a little romance movie review

Movie Reviews

Tv/streaming, collections, great movies, chaz's journal, contributors, a little romance.

Now streaming on:

"A Little Romance" has been described as a movie about the way kids behave when adults aren't looking. I think it's quite the opposite: A movie about the way kids behave when adults are looking - and when adults are writing the dialog and directing the action, too. It gives us two movie kids in a story so unlikely I assume it was intended as a fantasy. And it gives us dialog and situations so relentlessly cute we want to squirm.

Yet I have a notion this is exactly the movie George Roy Hill wanted to make. Hill is one of the most successful directors in modern Hollywood history - his hits include " Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid " and " The Sting " - and he's great at clever stories with big stars. So of course he goes to Paris (and Verona and Venice) to film a "little" story about early adolescence, one intended to impress us with its humanity, the purity of its intentions, its natural humor.

Francois Truffaut covered this ground in " The 400 Blows ," and Louis Malle in " Murmur of the Heart ," and they did it by giving us characters who were seen with absolute clarity, who were no better and no worse than your usual pre-gangling 13-year-old, and who seemed plausible. "A Little Romance" would like to do that, I suspect, but it covers its bets by making its kids impossibly bright and witty and wise, and putting them in a story that not for one instant can be believed.

The boy kid is the son of a Parisian taxi driver. He is also an obsessive movie buff, and has even taught himself English by going to American movies. (I suppose one could learn English that way. If only the movies in French neighborhood theaters weren't dubbed into French). The girl kid is an American whose mother is between husbands number three and four. The two kids meet, talk solemnly about subjects big and little, and fall in love. (Both kids have IQs in the genius range, of course, which explains why they talk like fairly intelligent high school juniors.)

The parents, of course, disapprove: The children are too young, they come from different countries, they have different socioeconomic backgrounds, blah, blah. The movie sees the kids, of course, as infinitely insightful about the adults (and yet curiously devoid of the hang-ups that being raised by these parents should have supplied). The adults see the kids as total mysteries.

All the adults, that is, except one, who takes them under his wing and provides a sentimental sponsor for their romance. His name Is Julius Edmond Santorin, he describes himself as a former diplomat, he is in fact a practicing pickpocket, and he is played by Sir Laurence Olivier . It is not a very effective performance, for which we should probably not blame Sir Laurence.

He is required to do the impossible: To be convincing as he supplies insights and sympathy during those moments when the movie tries to take its characters realistically, and yet to be fanciful enough to endorse a scheme in which the three of them will run away to Venice. (The young lovers want to kiss for the first time under the Bridge of Sighs. Needless to say.) Their flight to Italy includes such uh-huh moments as when they're able to steal bikes during a bicycle race. Do you have any notion of what French bicycle racers do to people who steal their bicycles?

It's hard to say when we first begin to squirm. Maybe when we realize that the film sometimes actually takes itself seriously - that Hill and his collaborators think they're combining the elements of would-be human comedy with a more serious view of adult hypocrisy. Maybe pure unadulterated cuteness is easier to take than cuteness interrupted by insights.

The kids are played by Thelonious Bernard and Diane Lane , who are really pretty good, if you can separate how they act from what they're acting in. It's not their fault "A Little Romance" is about two 13-year-olds who could exist only in fiction, and whose witty one-liners often sound as if they were authored by a writer for The Mary Tyler Moore Show (as, Indeed, they were). These are attractive kids and they look interesting. I wonder what they talked about between takes, and how they acted when the cameras weren't rolling. There might be a movie there somewhere.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

Now playing

Monica Castillo

Christy Lemire

Arthur the King

Little Wing

Marya e. gates.

Asphalt City

Glenn kenny.

Lousy Carter

Clint worthington, film credits.

A Little Romance (1979)

108 minutes

Andrew Duncan as Bob

Thelonious Bernard as Daniel

Diane Lane as Lauren

Sally Kellerman as Kay

Laurence Olivier as Julius

David Dukes as George

Arthur Hill as Richard

Broderick Crawford as Brod

Latest blog posts

The Scene That Clint Eastwood Cut to Make Unforgiven a Classic

Ape Shall Not Kill Ape: A Look at the Entire Apes Franchise

​Criterion Celebrates the Films That Forever Shifted Our Perception of Kristen Stewart​

The Estate of George Carlin Destroys AI George Carlin in Victory for Copyright Protection (and Basic Decency)

Common Sense Media

Movie & TV reviews for parents

• For Parents
• For Educators
• Our Work and Impact

Or browse by category:

• Get the app
• Movie Reviews
• Best Movie Lists
• Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More

Common Sense Selections for Movies

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

• Best TV Lists
• Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More
• Common Sense Selections for TV
• Video Reviews of TV Shows

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix

• Book Reviews
• Best Book Lists
• Common Sense Selections for Books

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

• Game Reviews
• Best Game Lists

Common Sense Selections for Games

• Video Reviews of Games

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

• Podcast Reviews
• Best Podcast Lists

Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

• App Reviews
• Best App Lists

Social Networking for Teens

Gun-Free Action Game Apps

Reviews for AI Apps and Tools

• YouTube Channel Reviews
• YouTube Kids Channels by Topic

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids Channels for Gamers

• Preschoolers (2-4)
• Little Kids (5-7)
• Big Kids (8-9)
• Pre-Teens (10-12)
• Teens (13+)
• Screen Time
• Social Media
• Online Safety
• Identity and Community

Explaining the News to Our Kids

• Family Tech Planners
• Digital Skills
• All Articles
• Latino Culture
• Black Voices
• Asian Stories
• Native Narratives
• LGBTQ+ Pride
• Best of Diverse Representation List

Celebrating Black History Month

Movies and TV Shows with Arab Leads

Celebrate Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary

A little romance, common sense media reviewers.

Young love is sweet, romantic, with some teen rebellion.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Two kids who feel isolated because of their hyper-

Parents run the gamut from a hard-drinking gambler

The primary action comes from brief clips of class

No actual sexual activity or nudity, but some innu

Occasional swearing: "hell," "ass,&

McDonald's, Kodak -- both in the context of th

At a party four young teens sneak a bottle of cham

Parents need to know that this love story about two very young teens includes a few gentle kisses that seem appropriate for their age and level of maturity. The romantic leads disobey their parents, but not without guilt and consequences; they also sneak off with a bottle of champagne, but it doesn't turn into a…

Positive Messages

Two kids who feel isolated because of their hyper-intelligence and unusual interests find that it's okay to be different, and learn that there are like-minded others with whom they can form wonderful friendships. Initial judgments based on appearances and superficial qualities can be misleading; people are often not what they seem to be and may surprise. And finally, the best parent-child relationships are a result of trust, honesty, and mutual respect.

Positive Role Models

Parents run the gamut from a hard-drinking gambler-father, to a flirtatious, insensitive, and self-involved mother, and finally, represent the ideal in a stepfather who is compassionate, reliable, honest, and beyond reproach. Though two young teens experiencing the exhilaration of first love make naive choices when they opt to run away together, they are sympathetic throughout. They behave responsibly, intelligently, and show concern for others.

