In 8 Rules of Love, the author Jay Shetty talks about the cinematic effect of love or like he calls it, “Movie Magic.” Throughout this concept, he talks about how our perception of love is constantly inspired by movies and media that we have been exposed to since childhood. Every movie that we watch creates an understanding of love within us that we tend to perceive as the realistic version of how love should feel like. And hence, any love that doesn’t match that specific standard is prone to be discarded by us as not worthy of effort.
Deeming that I loved the insights on this concept of Movie Magic, in this post, I’m posting the nine notable movies that have been mentioned throughout the book based on the theme of cinematic portrayal of love. Here we go!
Snow White (1937)
Synopsis: Exiled into the dangerous forest by her wicked stepmother, a princess is rescued by seven dwarf miners who make her part of their household.
The movie was directed by David Hand and is based on the widely popular fairy tale authored by The Grimm Brothers. It’s been rated 7.6 on IMDB, 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 96% on Metacritic.
Forrest Gump (1994)
Synopsis: Forrest, a man with low IQ, recounts the early years of his life when he found himself in the middle of key historical events. All he wants now is to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart, Jenny.
The movie was directed by Robert Zemeckis and is based on the novel Forrest Gump authored by Winston Groom. It’s been rated 8.8 on IMDB, 71% on Rotten Tomatoes and 82% on Metacritic.
(500) Days of Summer (2009)
Synopsis: Tom revisits the approximate one year he shared with Summer, the girl he thought he could spend the rest of his life with. She, on the other hand, does not believe in relationships or boyfriends.
The movie was directed by Marc Webb and is based on original screenplay by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber. It’s been rated 7.7 on IMDB, 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and 76% on Metacritic.
Jerry Maguire (1996)
Synopsis: Sports agent Jerry Maguire tries to get back on his feet after being fired from his job. However, the only client he has is Rod Tidwell, a disgruntled football player who wants a better contract.
The movie was directed by Cameron Crowe and was inspired by a 28-page memo written at Disney. It’s been rated 7.3 on IMDB, 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and 77% on Metacritic.
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Synopsis: Ennis and Jack are two shepherds who develop a sexual and emotional relationship. However, their relationship becomes complicated when both of them get married to their respective girlfriends.
The movie was directed by Ang Lee and is based on the 1997 short story of the same name authored by Annie Proulx. It’s been rated 7.7 on IMDB, 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and 87% on Metacritic.
Love, Actually (2003)
Synopsis: Eight London couples try to deal with their relationships in different ways. Their tryst with love makes them discover how complicated relationships can be.
The movie was directed by Richard Curtis and is based on original screenplay with the theme of Musical Holiday Comedy. It’s been rated 7.6 on IMDB, 64% on Rotten Tomatoes and 55% on Metacritic.
The Princess Bride (1987)
Synopsis: Buttercup, a princess, is madly in love with a farm boy, Westley. Unfortunately, things take a turn in their lives when Westley goes out in search of employment and gets attacked by a pirate.
The movie was directed by Rob Reiner and is adapted from the 1973 novel The Princess Bride. Additionally, it has been ranked #50 on the Bravo’s 100 Funniest Movies and it also won the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation in 1988. It’s been rated 8.0 on IMDB, 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and 77% on Metacritic.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Synopsis: When a frustrated businessman, George Bailey, becomes suicidal, an angel from heaven, Clarence, is sent to him. To his change of heart, she shows him what life would have been without his existence.
The movie was directed by Frank Kapra and is based on a short story The Greatest Gift authored by Phillip Van Doren Stern. It’s been rated 8.6 on IMDB, 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and 89% on Metacritic.
Notting Hill (1999)
Synopsis: William, a British bookseller, meets and falls in love with Anna, a high-profile American actress. However, their relationship goes through many problems due to their different social statuses.
The movie was directed by Roger Michell and is based on original screenplay by Richard Curtis. It’s been rated 7.2 on IMDB, 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and 68% on Metacritic.
I’m especially in awe of how sexually-inclusive the movie mentions were. Also, the individual examples that Jay Shetty narrates in his book also provide an inclusive look into romances as a whole and not specific to heterosexual relationships. Whether you’re somebody who is single, looking for a commitment or casually dating right now — this book is for you. It shows no judgment whatsoever and does not push for a particular view of how love should look like. Love is for everyone and that is only premise of the book.
Go ahead and pick your own copy at your favourite bookstore!
