Movies mimic real life. However, many films have a rather flat representation of marriage. They fail to weave into their plots the complexities and subtleties of being married. The movies discussed below are exceptions. These movies honestly portray marriage, its consequences, and its joys.
- Love Story – Based on the bestselling novel by Erich Segal, this 1970 film is a memorable romantic tragedy. The couple, around whom the story revolves, face many trials and tribulations to get married and then maintain that marriage. Even though the movie ends with the unfortunate death of one of these lovers, the partner cherishes the time they spent together instead of giving in to regret.
- Viaggio in Italia – Ingrid Bergman’s “Viaggio in Italia” is a movie that depicts beautifully, the estrangement of souls, that can sometimes find space in a marriage. The married partners drift apart for whatever reason and keep growing emotionally distant from each other. The movie shows the married couple spending more time away from each other than together, as happens in circumstances like this in real life.
- Up – Pixar’s animated movie is the saga of an aging widower still grieving his wife’s death. Carl, the protagonist, decides to embark on an epic journey to South America to regain his love for life instead of growing bitter at his loss. Up is a sweet and inspiring film that paints marriage as the intimate relationship that it is.
- A Woman Under Influence – A stark portrayal of marital life when your partner is mentally ill, this movie is sharp and discomfiting to watch. Yet, there is no other cinematic depiction of a marriage being burdened by mental illness quite like this.
Marriage isn’t always comforting and romantic. It is a promise to be by your partner’s side through ups and downs. The movies above depict marriage in all its glory and horror.
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