Violence & Scariness

The primary action comes from brief clips of classic American movies: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (Butch and Sundance jump from a cliff), True Grit (John Wayne in a chase on horseback with guns blazing), and The Sting (in a wide shot, a bullet hits a character in the back; he drops). In the movie itself, the male teen protagonist punches an obnoxious movie director in the stomach and accidentally knocks down an elderly man.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

No actual sexual activity or nudity, but some innuendo or sexual language ("get laid"). Two young teens in love kiss several times. Boys ogle a well-endowed woman; one of them is fascinated by female breasts. It's quite clear that a group of young teens in a movie theater projection room is watching a pornographic film; we see only their reaction and hear some mild heavy breathing and moaning. A movie poster shows a man in bulging underwear. Statues in a Paris art museum show male genitals, resulting in reactions from two girls: "Have you ever seen a real one?" and "Have you ever done it?" There are hints of marital infidelity; a mother flirts openly with a friend in front of her husband and daughter.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Occasional swearing: "hell," "ass," "boobs," "Goddamn," "taking a leak," "maybe I'll get laid," "bust his butt," "bastards," and "Jesus Christ."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

McDonald's, Kodak -- both in the context of the story.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

At a party four young teens sneak a bottle of champagne to the birthday girl's bedroom and drink it to celebrate; one of the girls gets tipsy. Adults consume wine and champagne in several social settings. The father of the young French hero is shown drinking whiskey; the implication is that he may be a man who drinks too much. A young Parisian boy smokes.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this love story about two very young teens includes a few gentle kisses that seem appropriate for their age and level of maturity. The romantic leads disobey their parents, but not without guilt and consequences; they also sneak off with a bottle of champagne, but it doesn't turn into a drunken spectacle. Some kids start to watch a pornographic film, however, the movie is not seen and is identified only by the reaction of the teens and the sounds of some heavy breathing and moaning. Several nude male sculptures are on display in a Paris museum. Occasional swearing is heard (i.e. "hell," "boobs," "bastards," "Jesus Christ,"). Adults drink wine and champagne in moderation on several occasions. Action scenes are restricted to one punch, a collision during a foot chase, and short clips from old movies. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Community Reviews

• Parents say (3)
• Kids say (2)

Based on 3 parent reviews

Coming of Age

Not for pre-teens, what's the story.

Lauren ( Diane Lane , 13 years old, in her first film role) is an American girl living with her well-to-do parents in Paris in 1979. She's brighter than most, with a philosophical bent, and has few friends. Daniel (Thelonius Bernard) is a brilliant, free-spirited French boy, obsessed with American movies. When the two meet there's an immediate, joyful connection as Daniel shares "his Paris" with Lauren. But though their relationship intensifies quickly, circumstances and a shallow mother get in their way. Determined to be together, they embark on a daring quest to share a legendary kiss under the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy at sundown. Their only ally is a charming, elderly Frenchman ( Laurence Olivier ), who unknowingly aids them on their runaway adventure.

Is It Any Good?

There's a wonderful innocence and sincerity to this story of first love, with none of the harsh edges that seem to characterize more recent popular teen romances. Open-hearted young teens, even preteens, will relate to the characters, root for them, and most likely, experience the romance along with Lauren and Daniel.

It's a film parents can share and enjoy, too. Diane Lane is terrific in her film debut. Paris and the Italian cities of Verona and Venice cast their enchanted spells, and the Academy Award-winning musical score is sparkling, as well. Even a few one-dimensional characters and some outrageous over-acting (at the risk of tarnishing an icon, Olivier's performance is dazzlingly hammy) can't spoil the sweetness of this film.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about the two very distinct lifestyles this movie portrays. In spite of the differences in upbringing, how were Lauren and Daniel the same? What did they learn from each other?

Describe the qualities that made Lauren's stepdad, Richard, the most effective parent in this film. Are there any people like Richard in your life?

This movie is set in 1979. Do you think teens have changed in how they choose to rebel against their parents' demands and expectations? Do the behaviors exhibited now seem more or less dangerous than the ones depicted in this film?

Movie Details

• In theaters : April 27, 1979
• On DVD or streaming : January 3, 2003
• Cast : Diane Lane , Laurence Olivier , Thelonius Bernard
• Director : George Roy Hill
• Inclusion Information : Female actors
• Studio : Warner Home Video
• Genre : Romance
• Run time : 110 minutes
• MPAA rating : PG
• Last updated : February 25, 2022

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

Our editors recommend.

Little Manhattan

The Princess Bride

The Man in the Moon

Never Been Kissed

Romance movies, romantic comedies.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

A Little Romance

Where to Watch

Laurence Olivier (Julius) Diane Lane (Lauren) Thelonious Bernard (Daniel) Arthur Hill (Richard King) Sally Kellerman (Kay King) Broderick Crawford (Brod) David Dukes (George de Marco) Andrew Duncan (Bob Duryea) Claudette Sutherland (Janet Duryea) Graham Fletcher-Cook (Londet)

George Roy Hill

An American teenager living in Paris meets and falls in love with a local.

Advertisement

Film Intuition: Review Database

By Jen Johans. Over 2,500 Film, Streaming, Blu-ray, DVD, Book, and Soundtrack Reviews. Part of https://www.filmintuition.com

Warner Archive Collection Blu-ray Review: A Little Romance (1979)

• Podcast: Watch With Jen

Navigation Bar

• Film Intuition: Home Page
• Review Database
• Donate on ko-fi
• Jen's P.O.V. (News & Misc. Articles)

Search Film Intuition

Most read reviews right now.

• Mississippi Masala (1991)

• Cleo From 5 to 7

You've Got Movies!

Enter your email to subscribe:

Powered by FeedBlitz

Review Archive

• ►  January (2)
• ►  December (2)
• ►  November (1)
• ►  October (1)
• ►  September (3)
• ►  August (2)
• ►  July (1)
• ►  May (3)
• ►  April (1)
• ►  March (1)
• ►  February (1)
• ►  January (1)
• ►  December (6)
• ►  November (3)
• ►  October (8)
• ►  September (5)
• ►  August (6)
• ►  July (6)
• ►  June (4)
• ►  May (9)
• Movie Review: Resistance (2020)
• Blu-ray Review: Kansas City (1996)
• Movie Review: Monsoon Wedding (2001)
• Short Takes: Gregory's Girl (1980)
• Post 2,500: Introducing "Watch With Jen" & Notes o...
• Warner Archive Collection Blu-ray Review: A Little...
• Warner Archive Collection Blu-ray Review: It Start...
• ►  February (5)
• ►  January (4)
• ►  December (4)
• ►  November (6)
• ►  October (7)
• ►  September (6)
• ►  August (7)
• ►  July (4)
• ►  June (10)
• ►  April (7)
• ►  March (7)
• ►  January (5)
• ►  December (5)
• ►  November (12)
• ►  October (12)
• ►  September (8)
• ►  August (15)
• ►  July (14)
• ►  June (11)
• ►  May (12)
• ►  April (6)
• ►  March (4)
• ►  May (1)
• ►  September (1)
• ►  August (1)
• ►  July (7)
• ►  October (2)
• ►  August (4)
• ►  July (3)
• ►  June (3)
• ►  May (4)
• ►  March (2)
• ►  February (2)
• ►  November (9)
• ►  August (10)
• ►  July (13)
• ►  June (19)
• ►  May (21)
• ►  April (29)
• ►  March (29)
• ►  February (20)
• ►  January (20)
• ►  December (14)
• ►  November (11)
• ►  October (3)
• ►  April (2)
• ►  March (3)
• ►  December (3)
• ►  November (4)
• ►  October (6)
• ►  September (7)
• ►  June (14)
• ►  May (11)
• ►  April (14)
• ►  March (18)
• ►  February (21)
• ►  January (27)
• ►  December (25)
• ►  November (23)
• ►  October (31)
• ►  September (38)
• ►  August (37)
• ►  July (38)
• ►  June (51)
• ►  May (47)
• ►  April (40)
• ►  March (60)
• ►  February (34)
• ►  January (29)
• ►  December (24)
• ►  November (21)
• ►  October (34)
• ►  September (36)
• ►  August (32)
• ►  July (39)
• ►  June (50)
• ►  May (54)
• ►  April (44)
• ►  March (45)
• ►  February (45)
• ►  January (47)
• ►  December (34)
• ►  November (44)
• ►  October (46)
• ►  September (58)
• ►  August (34)
• ►  July (25)
• ►  June (31)
• ►  May (39)
• ►  April (42)
• ►  February (36)
• ►  January (39)
• ►  December (32)
• ►  November (36)
• ►  October (59)
• ►  September (17)
• ►  August (27)
• ►  July (15)
• ►  June (29)
• ►  May (23)
• ►  April (33)
• ►  March (30)
• ►  February (53)
• ►  January (144)

Select Label Glossary

Copyright note, regarding photos.

