Movies About First Love

From Mike Nichols, starring Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, Katharine Ross, William Daniels
Rated PG

The Graduate is a 1967 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by Mike Nichols and written by Buck Henry and Calder Willingham, based on the 1963 novel of the same name by Charles Webb. It tells the story of 21-year-old Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman), a recent college graduate from an affluent family who is seduced by an older woman, Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft), only to fall in love with her daughter Elaine (Katharine Ross). The film is famous for its use of the song "Mrs. Robinson" by Paul Simon. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards and won one for Best Director. The Graduate was critically acclaimed and has been widely regarded as one of the greatest films of its time. It is on the AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies list, and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 1994.

From Joe Wright, starring Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Brenda Blethyn, Saoirse Ronan
Rated R

Atonement is a 2007 romantic drama film directed by Joe Wright, based on the 2001 novel of the same name by Ian McEwan. The story is set in Britain before and during World War II, and follows Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan), a 13-year-old girl who, due to her immaturity, falsely accuses her older sister's (Keira Knightley) lover (James McAvoy) of a crime he did not commit. The film follows the consequences of her mistake and its devastating effects on her family, especially her sister and the lover, who are separated by the war. The film received critical acclaim, with seven Academy Award nominations, including for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. It won the Oscar for Best Original Score.

From Wes Anderson, starring Jared Gilman, Kara Hayward, Bruce Willis, Bill Murray
Rated PG-13

Moonrise Kingdom is a 2012 American coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Wes Anderson, co-written by Anderson and Roman Coppola. The film stars Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward as two young lovers who flee their New England town, prompting a search for them by the local sheriff (Bruce Willis) and the young girl's anxious parents (Bill Murray and Frances McDormand). The film is set in the 1960s on an island off the coast of New England, and follows the adventure of Sam and Suzy as they escape their mundane lives and explore their newfound independence. Along the way, they encounter a variety of characters, from Sam's Khaki Scout troop, to Suzy's eccentric family, to the mysterious and troubled local police officer. As the search for the runaways intensifies, an unlikely romance blooms between the two adventurous kids, while a violent storm draws ever closer.

From Majid Majidi, starring Hossein Abedini, Zahra Bahrami, Mohammad Amir Naji, Hossein Mahjoub
Rated PG

Baran is an Iranian drama film written and directed by Majid Majidi. It tells the story of Lateef, an Afghan refugee who works as a day laborer in Iran. When he meets a young Iranian woman, their friendship blossoms into love, leading them to defy the odds and boundaries that stand between them. The film explores themes of love, understanding, and acceptance of cultural differences, as both Lateef and the woman struggle to come to terms with the social stigma of their relationship. As they battle against intolerance, they discover the meaning of true friendship and the importance of staying true to one's self.

From Elia Kazan, starring Natalie Wood, Warren Beatty, Pat Hingle, Audrey Christie
Rated Not Rated

Splendor in the Grass is a 1961 American drama film, directed by Elia Kazan, starring Natalie Wood and Warren Beatty. Set in Kansas in the 1920s, it tells the story of high schoolers Deanie and Bud, who are deeply in love and desperate to consummate their relationship. But, Deanie's strict upbringing and the strict social conventions of the time prevent them from doing so, leading to tragedy and heartbreak. The film is an insightful exploration of sexuality, repression, teenage angst, and the struggle of young people to find a balance between their natural impulses and the expectations of society.

From Stephen Daldry, starring Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, Bruno Ganz, Jeanette Hain
Rated R

The Reader is a 2008 British-German romantic drama film directed by Stephen Daldry and based on the 1995 German novel of the same name by Bernhard Schlink. The film tells the story of a teenager (Ralph Fiennes) in 1958 Germany, who has an affair with an older woman (Kate Winslet). When the woman is later arrested and put on trial, the teenager discovers a shocking secret from her past. The film focuses on themes of guilt, redemption, and the implications of the Holocaust. It explores the relationship between the older woman and the young man, their respective guilt over the Holocaust, and the ultimate outcome of the trial. Ultimately, the film is a story of forgiveness and the power of human connection.

From Nancy Savoca, starring River Phoenix, Lili Taylor, Richard Panebianco, Anthony Clark
Rated R

From Giuseppe Tornatore, starring Monica Bellucci, Giuseppe Sulfaro, Luciano Federico, Matilde Piana
Rated R

From Richard Ayoade, starring Craig Roberts, Sally Hawkins, Paddy Considine, Noah Taylor
Rated R

From Lone Scherfig, starring Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, Alfred Molina, Olivia Williams
Rated PG-13

From Robert Mulligan, starring Sam Waterston, Tess Harper, Gail Strickland, Reese Witherspoon
Rated PG-13

From Peter Sollett, starring Victor Rasuk, Donna Maldonado, Kevin Rivera, Krystal Rodriguez
Rated R

From Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Alana Haim, Cooper Hoffman, Sean Penn, Tom Waits
Rated R

From Ziad Doueiri, starring Vahina Giocante, Moa Khouas, Karim Ben Haddou, Lotfi Chakri
Rated R

From Michel Gondry, starring Romain Duris, Audrey Tautou, Gad Elmaleh, Omar Sy
Rated Not Rated

From André Téchiné, starring Emmanuelle Béart, Gaspard Ulliel, Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet, Clémence Meyer
Rated Unrated