indie films romantic valentine's day

#1: Celeste And Jess Forever (2012)

This American romantic comedy centres on a divorcing couple, played by Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg, who want to remain as good friends while they come to terms with their newly separated status. Both Jones and Samberg obviously possess comedic chops – the former starred in acclaimed sitcom Parks and Recreation, while the latter currently plays the lead role in police sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine – so more than a few good laughs can be expected.

 

#2: Liberal Arts (2012)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cghoZjT4e8

Josh Radnor, the actor who played Ted Mosby in the iconic American sitcom How I Met Your Mother, directed, produced and starred in this comedy-drama film which centres around the life of a 35-year-old college admissions officer who falls in love with a college student (played by Elizabeth Olsen, whose performance was highly praised) when he returns to his alma mater. Tinged with nostalgia, this film is equal parts funny and romantic.

 

#3: Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)

Starring another Parks and Recreation alum (Aubrey Plaza), this American science-fiction romantic comedy film takes its name from a classified ad in an alternative newspaper, which is searching for someone willing to take a paid job as a time-travel companion. Plaza plays a college student and one of the trio of magazine employees who decide to investigate the author of this advertisement. As the three go on a road trip through a coastal town for their investigation, romance and comedy ensues.

 

#4: Populaire (2013)


This French romantic dramedy tells the story of Rose Pamphyle (Deborah Francois), a terrible secretary but brilliant typist, and her boss, Louis Echard (Romain Duris), who is determined to train her to become the fastest typist in the world and win an international speed typing contest in New York City. Set in the 1950s, this is a delightful, feel-good film, with the added bonus of visually appealing sets and costumes true to the ’50s retro aesthetic.

 

#5: The Spectacular Now (2013)

This American romantic comedy-drama film stars two of Hollywood’s most recognisable young faces in the leading roles – Shailene Woodley and Miles Teller (coincidentally, both are in the popular Divergent series). Teller plays a budding alcoholic who likes to live in the moment and is happy with his popular status with no plans for the future. Woodley plays the good-girl-next-door, who has never had a boyfriend and has lofty ambitions. Opposites attract as the two high-school seniors fall in love.

 

#6: Don Jon (2013)


Written and directed by American actor and filmmaker Joseph Gordon-Levitt, this rom-com stars Gordon-Levitt as well as a talented supporting cast including Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore and Brie Larson. Gordon-Levitt plays a materialistic New Jersey guy who struggles to give up his addiction to pornography when he meets a girl (played by Johansson).

 

#7: Begin Again (2014)

This American musical comedy-drama boasts a famous and talented cast: Keira Knightley plays a British singer-songwriter who just split from her long-time boyfriend and rock star, played by musician Adam Levine, while American actor Mark Ruffalo stars as the music-business executive whose Knightley’s character ends up meeting. This breezy romance film was also accompanied by a well-received soundtrack, with one of its songs nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

 

Main image: Don Jon Facebook

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