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Movie: George Roy Hill Offers 'A Little Romance':In Love in Paris

By Vincent Canby

• April 27, 1979

PARIS in the spring. A beautiful, brilliant, American student named Lauren meets and falls in love with Daniel, who is French and as brilliant as Lauren. They both read Heidigger and share a fondness for American films, especially those, like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "The Sting," that were directed by George Roy Hill. Though they act as if they were sophisticated, they are naïve at heart. When Daniel takes Lauren to see her first porn film, she runs out in tears. She hadn't expected it to be "like that." "That," says Daniel, "isn't love."How old are Lauren and Daniel? It's difficult to tell. It's not only because Diane Lane, who plays Lauren, is tall and could pass for 18, and because Thelonious Bernard, who plays Daniel, is short and could pass for 13, but because the attitudes, manners and language imposed on them seem to be those of the screenwriter, who may be prematurely aged.Lauren and Daniel are, I think, meant to be comic and appealing in their mixture of innocence and worldliness. Yet Mr. Hill's "A Little Romance," which opens today at the Sutton, recalls most vividly the arch manner in which the Our Gang comedies worked—by having their child actors ape not the behavior of children but of grownups."A Little Romance" is a movie that seems to have melted the minds of everyone of any stature connected with it. Fifteen years ago, Mr. Hill made one of his first big splashes in movies with that still-charming comedy, "The World of Henry Orient," after which he went on to do "Butch Cassidy," "The Sting," "Slaughterhouse Five" and "The Great Waldo Pepper." That's an impressive record in terms of art and commerce. Yet "A Little Romance" is so ponderous it seems almost mean spirited. It's been a long time since I've seen a movie about boorish American tourists and felt sorry for the tourists—which is one of Mr. Hill's achievements here.I'm sure nothing mean-spirited was intended, but such is the film's effect. This may be the main hazard when one sets out to make a film so relentlessly sweet-tempered that it winds up—like Pollyana — alienating everyone not similarly affected.Its most appalling spectacle is not the manner in which its two young actors behave. Although Mr. Bernard never makes a move that Mr. Hill does not seem to have directed, Miss Lane occasionally has some nicely spontaneous moments. The grim thing in "A Little Romance" is the sight of Laurence Olivier coming as close to making a spectacle of himself as he ever has in his screen career.Mr. Olivier plays the Maurice Chevalier role, a role in which even Mr. Chevalier finally became tiresome. Mr. Olivier is never tiresome—sometimes he is quite funny—but he does seem desperate. As an elderly, extremely soft-hearted, French pickpocket who befriends the young lovers, Mr. Olivier is required to be not much more than cute. Because this clearly doesn't interest him, he gives the busiest, most lip-smacking, most eyeball-rolling performance of his career, outdoing even his impersonation of a West Indian Othello some years ago.Usually such outrageous Olivier behavior is fun to watch even when it doesn't fit. This time it's more suspenseful than fun. We keep wondering (and fearing) what business he's going to come up with next to take our minds off the essential foolishness of the enterprise. Typical is a sequence in which the old man learns from a Veronese newspaper that he is being sought for kidnapping, after he's accompanied the children from Paris to Italy under the impression he's taking them to the girl's sick mother. You've never heard so many grand variations of snorts, groans and whimpers. Yet because the film is so uninvolving, the performance comes to look like an inventory of the Olivier special effects. It makes one appreciate a little more what he did in "Marathon Man," "The Betsy" and "The Boys from Brazil," as well as the films themselves.The other players in the film include Sally Kellerman, as Lauren's heedless, much-married mother; Arthur Hill, as her stepfather, and Broderick Crawford, as himself, a role that really does not fit him very well. Miss Kellerman's material allows little room for her to move in, while Mr. Hill, playing the same part he had in "The Champ," seems in danger of becoming so self-effacing he may wake up one morning to find himself invisible.David Dukes is amusing as a movie director who may or may not be modeled on William Friedkin. Ashby Semple plays Lauren's best friend, a "Junior Miss" role, that of a tall, gawky girl with braces on her teeth. The part is gross."A Little Romance," which has been rated PG ("parental guidance suggested"), contains some mildly suggestive sequences, though the porn film mentioned above is neither seen nor heard.

In Love in Paris

A LITTLE ROMANCE, directed by George Roy Hill; screenplay by Allan Burns; film editor, William Reynolds; director of photography, Pierre William Glenn; music by Georges Delerue; produced by Yves Rousset-Rouard and Robert L. Crawford; released by Warner Brothers. At the Sutton Theter, Third Avenue and 57th Street. Running time: 108 minues. This film is rated PG.Julius . . . . . Laurence OlivierRichard King . . . . . Arthur HillKay King . . . . . Sally KellermanLauren . . . . . Diane LaneDaniel . . . . . Thelonious BernardBrod . . . . . Broderick CrawfordGeorge de Marco . . . . . David DukesBob Duryea . . . . . Andrew DuncanJenet Duryea . . . . . Claudette SutherlandLondet . . . . . Graham Fletcher-CookNatalie . . . . . Ashby SempleMichel Michon . . . . . Claude BrossetInspector Leclerc . . . . . Jacques MauryMrs. Siegel . . . . . Anna MasseyMartin . . . . . Peter MaloneyMme. Cormier . . . . . Dominique Lavanant1st Assistant Director . . . . . Mike MarshallFrench Ambassador . . . . . Michel BardinetFrench Representative . . . . . Alain David GabisonMonique . . . . . Isabelle DubyMakeup Man . . . . . Jeffrey Carey2d Assistant Director . . . . . John PepperWoman Critic . . . . . Denise GlaserWoman in Metro . . . . . Jeanne HervialeTour Guide . . . . . Carlo LastricatiSecretary . . . . . Judy MullenTheater Manager . . . . . Philippe BrigaudCashier . . . . . Luciene Legrand

"We waste our money so you don't have to."

"We waste our money, so you don't have to."

Movie Review

A little romance.

US Release Date: 04-27-1979

Directed by: George Roy Hill

Starring ▸ ▾

• Laurence Olivier ,  as
• Diane Lane ,  as
• Lauren King
• Thelonious Bernard ,  as
• Daniel Michon
• Arthur Hill ,  as
• Richard King
• Sally Kellerman ,  as
• Broderick Crawford ,  as
• David Dukes ,  as
• George de Marco
• Andrew Duncan ,  as
• Claudette Sutherland ,  as
• Janet Duryea
• Graham Fletcher-Cook ,  as
• Ashby Semple ,  as
• Natalie Woodstein
• Claude Brosset ,  as
• Michel Michon
• Anna Massey as

Diane Lane, Laurence Olivier and Thelonious Bernard in A Little Romance .

