R E C O M M E N D A T I O N – P O P C U L T U R E
A list by Zara Jahan and Munima Mahmud
You might have covered your body with warm clothes to save yourself from the cold, but what about your heart? Are you taking measures to keep it warm and hopeful amidst the despair of the pandemic? If not, no worries! We got you covered. Here is a binge-list of cozy, feel-good movies that you can watch with a blanket and coffee this weekend; hand-picked to include genres like romance, comedy, queer, or crime.
The Polar Express (2005)
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
You can never be too young or too old to watch this classic. The movie depicts the true essence of Christmas and believing in something festive. Although the ratings of The Polar Express are not impressive, it can easily be given a shot considering the cultural impact it has had on the audience. Yes, we are well into January, but we truly believe a holiday movie can bestow warmth whenever needed.
You can watch the trailer here.
Midnight in Paris (2011)
Genre: Rom-com, Fantasy
Gil, a Hollywood writer and his fiancé are vacationing in Paris. Due to the struggles of writing his first novel and his life with his fiancé; he takes midnight strolls in the roads of Paris. Amazingly, he finds himself going back in time to the 1920s, which is according to him, the Golden Age, and meets the icons of art and literature of this time. He finds himself leaning towards the past and his lost inspiration for writing; but away from the present and his fiancé. You can enjoy the rich culture and get some valuable lessons of life, all presented in a perfect mood in Paris.
Here is the trailer.
Fargo (1996)
Genre: Crime, Thriller
This old but gold movie from the ’90s embarks on the journey of an ordinary family man and sales manager as he overcomplicates his own life. Even though the theme of the movie is primarily targeted to be dark in an unsettling way, the satire and comedy throughout the runtime make the experience pleasant and memorable. Set in the frigid winter landscape of Minnesota and North Dakota, this movie is bound to give you a good time after a tiring day.
Don’t watch the trailer; it has a couple of spoilers.
Green Book (2018)
Genre: Comedy-drama, Road
Mix an Italian-American, boorish night-club bouncer who knows his way around the world and an African-American, recalcitrant and idealistic musical genius together, and what do you get? Why, a friendship and bond for life of course! Taken from real life, this movie features Tony Vallelonga, (Tony Lip) and classical pianist Don Shirley; and takes us on a journey where Shirley faces racism in every step of his way, but Tony is there to bail his buddy out. Heart-wrenching and bittersweet, this movie will surely make your heart feel held and show you how friendships may form in the most unexpected of places.
Watch the trailer here.
Carol (2015)
Genre: Queer-romance
While some queer movies might have poor storyline and unconvincing performances, Carol stands out from this and delivers. It is based on the 1952 romance novel The Price of Salt written by Patricia Highsmith. Although the runtime of the movie is a little dilatory, it will provide you with all the emotions and sentiments one might expect while watching a love story that isn’t necessarily “boy meets girl”. This subtle yet, poignant film can be the perfect watch in the winter-tide.
You can watch the trailer here.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Although the second movie of this franchise, The Crimes of Grindelwald was a bit of a letdown, you can never get bored with the first one. Newt Scamander, a wizard, finds himself in a series of magical misadventures; the cinematography offers a soothing ambience of old New York that is almost too perfect to watch in winter. The 3rd one of this franchise will be coming in 2022, so it won’t hurt to recap the plot now.
The trailers are here and here.
Doodh Pither Gachh (2020)
Genre: Drama
This rural Bangali heartfelt drama is based on the life of a seven-year-old boy named Gour. His amusing life and comprehensive imagination is the main aspect of the plot. The movie fails to engage with the audience on a deeper level however, the movie will leave you with a feeling of comfort. If you are looking for a movie to enjoy with your family as you reminisce about “the good old days”, we suggest you add this local crowd-funded piece to your watch list.
You can watch the trailer here.
Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan starring Sleepless in Seattle is an ode to the 1957 film An Affair to Remember. This movie has everything you might ask for as a hopeless romantic — an exhilarating chemistry between the protagonists, a stellar soundtrack, and lastly, a dramatic reunion in the Empire State Building! A rom-com that may end up giving you impractical expectations in the realm of love, this movie will be your ally in the cold nights.
You can watch the trailer here.
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Genre: Historical Romance, Satire
Who hasn’t heard about Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice? This extraordinary work of literature offers a fresh breath of air when adopted in a movie.
This is a humorous story of love and life among English gentility during the Georgian era, centering the Bennet family and their five daughters: Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. Sparks of romance fly between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, but they must overcome their own pride and prejudice. For the Bennet sisters, many trials and tribulations stand between them and their happiness, including class, gossip, and scandal.
Watch the trailer here.
So, we hope the popcorn’s been popped and the sweaters are on. After all, if the past couple of months cooped up in our homes has taught us anything, it’s that there’s nothing better than a movie to take us to a place that’s far, far away from our current one. With winter staging a comeback, now’s the perfect time to catch up on these films!
As a single parent to three cats, Zara often struggles to balance between being a part-time student and a full-time procrastinator.
Munima is constantly seeking out new philosophies of life but never applying them, reach her out at [email protected]
I have watched “Green Book” and hands down it is one of the decade’s best movies anyone can watch. You feel down, watch Green Book; you feel happy, watch Green Book; you feel numb, you can still watch Green Book. It has all the right kind of subtlety and celebration altogether in one potion! Bless yourself and watch it already!
Kudos to the writer for mentioning it!