Summer Lovin'

Love is in the air. We are far departed from the magnificent/barbaric/capitalist (circle which applies) day that is Valentine's day but there is something about summer that heightens the feelings of lurve. And what better way to fully digest and live though a summer fling with no emotional baggage then a no-strings attached film. So whether you're craving love in a hot country or an affectionate city break, here are my top five holiday romance films.

Ah, Grease. The film that brought us 'You're the one that I want' and Olivia Newton John in THAT catsuit. For those of you who haven't witnessed the 50s youth culture that surrounds Grease, I'll give you a brief synopsis. Sandy (Newton John) and Danny (John Travolta) play out a surprising holiday romance reunion when Sandy becomes a new student at Danny's high school. But it's not all sweet and sugar from there on. Sandy is quickly adopted by the self proclaimed 'pink ladies', but will her sweet natured ways be enough to keep bad boy Danny down? The film has become a classic musical, recreated on stage many times but I urge you to watch the original cinematic version as well.

Paris is the city of Romance and that's exactly where writer Gil Pender (Owen Wilson) finds inspiration, love and the creative fulfilment he desires so much-with a twist.The film is a love letter to the twenties and its exuberant prolific personalities as much as it is about the love between Gil and Inez (Marion Cottilard). So if you love Hemingway, adore flapper dresses or just can't get enough of the French capital, this film is for you.

Nobody puts Baby in a corner. Set in the sizzling summer of 1963, Baby (Jennifer Grey) and her protective family set out for their summer holiday to Kellermans. Baby soon finds a sultry side of the holiday camp behind the foxtrot and the college boys where the entertainment staff blow off steam. Baby is instantly drawn to Johnny (Patrick Swayze), a young dancer, but will their forbidden relationship end before it begins?
And if a holiday camp isn't really your scene and you like your beats sexier and your cocktails with rum I highly recommend Dirty Dancing 2: Havana Nights. It's not masterpiece but as far a guilty pleasures go this sequels a winner.

Venice is beautiful. And so is David Lean's film. Katherine Hepburn plays Jane, a middle aged singleton on her dream trip to Venice. Initially uncomfortable by the attention she receives from local, Renetto (Rossano Brazzi) she begins to enjoy his company. But is it real love and will this real thing last past a summer fling (try saying that after a few too many mojitos). The scenes are beautiful and perfectly capture the unique city of Venice. If you're a big fan of classic. vintage films then this is the holiday romance for you. 

Calling all Javier Bardem fans! In Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona he plays Juan, a sexy artist, attracted to both Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson), two American tourists soaking up the sights and culture of Spain. And because an odd love triangle isn't enough, enter Penelope Cruz, who plays Juan's estranged and erratic wife, Maria. So, a love square, if you will. If you love watching mysterious, romantic trysts and seek culture on a holiday, then Javier Bardem just might be your summer movie romance.


What's your favourite summer romance film?


NG <3