Movies About Forbidden Love

From Luc Besson, starring Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, Natalie Portman, Danny Aiello
Rated R

Léon: The Professional is a 1994 action-thriller film written and directed by Luc Besson. It stars Jean Reno as the titular character, a professional hitman and Natalie Portman in her feature film debut as Mathilda, a young girl who asks Leon to teach her his trade after her family is murdered by corrupt Drug Enforcement Administration agents. Leon reluctantly agrees to help Mathilda seek revenge and protect her from the DEA agents. In the process, the two form an unlikely bond as Leon helps Mathilda come to terms with her grief and navigates the dangerous criminal underworld. The film was a commercial and critical success, earning critical acclaim for its performances, direction, screenplay, and soundtrack.

From Park Chan-wook, starring Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jeong, Kim Byeong-Ok
Rated R

Oldboy is a South Korean revenge thriller film directed by Park Chan-wook. The story follows Oh Dae-su, a man who is inexplicably imprisoned in a strange hotel-like prison for 15 years without knowing who his captor is or why he is being held. Upon his unexpected release, Oh Dae-su embarks on a quest to find his captor and seek revenge. Along the way, he discovers dark secrets about his own past and the truth behind his imprisonment. In the process, he is forced to confront his own guilt and inner demons as he faces a deadly battle of wits and a final showdown with his mysterious tormentor.

From Spike Jonze, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Scarlett Johansson, Rooney Mara
Rated R

Her is a 2013 American science fiction romantic drama film written, directed, and produced by Spike Jonze. In the near future, Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix), a lonely writer, develops a unique relationship with an artificially intelligent operating system (Scarlett Johansson) designed to meet his every need. As their friendship deepens, Theodore begins to question the boundaries between man and machine, his own relationships, and his place in the world. The film explores the themes of love, technology, and identity in a near-future world where human connections are shaped by advanced technology.

From James Cameron, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates
Rated PG-13

Titanic is a 1997 American epic romance and disaster film directed, written, co-produced, and co-edited by James Cameron. A fictionalized account of the sinking of the RMS Titanic, it stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as members of different social classes who fall in love aboard the ship during its ill-fated maiden voyage. The film's narrative follows the two protagonists as they deal with their growing love for each other in a setting filled with class struggle and contrasting social backgrounds. The film also stars Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Frances Fisher and Gloria Stuart. The film was a massive commercial success, and it became the highest-grossing film of all time, until Cameron's Avatar (2009) surpassed it in 2010. The film won eleven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, tying Ben-Hur (1959) for the most Academy Awards won by a single film. Titanic was nominated for fourteen Oscars in total.

From Hal Ashby, starring Ruth Gordon, Bud Cort, Vivian Pickles, Cyril Cusack
Rated PG

Harold and Maude is a 1971 American romantic black comedy-drama film directed by Hal Ashby and released by Paramount Pictures. It stars Ruth Gordon and Bud Cort in the title roles, alongside Vivian Pickles, Cyril Cusack, Charles Tyner, and Jabberwocky-creator Tom Lepore. The story follows the exploits of Harold Chasen, a young, wealthy, and eccentric 20-year-old man who is obsessed with death. When his mother forces him to attend a funeral, Harold meets the elderly Maude, a 79-year-old woman who lives life to its fullest and shows Harold the joys of living. They form a strong bond, and Harold finds himself falling in love with her. Despite the disapproval of his mother and of the authorities, Harold and Maude enjoy a romantic relationship and explore the beauty of life and death. The film was an instant cult classic, and is now considered to be one of the greatest films of the 1970s.

From Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall
Rated PG-13

Edward Scissorhands is a 1990 American romantic fantasy film directed by Tim Burton. It tells the story of an artificial man named Edward, an unfinished creation, who has scissor blades instead of hands. After being discovered and taken in by a suburban family, Edward must adjust to his new life and deal with a lack of understanding from those around him. With the help of the family's young daughter, Kim, he gradually learns to fit in, but his alienation and isolation are never fully resolved. The film stars Johnny Depp as Edward, Winona Ryder as Kim, Dianne Wiest as Kim's mother, and Alan Arkin as her father. The film is a modern fairy tale, with elements of gothic horror, romance, and suspense, and has since become a cult classic.

From Nick Cassavetes, starring Gena Rowlands, James Garner, Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling
Rated PG-13

The Notebook is a romantic drama set in a small town in the 1940s. It follows the story of Noah Calhoun (played by Ryan Gosling) and Allie Hamilton (played by Rachel McAdams), two teenagers from different backgrounds who fall in love. Noah, from a poor background, is determined to win Allie's heart despite the objections of her wealthy parents. After a summer of romance, the two are torn apart by circumstances beyond their control. Years later, Noah re-enters Allie's life and the couple must decide if the spark between them is strong enough to last a lifetime. The Notebook is ultimately a story of true love that withstands the test of time. It is a timeless classic, full of heart-wrenching emotion and sweet moments.

