry between him and Aishwarya Rai in Dhoom 2 (2006)
With the action, the romance, the songs and Hrithik dancing – it’s got it all! Read the summary now.
I also loved Hrithik’s latest movie, Kaabil, which is garnering amazing reviews – hey, I’m not surprised – across the world.
What I love about Bollywood revenge movies is how they capture the emotion and passion so much better than the Hollywood action Die Hard-type, ‘been there, done that’ formulas.
Who are some of your favorite characters and why? It doesn’t matter which era or genre.
Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone.
Gloria Silk