A Little Romance is a movie I loved as a kid but hadn't seen in more than 30 years. It stars a 71 year old Laurence Olivier, near the end of his long career, and a 14 year old Diane Lane making her movie debut. Set in Paris and Venice it is, as the title suggests, an enchanting little movie about first love.

Lane plays Lauren King, a very smart 13 year old American girl living in Paris with her mother and wealthy stepfather. She's a rather precocious child who reads Heidegger for fun. When she meets an equally intelligent French boy named Daniel (Thelonious Bernard) she is impressed with his knowledge of philosophy. Daniel is poor and he loves American movies, watching them and quoting them often. His favorite star being Robert Redford.

George Roy Hill includes a few scenes where Daniel and Lauren are at the movies watching Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting , both of which Hill directed. There is also an amusing cameo by Broderick Crawford. He plays himself and there is a scene on a movie set where Daniel mentions an old movie in which Crawford hit Ward Bond, only to have Crawford act like he can't remember it. When Daniel first meets Lauren (on this same movie set - her mother is friends with the director) he tells her, “Call me Bogie.” She asks why and he answers, “Because they belong together.”  With his love of old Hollywood movies Daniel was definitely a kid after my own heart.

After an altercation between Daniel and the director, Lauren's self-absorbed (and very 1970's mother, played by Sally Kellerman) prohibits her from seeing Daniel, whom she calls a “dirty French boy”. Of course these teens continue to see each other on the sly and one day they meet an old pickpocket on the streets of Paris (Olivier hamming it up with a Maurice Chevalier accent). He tells the young couple about a romantic legend. It is said that if two lovers kiss on a gondola under the Bridge of Sighs in Venice at sunset while the bells of St Mark's Campanile toll, then they will love each other forever. When Lauren learns that she will be returning to the United States in a few weeks she convinces Daniel to take her to Venice to carry out the legend.

The best scenes in the movie are the ones with Olivier and the young couple. Lauren is enchanted by the old man and his romantic stories, while Daniel is somewhat annoyed by him and jealous of the attention Lauren pays him. In the movie's most famous scene they ride bicycles to avoid being caught by the authorities, who falsely believe the teens have been kidnapped by Julius, a man with a long rap sheet. Olivier insisted on doing his own bicycling even though he was recovering from thrombosis and pneumonia at the time.

Although Lauren and Daniel are the type of 13 year old kids that only exist in the movies, they do evoke genuine feelings of first love. Their innocent exuberance is a joy to behold. Their final scene together is bittersweet and overflowing with a sense of nostalgia for anyone who has ever been 13 and experienced puppy love. This is a charming little movie and I enjoyed it just as much at 46 as I did at 13 when I first discovered A Little Romance .

Photos © Copyright Orion Pictures (1979)

© 2000 - 2017 Three Movie Buffs. All Rights Reserved.

Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes

Trouble logging in?

By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes.

Email not verified

Let's keep in touch.

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:

• Upcoming Movies and TV shows
• Trivia & Rotten Tomatoes Podcast
• Media News + More

By clicking "Sign Me Up," you are agreeing to receive occasional emails and communications from Fandango Media (Fandango, Vudu, and Rotten Tomatoes) and consenting to Fandango's Privacy Policy and Terms and Policies . Please allow 10 business days for your account to reflect your preferences.

OK, got it!

Movies / TV

No results found.

• What's the Tomatometer®?
• Login/signup

Movies in theaters

• Opening this week
• Top box office
• Coming soon to theaters
• Certified fresh movies

Movies at home

• Netflix streaming
• Prime Video
• Most popular streaming movies
• What to Watch New

Certified fresh picks

• Monkey Man Link to Monkey Man
• The First Omen Link to The First Omen
• The Beast Link to The Beast

New TV Tonight

• Chucky: Season 3
• Mr Bates vs The Post Office: Season 1
• Fallout: Season 1
• Franklin: Season 1
• Dora: Season 1
• Good Times: Season 1
• Beacon 23: Season 2

Most Popular TV on RT

• Ripley: Season 1
• Sugar: Season 1
• 3 Body Problem: Season 1
• A Gentleman in Moscow: Season 1
• Parasyte: The Grey: Season 1
• Shōgun: Season 1
• We Were the Lucky Ones: Season 1
• The Gentlemen: Season 1
• Palm Royale: Season 1
• Best TV Shows
• Most Popular TV
• TV & Streaming News

Certified fresh pick

• Ripley Link to Ripley
• All-Time Lists
• Binge Guide
• Comics on TV
• Five Favorite Films
• Video Interviews
• Weekend Box Office
• Weekly Ketchup
• What to Watch

Best Movies of 2024: Best New Movies to Watch Now

25 Most Popular TV Shows Right Now: What to Watch on Streaming

What to Watch: In Theaters and On Streaming

Awards Tour

Weekend Box Office Results: Godzilla x Kong Holds Strong

The Most Anticipated Movies of 2024

• Trending on RT
• Play Movie Trivia

A Little Romance Reviews

What you get is a pleasant rebellious teen film.

Full Review | Original Score: B- | Apr 13, 2023

A sweet endearing tale of teen love

Full Review | Jun 10, 2020

An absolutely delightful teen romance.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Mar 5, 2020

The intentional comedy in the film always seems on the verge of working, but then is quickly bludgeoned to death.

Full Review | May 9, 2017

The film's portrait of young love may be touching, but its most moving moments celebrate love of a different kind: the passion that movie professionals, both young and old, have for their craft.

Full Review | Sep 22, 2015

Thanks to the heavy synthetic hand of director George Roy Hill, the potentially charming aspects of th kids' infatuation curdle into syrupy gruel.

Charming and entertaining fluff.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 22, 2015

Completely charming.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 22, 2015

About the only good moment in this perfectly awful film occurs when director George Roy Hill screens some clips from his celebrated movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

The film's title is too modest -- theirs is a big romance.

Absolutely delightful romance, so light of heart that it has the power to melt any cynic.

Full Review | Oct 29, 2010

Fulcrum in script is the beneficent boulevardier, limned by Laurence Olivier in a modern refashioning of the old Maurice Chevalier role.

Full Review | Mar 26, 2009

Charming to the max with great Olivier turn.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Apr 20, 2006

It's not one that'll win over hardened cynics.

Full Review | Feb 9, 2006

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jul 1, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 1/5 | Jun 17, 2005

A Little Romance is so ponderous it seems almost mean spirited.

Full Review | May 9, 2005

It gives us two movie kids in a story so unlikely I assume it was intended as a fantasy. And it gives us dialog and situations so relentlessly cute we want to squirm.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Oct 23, 2004

Diane Lane's talent was obvious even at age 14.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 2, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jul 9, 2004

A Little Romance

A Little Romance [1979] is the simple story of smitten 13 year-olds Lauren (a radiant and coltish Diane Lane ) and Daniel (scruffy French actor Thelonious Bernard ), who set out on a quest to fulfill a particular romantic ambition: legend has it, when two lovers kiss in a gondola at sunset under Venice’s Bridge of Sighs while the bells of the Campanile toll, their love becomes eternal.

A little prestige. While first-time actors Lane and Bernard do a decent job carrying most of the film, they get to do so with help from the legendary Sir Laurence Olivier . The veteran actor delights as an older French gentleman who crosses paths with the young couple in Paris, adding a sense of timelessness to this sweet little film. Olivier seems to be relishing the light tone of A Little Romance , likely relieved at the end of the seventies not to be playing an ex-Nazi or a Nazi-hunter for once. Also notable is the appearance of David Dukes as a sleazy film director. Dukes is best (or worst?) remembered as the guy who tried to rape Edith Bunker on a very special episode of All In The Family .

