7 movies about loss and new love – perfect for February 14th

Contents:
They lost the most precious thing, but love found them again. Valentine's Day is not only a celebration of romance, but also a time for reflection on the love that changes us even after loss. These films tell the stories of heroes who have experienced loss but managed to find happiness again. The selection features touching, yet not clichéd stories of love and hope.

"After the Wedding" (2006)

Director: Susanne Bier

Starring: Mads Mikkelsen, Rolf Lassgård, Sidse Babett Knudsen

Plot:

Jacob receives a generous donation for his shelter, but the benefactor's condition turns his life upside down. A profound drama about moral choices, where every decision has irreversible consequences.
A man and a woman are sitting on the porch of a brick house by the open door, looking at each other
Still from the film 'After the Wedding'

Why You Should Watch:

  • Mads Mikkelsen's deep immersion into his role
  • Dramatic tension
  • Visual contrast between India and Denmark, enhancing the emotional impact
This film is truly magnificent. The acting is so good that it's hard to call it acting. Mads Mikkelsen (Jacob) delivers a stunning performance, both believable and subtle. It's not what we're used to in Hollywood, but acting that makes you think.
Reviewer RagingR2 from 'IMDB'

Awards and Nominations:

  • Oscar: Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film (2007)
  • Bodil: Best Supporting Actress Award – Sidse Babett Knudsen (2007)
  • Robert: Best Danish Film Award (2007)
'After the Wedding' (Efter brylluppet) – Trailer

“Marguerite & Julien” (2015)

Director: Valérie Donzelli

Starring: Anaïs Demoustier, Jérémie Elkaïm, Frédéric Pierrot

Plot:

Marguerite and Julien de Ravalet, a brother and sister from a noble family, are in love with each other. They challenge society by following the call of their hearts.

Why Watch:

  • Outstanding cinematography capturing the atmosphere of the French countryside
  • Deep acting performances
  • Based on a true story of aristocrats executed in the 17th century for incest and adultery
In the context of the film, Marguerite and Julien's relationship is universally condemned, but even this is somewhat softened by a kind of belief in the power of love and fate. The film's style is romantic...
Reviewer cembalo-91031 from 'IMDB'

Awards and Nominations:

Cannes Film Festival: Nomination for the Palme d'Or (2015)
Close-up: a young man and a girl are lying in the grass embraced
Scene from the film “Marguerite & Julien”

"Something's Gotta Give" (2003)

Director: Nancy Meyers

Starring: Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton

Plot:

Elderly Harry Sanborn is dating young Marin but falls for her mother Erica. During a romantic weekend, Harry suffers a heart attack. The doctor called, Julian Mercer, also finds himself charmed by Erica. A love triangle forms among the characters.
An elderly man and woman, both dressed in white, are standing on the beach by the water, the woman is laughing
Scene from the movie 'Something's Gotta Give'

Why Watch:

  • Unmatched chemistry between the characters
  • Smart humor and subtle observations about relationships between different generations
  • Balance between comedy and drama
To see how [Diane Keaton] interacts with Nicholson, how they play their initial dislike, cautious flirting that grows into genuine attraction, and to see what happens to both of them when Nicholson chickens out and returns to infidelity — that's what romantic comedies are made of.
Reviewer nycritic from 'IMDB'

Awards and Nominations:

  • Oscar: Nomination for Best Actress – Diane Keaton (2004)
  • Golden Globe: Nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy/Musical – Diane Keaton (2004)
  • Golden Globe: Nomination for Best Actor in a Comedy/Musical – Jack Nicholson (2004)
'Something's Gotta Give' – Trailer

"Somewhere in Time" (1980)

Director: Jeannot Szwarc

Starring: Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour, Christopher Plummer

Plot:

What if the love of your life lived in another century? A successful playwright discovers a photograph of an actress from the past and realizes he must find a way to meet her.
A young woman in a lavish hat and early 20th-century dress is looking at a young man
Scene from the movie 'Somewhere in Time'

Why Watch:

  • Stunning early 20th-century atmosphere
  • Unique musical score by John Barry
'Somewhere in Time' is a film that will appeal to any sensitive person with a heart, I guarantee you that. From the beginning to the incredibly touching final scene — I have never seen a film that so passionately and yet so innocently portrays the power of absolute, all-encompassing, unconditional love.
Reviewer kanerazor from 'IMDB'

Awards and Nominations:

  • Oscar: Nomination for Best Costume Design (1981)
  • Saturn: Award for Best Music – John Barry (1981)
'Somewhere in Time' – Trailer

"Return to Montauk" (2017)

Director: Volker Schlöndorff

Starring: Stellan Skarsgård, Bronagh Gallagher, Nina Hoss

Plot:

A successful writer arrives in New York and decides to meet the woman he left 17 years ago. One meeting turns his settled life upside down, making him rethink all his decisions.
A man and a light-haired woman, both of age, are standing on the beach by a cliff
Scene from the movie 'Return to Montauk'

Why You Should Watch:

  • Brilliant duo of Stellan Skarsgård and Nina Hoss
  • Enchanting atmosphere of Manhattan and Montauk's coastline
  • Subtle direction by Volker Schlöndorff explores the nature of memory and regret
All actors are extraordinary and unforgettable. Manhattan is perhaps the main supporting character; we see the city in its most glamorous and darkest guise.
Reviewer septimus_millenicom from 'IMDB'

Awards and Nominations:

Berlin Film Festival: Nominated for the Golden Bear (2017)
'Return to Montauk' – Trailer

"Two Lovers" (2008)

Director: James Gray

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Gwyneth Paltrow

Plot:

Leonard is torn between two women: the practical Sandra and the mysterious neighbor Michelle. The choice between stability and passion becomes a torturous ordeal, threatening his peace of mind.
A man and a woman a second before a kiss, in dim light, by a wall with many framed photographs
A scene from the movie 'Two Lovers'

Why Watch:

  • Exquisite cinematography
  • Deep exploration of human relationships and emotions
Perhaps the most striking aspect of 'Two Lovers' is Joaquin Phoenix's performance. Superb. There is something deeply moving and truthful in the film, and I am sure it is tied to Phoenix's acting. Gwyneth Paltrow is magnificent as the girl walking an emotional tightrope.
Reviewer agmancuso from 'IMDB'

Awards and Nominations:

  • Cannes Film Festival: Nomination for the Palme d'Or (2008)
  • César: Nomination for Best Foreign Film (2009)
'Two Lovers' – Trailer

"Me Before You" (2016)

Director: Thea Sharrock

Starring: Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin

Plot:

Lou Clark, an ordinary girl, loses her job and becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor, who is paralyzed after an accident. Will, once successful and active, has lost interest in life. Lou, with her cheerfulness, tries to show him that life is beautiful even in his situation. They develop a complex relationship that goes beyond "employer-employee."
Evening, beach, a young girl in a colorful dress stands in front of a young man in a wheelchair, both smiling
Scene from the movie 'Me Before You'

Why to Watch:

  • Deep cultural significance, raising questions about life and death
  • Emotional musical accompaniment
The film stars Emilia Clarke (Lou) and Sam Claflin (Will) from 'Game of Thrones' and 'The Hunger Games' respectively. I enjoyed both their past performances, and they both made the most of the script they were given. Their promising on-screen charisma is certainly a highlight of the film.
Reviewer ThomasDrufke from 'IMDB'

Awards and Nominations:

  • People's Choice Awards: Winner for "Favorite Dramatic Movie" (2017)
  • MTV Movie Award: Nomination for "Best Tearjerker" (2017)
  • Golden Trailer Awards: Winner for "Best Romance" (2016)