A little self-obsession? The presence of a film director named George is interesting, especially since he is not in any way portrayed in a flattering light. In fact, he’s shown as a complete hack, with cinephile Daniel refusing to enter a theater during a crucial chase scene because he cannot bear to watch the awful movie a second time. Meanwhile, George Roy Hill’s own films are treated with shameless reverence – clips of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting dubbed into romance languages take up a significant chunk of screen time, and the character of Daniel obsesses over Robert Redford. A film set is shown to be both dull and exciting, a repetitive bore and a forbidden location bustling with activity and potential. There is a brief, strange interlude featuring implied pornography. With such a variety of portrayals, it’s unclear what statement Hill is trying to make about the cinema in general or his own films in particular.

A little beauty. The film showcases a handful of truly picturesque locations across France and Europe. The Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte and its exquisite manicured gardens provide a stunning backdrop to a flirtatious conversation, and the roads and tiny towns of rural Italy provide a warm and inviting space for adventure. Some sequences featuring well-known and usually crowded landmarks will leave the viewer wondering exactly how Hill managed the capture the shots that appear in the film. Dreamy and timeless, the Oscar-winning score by George Delerue perfectly fits both the setting and the theme of everlasting love.

A little awkwardness. The amplified emotions one can feel so deeply as a young teenager is on display here, as well as the cringe-worthy obliviousness kids that age can sometimes project: the two main characters casually discuss Heidegger’s philosophy and compare IQs, adorably unaware of their own pretentiousness;  Lauren’s dorky friend Natalie has a bedroom that appears to be entirely draped in pink sequins, and features a Snoopy toy so worn and tattered, it’s likely it was once used as a makeshift pacifier. These endearing bits of production design bring a sense of realism to the production and really make the world of the movie feel lived-in.

A little control. Both the main characters are shown to have a difficult home life, and because of this the viewer understands the motivation behind their unusual quest. They are both observant young people fully aware of the faults of their parents. As they strive for control over some element of their own lives, they conjure a sweet, romantic fantasy, which as the film progresses becomes less about affirming their eternal love and starts to feel more like the ultimate expression of their independence.

A little bit magical.

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

• Top Ten Lists

A LITTLE ROMANCE

• Post author: Dennis Schwartz
• Post published: April 13, 2023
• Post category: Uncategorized

(director/writer: George Roy Hill; screenwriters: based on the novel by Patrick Cauvin/Allen Burns; cinematographer: Pierre William Glenn; editor: William Reynolds; music: Georges Delerue; cast: Diane Lane (Lauren King), Sally Kellerman (Kay King), Thelonious Bernard (Daniel Michon, who etched out a career as a dentist), Laurence Olivier (Julius), Broderick Crawford (Brod), Arthur Hill (Richard King), David Dukes (Geore de Marco), Andrew Duncan (Bob Duryea), Claudette Suderland (Janet Duryea); Runtime: 108; MPAA Rating: PG; producers: Yves Roussel/Robert Crawford Jr.; Orion Pictures; 1979)

“What you get is a pleasant rebellious teen film.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz In this saccharine George Roy Hill (“Slap Shot”/”The Sting”) directed rom/com, based on the novel by Patrick Cauvin and co-written by Allen Burns and Hill, the lovers are teens and the setting is Paris. The precocious brainy American teen Lauren King (Diane Lane, warming up for a successful acting career) lives with her spacey actress mom Kay (Sally Kellerman) and diplomat dad Richard (Arthur Hill) in Paris. Visiting a Broderick Crawford movie set she befriends the opinionated and brilliant French teenager film buff Daniel Michon (Thelonious Bernard), but mom doesn’t care for him and forbids them to date. But the lovers meet anyway in town, where they encounter the eccentric pickpocket Julius (Laurence Olivier) and run away together with Julius to Venice. Sir Laurence offers a hammy performance as he goes slumming in a trivial pic, while the kids act like kids and the parents like parents. What you get is a pleasant rebellious teen film, with a little romance thrown in.

    REVIEWED ON 4/13/2023  GRADE: B-

You Might Also Like

Norman-the moderate rise and tragic fall of a new york fixer.

MPAA Rating

Produced by, a little romance (1979), directed by george roy hill.

• AllMovie Rating 8
• User Ratings ( 0 )
• Your Rating
• Overview ↓
• AllMovie Review Review ↓
• User Reviews ↓
• Cast & Crew ↓
• Awards ↓
• Releases ↓
• Related ↓

Synopsis by Hal Erickson

Characteristics, related movies.

A Little Romance

• Photos & Videos

Film Details

• Articles & Reviews

Brief Synopsis

Cast & crew, george roy hill, laurence olivier, john pepper, mike marshall, judith mullen, photos & videos, technical specs.

Two 13-year-olds meet in Paris: A rich, book-smart American girl named Lauren and a poor, street-wise French boy named Daniel. When they fall in love, Lauren's mother tries to break them up. Hearing that their love will last forever if they kiss under the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, the children enlist the help of an elderly pickpocket named Julius to help them run away.

Dominique Lavanant

Anna Massey

Peter maloney, jeffrey carey.

Arthur Hill

Broderick Crawford

Philippe brigaud, denise glaser, isabelle duby, lucienne legrand, graham fletcher-cook, andrew duncan.

Sally Kellerman

Thelonious bernard, claude brosset, jeanne herviale, david dukes, jacques maury, ashby semple, carlo lastricati, claudette sutherland, alain david gabison, michel bardinet, francoise andrejka, jean-pierre berroyer, albert bonomi, claudine bouche, henry bumstead, allan burns, marino calvadore, margot capelier, patrick cauvin, robert christides, bruno cortini, jean-patrick costantini, robert l crawford, rosine delamare, francois delamothe, georges delerue, gastone demattia, michel desrois, marion dougherty, pierre-william glenn, jean-francois gondre, ludmilla goulian, patrick kelley, jean-pierre lelong, lucie lichtig, judith atwell mullen, eric muller, michel nicolini, michael e polakow, jacques quinternet, william h. reynolds, victor rodrigue, annick rousset-rouard, yves rousset-rouard, gille schneider, claudine stora, michael sune, jeannine vergne, claudio vinale.

Hosted Intro

Best Music Original Dramatic Score

Award nominations, best writing, screenplay.

TCM Remembers George Roy Hill, 1922-2002

Miscellaneous notes.

Released in United States March 1979

Released in United States Spring April 1979

Released in USA on video.

Released in United States March 1979 (Shown at FILMEX: Los Angeles International Film Exposition (Closing Night) March 14-30, 1979.)

Sign Up now to stay up to date with all of the latest news from TCM.

Your Browser is Not Supported

To view this content, please use one of the following compatible browsers:

Safari v11+

Firefox Quantum

Microsoft Edge

Letterboxd — Your life in film

Forgotten username or password ?

• Start a new list…
• Add all films to a list…
• Add all films to watchlist

Add to your films…

Press Tab to complete, Enter to create

A moderator has locked this field.

Add to lists

Where to watch

A little romance.

1979 Directed by George Roy Hill

America is having a love affair with "A Little Romance"

A young American girl and a young French boy meet in Paris and fall in love, with the assistance of an old man and his stories.

Laurence Olivier Diane Lane Thelonious Bernard Arthur Hill Sally Kellerman Broderick Crawford David Dukes Andrew Duncan Claudette Sutherland Graham Fletcher-Cook Ashby Semple Claude Brosset Jacques Maury Anna Massey Peter Maloney Dominique Lavanant Mike Marshall Michel Bardinet David Gabison Isabel Duby Geoffrey Carey John R. Pepper Denise Glaser Jeanne Herviale Carlo Lastricati Judith Mullen Philippe Brigaud Lucienne Legrand

Director Director

George Roy Hill

Producers Producers

Robert Crawford Jr. Yves Rousset-Rouard

Writers Writers

George Roy Hill Allan Burns

Original Writer Original Writer

Claude Klotz

Editor Editor

William Reynolds

Cinematography Cinematography

Pierre-William Glenn

Art Direction Art Direction

François de Lamothe

Composer Composer

Georges Delerue

Trinacra Films Pan Arts Orion Pictures Warner Bros. Pictures

Primary Language

Spoken languages.

Italian English French

Releases by Date

27 apr 1979, 14 mar 1980, 20 jun 1980, releases by country.

• Theatrical 6
• Theatrical PG

108 mins   More at IMDb TMDb Report this page

Popular reviews

Review by ele ★★★★★ 3

GOD this made my heart swell to the size of a sunset over the bridge of sighs while the bells toll. I love it as much as lauren loves daniel and as much as daniel loves robert redford.

Review by T👁️ ★★★★

Another underrated movie from another underrated director.

George Roy Hill's, "Before Sunri- I mean, George Roy Hill's, "Moonrise Kingd- ...

Alright, first things fuckin' last: This movie knew just how to press on my sentimental nerve. I know what you're doing movie so stop it. The little kids are in love and it's fucking wonderful to be a little kid and in love.

Does this movie have flaws? Yeah, the cliches. There are a bunch, but the heart behind the sentiment and endearing nature of the film made me shrug it off easily. It also helps when you think about how a lot of what could now be looked at as cliches, probably weren't as popular back then.

There's some…

Review by erich4chi ★★★½

I’m a sucker for stories about kids who want nothing more than for their emotions to be taken seriously.

Review by Brian Formo ★★★ 5

young love, yes yes. seasoned vet assisting young love, yes yes.

but Georges Delerue's score, Sally Kellerman's open horniness, Broderick Crawford's warm embrace of the "paycheck job," the final freeze frame, and "Natalie Woodstein, 'Lauren's dorky friend'" are the real MVPs.

Review by Alex Leonce ★★★★ 1

Did Linklater gain inspiration from this, for his Before trilogy?!

A nice, comforting, beautifully shot movie about young puppy love between two teens. In her debut, Diane Lane vastly impresses, and shows why she's one of the best working actresses today, while her costar, Thelonious Bernard, also impresses as they both share cute chemistry. Laurence Olivier is a delight to watch.

Review by Anny ★★★★★

Such a refreshing film, a romantic comedy about two youngsters in love. A french boy who loves movies and an American girl fall in love and decide to run away to Venice to seal their beautiful romance under the bridge of Sighs. It's a pure and simple story about connecting and finding love for the first time.

Review by az93 ★★★½

Mixed bag. Cute film, smarter script than the average rom-com, and I've always got a soft spot for film that celebrate cinema. A good Diane Lane debut, and a sweet enough French kid who can't really act. Laurence Olivier almost derailing his whole career with his later year Clouseau accent portfolio of parody.

Review by kathryn ★★★½

dare i say better than moonrise kingdom

Review by Alice ★★★★½ 8

What fans of The Before Trilogy wish Moonrise Kingdom was like. And it's absolutely delicious. George Roy Hill just doesn't miss.

Review by AntoniusBlock7 ★★★

Seeing Diane Lane in her film debut at age 13 and Laurence Olivier at age 72 were the main attractions for me, and they don’t disappoint. Lane’s performance is very good, especially during the film’s touching moments, and Olivier’s character has a nice little twist along the way which he performs well. I was also happy to see beautiful shots in Paris, Verona, and Venice, especially the latter towards the end.

I have to say, the movie doesn’t do itself any favors by straining the plot’s credibility to the point of annoyance – Lane’s character (also 13 years old mind you) reads Heidegger, her boyfriend (Thelonious Bernard) has developed a system for picking the winners of horse races, and Lane…

Review by Pierre Lachaine ★★½

This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.

Je voulais tellement aimer ça. J'ai abordé ce film, porté par la beauté aussi lumineuse que délicate de son affiche pointilliste, avec l'impression qu'il serait fait pour moi. Mais, malheureusement, au final, je me suis juste pas mal ennuyé de Truffaut, auquel le film fait constamment référence, que ce soit par le personnage de Daniel (presque un anagramme de Doinel si on veut aller jusque là), jeune cinéphile de 13 ans qui vole des photos de sa star préférée (Robert Redford dans Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid …) et qui a droit à un plan final avec arrêt sur image et zoom, par le tournage du film dans le film, qui donne l'occasion d'observations sur le milieu du cinéma (mais…

Review by sepvira ★★★½

Lauren.. Call me Bogie. Why? Because... Because they belong together, Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart. They were married. Movie stars. She called him Bogie. That's why I said to call me Bogie.

A really sweet, delightful romance between 13-year-old-film buff French boy Daniel and 13-year-old-Heidegger American girl Lauren. Such great chemistry and performances from the two leads, especially Diane Lane in her debut.

It's A Little Romance afterall or maybe Before Sunrise Jr with a little help from a charming old fella with over-the-top French accent played by Sir Laurence Olivier.

ps. i just can't believe that director George Roy Hill showing his earlier film, "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" in the opening scene

Similar Films

Select your preferred poster

Upgrade to remove ads.

Letterboxd is an independent service created by a small team, and we rely mostly on the support of our members to maintain our site and apps. Please consider upgrading to a Pro account —for less than a couple bucks a month, you’ll get cool additional features like all-time and annual stats pages ( example ), the ability to select (and filter by) your favorite streaming services, and no ads!

A Little Romance (1979) Stream and Watch Online

Watch 'A Little Romance' Online

Looking to watch ' A Little Romance ' in the comfort of your own home? Discovering a streaming service to buy, rent, download, or view the George Roy Hill-directed movie via subscription can be a huge pain, so we here at Moviefone want to do right by you. Read on for a listing of streaming and cable services - including rental, purchase, and subscription options - along with the availability of 'A Little Romance' on each platform when they are available. Now, before we get into the various whats and wheres of how you can watch 'A Little Romance' right now, here are some specifics about the Trinacra Films, Pan Arts, Orion Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures comedy flick. Released April 27th, 1979, 'A Little Romance' stars Laurence Olivier , Diane Lane , Thelonious Bernard , Arthur Hill The PG movie has a runtime of about 1 hr 48 min, and received a user score of 69 (out of 100) on TMDb, which put together reviews from 59 well-known users. What, so now you want to know what the movie's about? Here's the plot: "A young American girl and a young French boy meet in Paris and fall in love, with the assistance of an old man and his stories." 'A Little Romance' is currently available to rent, purchase, or stream via subscription on Vudu .

'A Little Romance' Release Dates

Movie recommendations.

Featured News

Movie Reviews

Follow Moviefone

Movie trailers.

Wealth of Geeks

20 Romantic Movies That Feature Slow-Burning Love Stories

Posted: November 10, 2023 | Last updated: April 6, 2024

While romance movies aren’t everyone’s favorite genre, many film fans do enjoy watching a love story unfold onscreen. Someone in a popular online forum asked for suggestions of films “where the protagonist doesn’t intentionally seek romance.” Here are 20 great movies to check out.

1. You’ve Got Mail (1998)

Nora Ephron directs Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in this remake of The Shop Around the Corner . Hanks is Joe Fox of the chain store Fox Books, and Meg Ryan is Kathleen Kelly, from the small children’s bookstore, The Shop Around the Corner. They are rivals in business but unknowingly are email pen pals who are developing real feelings for each other. This love story definitely is not love at first sight. In fact, the film takes place over many, many months and is a true delight.

2. Palm Springs (2020)

Palm Springs is about two wedding guests who are stuck in a time loop and keep reliving the same day over and over again. Sarah is the lonely maid of honor who humiliates herself with a drunken toast, and Nyles is the offbeat guest she is charmed by because of his cynicism. A romance develops but each day is different until they get things right and can be completely honest with themselves and each other. This quirky comedy stars Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti.

3. The African Queen (1951)

This classic film is set in Africa during WWI. Rose Sayer is a missionary who seeks passage aboard a riverboat with Captain Charlie Allnut. She wishes to avenge her brother’s death at the hand of German soldiers and target a gunboat down the river. The two very different people clash immensely, but on their journey, love develops based on mutual respect and understanding.

This exciting and entertaining film stars two of the most legendary actors ever, Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn.

4. Groundhog Day (1993)

A smug, self-centered weatherman named Phil Connors is forced to relive the same day over and over again in this 90s comedy. The day in question is Groundhog Day, and each time the day starts over again, Phil attempts different things to get him out of this time loop. It’s only when he begins to treat others better, in particular the woman whom he falls for, Rita, that things change.

This unconventional romance develops over many days as each time Phil learns an imperative lesson. Groundhog Day stars Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell.

5. When Harry Met Sally (1989)

When Harry Met Sall y was the most frequent response — and for good reason. The film follows Harry Burns and Sally Albright, two people who keep meeting over the years and eventually become best friends, and then fall in love. They have differing opinions on just about everything and have no intention of becoming romantically involved, but love has other plans.

When Harry Met Sally is written by Nora Ephron, directed by Rob Reiner, and stars Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher, and Bruno Kirby.

6. Emma (2020)

Jane Austen’s classic story follows the sweet, but naïve and spoiled Emma Woodhouse who insists on playing matchmaker with her friends. Little does she expect to fall in love with her oldest friend, Mr. Knightly, who disproves of her matchmaking, but holds a candle for her that burns brightly.

The 2020 version stars Anya Taylor-Joy and Johnny Flynn and is worth checking out. But one should also check out the superior 1998 version with Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeremy Northam, and the equally lovely miniseries that stars Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller.

7. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

This teen comedy is based on William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew and follows two sisters who are completely different. Kat is tough and independent and Bianca is naive and wants to fit in. Knowing Bianca is not allowed to date until Kat does, a plan is hatched to pay the bad boy Patrick to date Kat.

This is one of the funniest teen comedies ever with some surprisingly thoughtful moments. And the romance develops begrudgingly and over a period of time.

8. A Walk to Remember (2002)

This tender tearjerker follows bad boy Landon Carter who is forced to participate in a school play as punishment for being involved in a terrible accident with another student. There he spends time with sweet Jamie Sullivan who makes him promise not to fall in love with her. But lo and behold, he does just that. Jamie has a tragic secret that threatens their budding romance, however.

This film stars Mandy Moore and Shane West and features one of the best depictions of young love that develops slowly.

9. The Wedding Singer (1998)

The first film that co-stars Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore is this wacky comedy set in the 1980s. Robbie Hart is a wedding singer who is left at the altar. Julia is a waitress who becomes his friend as he helps her plan her wedding to a first-rate jerk.

The two grow close over time and soon realize that love should be with someone you respect, can have fun with, and especially want to grow old with. This comedy is filled with laughs and 80s nostalgia. Romance-wise, it more than fits the criteria.

10. The Remains of the Day (1993)

If there ever was a slow-burn romance, it would be this one between butler James Stevens and head housekeeper Miss Kenton in this rich period drama. Many years are depicted between these two co-workers, but most especially those leading up to WWII, where their employer’s possible ties to the Nazi party make Steven, especially, question all his years of loyalty and servitude. This is a slow-building and understated romantic story.

11. The Sound of Music (1965)

The classic musical starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer is known for its breathtaking visuals and fantastic songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein. It is also known as a family dramatic musical about a governess who is sent to take care of the seven children of a stern naval captain.

The romance between Maria and Captain Von Trapp becomes steamy. Maria captures the hearts of the children early on, but it takes longer for the Captain’s heart to open. Meanwhile, Maria, who thinks she is meant to be a nun, fights her feelings for him. This is a classic in every way.

12. The Bridges of Madison County (1995)

The Bridges of Madison County is the shortest film on this list. But it still is an appropriate response. In the movie, a lonely housewife gives directions to a photographer passing by, but quickly agrees to show him around all of the bridges from the town.

Over the course of four days, the two open up to each other and find a sense of understanding and connection. It is a bittersweet love story that stars two acting legends, Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood.

13. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)

This movie is a loose, modern adaptation of the Jane Austen novel, Pride and Prejudice . Bridget Jones is a perpetually single woman in her 30s who starts a diary to keep track of her daily life and help her achieve her goal of a life where she is healthier and no longer single. She navigates complicated relationships with her playboy boss, Daniel Cleaver, and the stuffy but goodhearted barrister, Mark Darcy.

Over time, the feelings for both men evolve with extremely funny results. This film stars Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant.

14. Pride and Prejudice (2005)

While on the theme of Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice is one of the most timeless and beloved love stories of all time. The 2005 version, which stars Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, is just as loved.

The story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, two people from different classes in life who meet, argue, and exhibit moments of both pride and prejudice, is a classic tale that has been told many times.

But this version is one of the most beautiful and is a perfect representation of a love that builds slowly and gradually between two people who had no intentions of falling for each other.

15. Someone Like You (2001)

This movie follows a woman who is dumped by her boyfriend with no warning and then pretends to be an older relationship expert on the dating habits of men. The trouble arises when she begins to use her roommate Eddie as a case subject for her research and the two develop feelings for each other. Like most romantic comedies, there are many misunderstandings and deceptions that complicate things.

But Someone Like You definitely qualifies as a slow love story that is not sought after, nor at first sight. The movie stars Ashley Judd, Hugh Jackman, Greg Kinnear, and Marisa Tomei.

16. Always Be My Maybe (2019)

This movie represents the friends-to-love trope seen in many romances. Best friends Sasha and Marcus had been inseparable since they were children but lost touch after high school. When they reconnect as adults, old and unresolved feelings rise to the surface. Not only is this a relationship that spans many years, but it depicts two people who only sought friendship with each other. Neither expected to fall in love.

The movie stars Randall Park, Ali Wong, and Keanu Reeves as a very funny, exaggerated version of himself.

17. While You Were Sleeping (1995)

This romantic comedy is about a kind but lonely woman named Lucy who saves the life of a man named Peter she pines for after he is pushed onto a railroad track. After a misunderstanding at the hospital, his family thinks she is his fiancée, and she cannot bring herself to tell them the truth. With Peter in a coma, she then starts to spend time with Peter’s brother Jack, as well as the rest of the family.

Taking place the weeks during the Christmas holiday, this is a sweet-natured and very funny film that stars Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, and Peter Gallagher.

18. Phantom Thread (2017)

This film is set in post-war London in the 1950s and follows an acclaimed dressmaker. He dresses anyone from royalty to socialites, but no woman has ever completely caught his eye. He is a consummate bachelor. But when this very particular and in-control fashion designer meets an independent and strong woman, he finds his life complicated and uncontrolled, as she becomes his muse and lover.

This is a slowly developed love story between two very stubborn individuals. This stylish movie stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Vicky Krieps, and Lesley Manville.

19. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

From Studio Ghibli and director Hayo Miyazaki, Howl’s Moving Castle is a thoughtful and whimsical film based on a children’s book of the same name. The fantasy story follows a young woman named Sophie who is cursed by a witch and given the body of an old woman. She seeks help with the spoiled and self-indulgent wizard who lives in a strange castle with mechanical legs in this one-of-a-kind love story.

This animated film is a thought-provoking story about love overcoming curses both magical and mortal.

The real curse is often selfishness. The American-dubbed version of this film features the voice talents of Christian Bale, Emily Mortimer, Lauren Bacall, Billy Crystal, and Jean Simmons.

20. Six Days, Seven Nights (1998)

This is an adventure movie that blends action, comedy, and romance. The story follows a crass pilot and uptight magazine editor whose helicopter crashes onto an island in the South Seas. The two spend the beginning of their relationship doing nothing but fighting and bickering.

But over time, feelings change and they must learn to survive against the elements and other threats, such as pirates. The fighting-to-romance trope is in full force in this movie that stars Harrison Ford and Anne Heche.

More From Wealth of Geeks - 25 Movies You May Only Watch Once Because They’ll Destroy You

Some movies can leave such a profound impact on us that we can't bear watching them again. Ever. These films stay with us long after the credits roll, haunting our thoughts and leaving us emotionally shattered. Here, we've compiled a list of 25 movies deemed one-time experiences by viewers on an online forum who have been through the emotional wringer.

More From Wealth of Geeks

While some films from the 80s have become iconic, etching themselves into our collective memories, a treasure trove of lesser-known films has gradually faded into obscurity. Not to worry, we've compiled a list of 25 gems, based on IMDb, that graced our screens with their offbeat charm, eccentric characters, and captivating narratives that defy convention.

More From Wealth of Geeks - 12 Exhilarating Films That Will Terrify You to The Core

Looking for movies that redefine the word horror? Sometimes, it's not just about the spooky movies you've heard of, sometimes it's the ones that delve deep into horror that have a greater impact. Sit back, try to relax, and dive into these 12 films that are absolutely bone-chilling.

More for You

California’s New Exit Tax for Those Moving Out of State

Space Rock Slammed Into Moon - The Explosion Was Seen From Japan

9 Insider Secrets You Should Know From a Goodwill Employee

This common trait is a red flag of a toxic boss, says ex-IBM CEO: 'I used to think it was a great skill'

Can You Eat Potatoes with Sprouts?

Barnes shares Kevin Garnett wanted to play for the Lakers, but Kobe didn't approve of it: "He wanted to do his thing without Shaq"

Putin seeks emergency petrol as Russia runs on fumes

Different images of the eclipse worldwide

Cruise ship buffet taboos: 10 things you should never do at mealtime

Reacher Season 3: Expected Release, Plot, Cast & News

‘Death cleaning’ isn’t morbid, it’s the healthiest thing you can do

"They not coming to west Baltimore, to come get you" - Carmelo Anthony explains why he never thought he would make it to the NBA

A deposition Elon Musk fought to keep confidential was released. Read the most interesting quotes.

14 Childhood Toys That Are Now Worth a Fortune

The 5 Foods You Should Never Eat From the Breakfast Buffet

5 Fighter Jets That Can Rival The F-16

Russian Missile Ship's Blueprints Emerge After Fiery Baltic Sea 'Sabotage'

Curb Your Enthusiasm remade the most hated finale ever – and this time, it worked

15 Mistakes People Make When Living Alone That Put Their Safety in Danger

I tried to snap a photo of the 'Devil comet' during the solar eclipse. Here's what happened.

• Cast & crew

Back to Black

The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time.

• Sam Taylor-Johnson
• Matt Greenhalgh
• Marisa Abela
• Eddie Marsan
• Jack O'Connell
• 3 Critic reviews

• Amy Winehouse

• Mitch Winehouse

• Blake Fielder-Civil

• Cynthia Winehouse

• Janis Winehouse

• Raye Cosbert

• Nick Shymansky

• A & R Manager

• Aunt Melody

• Perfume Paul

• Island Records Senior Executive

• CID Officer

• Uncle Harold

• Chris Taylor
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

More like this

Technical specs

• Runtime 2 hours 2 minutes

Related news

Contribute to this page.

• See more gaps
• Learn more about contributing

More to explore

Recently viewed

• Entertainment

‘Wicked Little Letters’ review: Star power boosts wicked little comedy

Movie review.

Last time we saw Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley in the same movie, they were playing the same character. In Maggie Gyllenhaal’s affecting drama “ The Lost Daughter ,” both were cast as Leda, a professor and mother who struggled with choices made in her past. Colman played her in middle age, Buckley as a young adult, and though they never shared a screen, it was uncanny how you could see each mirrored in the other. Now they are in the period comedy “Wicked Little Letters,” playing characters who are the opposite of each other: Colman plays Edith, a pious, repressed woman living with her strict parents; Buckley is Rose, a free-spirited single mother who frequently enjoys a pint or two. The performances are utterly different — Colman’s every facial muscle is tightly controlled; Buckley is all looseness — and yet there’s a connection between them; you can, somehow, imagine these women as friends.

Related MOVIE REVIEWS

• ‘Shirley’ review: Regina King shines in Netflix’s Shirley Chisholm biopic
• ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ review: Monster-sized chaos
• ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ review: A fan service-heavy sequel

Thea Sharrock’s “Wicked Little Letters,” set in small-town England in the 1920s, is a charmingly funny little movie with a few things to say. It’s based on a true story, in which seaside community Littlehampton (the sort of picturesque place where every doorway seems to have a nearby rose-draped trellis) was horrified by a series of poison-pen letters — cruel and often obscene — sent first to Edith, then to other townsfolk. Rose, known for her uncensored tongue, is immediately arrested for the crime, but maintains her innocence: “Why would I send a letter when I could just say it?” Meanwhile, police officer Gladys Moss (Anjana Vasan), the only woman on Littlehampton’s force, delves further into the mystery, launching a clandestine investigation that becomes, literally, the talk of the town.

Said mystery turns out to not be terribly compelling (you’ll guess it early), but it matters not a whit; the fun here is watching these performers. The cast is stellar even in the smallest roles: The great Eileen Atkins, making a rare screen appearance, gets a wonderful moment in which she expresses the local women’s frustration with, after having worked alongside men during the war, having to go back to “being decent.” And the central trio of Colman, Buckley and Vasan (whose character has to deal with the indignity of being called “Woman Police Officer Moss,” and who reminds us that hostile work environments are nothing new) are a joy. Watch as Vasan resolutely raises her chin, or Colman twists her mouth into a sour knot upon hearing someone swear (“indoors, and on a Wednesday,” which somehow makes it worse), or Buckley’s face lights up with the memory of having been “roisterous” once or twice. It’s a little story, but it’s wicked fun.

With Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Anjana Vasan, Timothy Spall, Gemma Jones, Eileen Atkins. Directed by Thea Sharrock, from a screenplay by Jonny Sweet. 100 minutes. Rated R for language throughout and sexual material. Opens April 4 at multiple theaters.

Most Read Entertainment Stories

• Morgan Wallen has been arrested after police say he threw a chair off of the roof of a 6-story bar
• Pat Sajak’s final ‘Wheel of Fortune’ episode date set
• 2 Seattle radio stations flip to country music
• Tony and Pulitzer winners to see on Seattle stages this season
• Kidnapping of California woman that police called a hoax gets new attention with Netflix documentary

The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.