From Jean-Jacques Annaud, starring Sean Connery, Christian Slater, Helmut Qualtinger, Elya Baskin
Rated R

The Name of the Rose is a 1986 Italian-French-German historical drama film directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, based on Umberto Eco's novel of the same name. Set in an Italian monastery in the year 1327, the film follows Franciscan monk William of Baskerville and his young novice, Adso von Melk, as they investigate a series of mysterious deaths at the abbey. The two uncover a web of intrigue, deception, and murder while they try to unravel the secret of a book that might hold the key to the deaths. The film stars Sean Connery as William of Baskerville and Christian Slater as Adso.

From Ang Lee, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger, Michelle Williams, Randy Quaid
Rated R

Brokeback Mountain tells the story of two young men, Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal), who meet as sheep herders in Wyoming in 1963 and form an intense romantic bond—a bond that is tested by the harsh realities of their lives and the intolerance of their society. After a summer spent together, Ennis and Jack part ways and go on to lead separate lives, only reuniting years later when their feelings for each other resurface and they must confront the choices they have made. The movie follows their story over the next twenty years, as they struggle to come to terms with their sexuality, their conflicting desires, and the harsh judgement of the world around them. Brokeback Mountain earned several Academy Award nominations and won three Oscars in 2006.

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

The Reader is a 2008 movie directed by Stephen Daldry, starring Kate Winslet and Ralph Fiennes. The film tells the story of a German woman, Hanna Schmitz (Winslet), who is a former concentration camp guard. She meets a young man, Michael Berg (Fiennes), who falls in love with her and starts to learn more about her past. Eventually, it is revealed that Hanna has been illiterate her entire life and Michael helps her to learn how to read. As they grow closer, Michael realizes that Hanna was involved in some of the atrocities committed at the concentration camp, and she is put on trial for her actions. In the end, Michael forgives Hanna and visits her in prison before she is released. The Reader is a powerful story that explores the complexity of guilt and forgiveness.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Clint Eastwood, Meryl Streep, Annie Corley, Victor Slezak
Rated PG-13

The Bridges of Madison County is a 1995 romantic drama directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood. Based on the best-selling novel by Robert James Waller, the film follows the story of Francesca Johnson, a Iowa housewife and mother of two, who embarks on a four-day romantic interlude with a National Geographic photographer, Robert Kincaid, when he comes to Madison County to photograph its historic covered bridges. Despite the strong connection between them, Francesca ultimately decides to stay with her family, a decision that haunts her for the rest of her life. Emotional and deeply moving, The Bridges of Madison County explores the power of love, sacrifice and the beauty of the Midwest.

From Directors: Jerome Robbins, Robert Wise, starring Natalie Wood, George Chakiris, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn
Rated Approved

West Side Story is an Academy Award-winning musical film released in 1961. It is a modern-day retelling of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, set among the rival street gangs of New York City's Upper West Side in the 1950s. The film follows the forbidden romance between Tony, a former member of the Jets gang, and Maria, the sister of the Sharks gang leader. As their love blossoms despite the hatred between their families and their gangs, they must struggle to keep their relationship alive while the gangs battle it out in the streets. Featuring memorable songs and intense choreography, West Side Story is a timeless classic that continues to be a beloved favorite.

From Richard Curtis, starring Hugh Grant, Martine McCutcheon, Liam Neeson, Laura Linney
Rated R

Love Actually is a romantic comedy film written and directed by Richard Curtis. The movie follows the intertwining stories of eight different couples and their struggles with love and relationships. Hugh Grant stars as the British Prime Minister, who is dealing with his own heartache, while Colin Firth plays a writer trying to find the courage to tell his best friend that he is in love with her. Other characters include a recently widowed man (Liam Neeson) and his stepson, an aging rock star (Bill Nighy), and a recently divorced single mother (Emma Thompson). Throughout the film, the characters are faced with the challenge of being honest with each other and navigating their relationships. The movie is ultimately a story of hope and the power of love.

From Ang Lee, starring Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Tang Wei, Joan Chen, Leehom Wang
Rated NC-17

Set in 1940s Shanghai, "Lust, Caution" is a gripping tale of espionage and romance. The story follows a young woman named Wong Chia Chi, played by Tang Wei, who is recruited by a student activist group to seduce and assassinate Mr. Yee, played by Tony Leung, a powerful government official. Wong infiltrates Yee's home and develops an unexpected bond with him. As the two grow closer, Wong is forced to choose between her mission and her feelings for Yee, leading to a thrilling and heartbreaking climax. Directed by Ang Lee, Lust, Caution is an intense exploration of love and betrayal.

From Todd Field, starring Kate Winslet, Jennifer Connelly, Patrick Wilson, Jackie Earle Haley
Rated R

Little Children is a 2006 American drama film directed by Todd Field and based on the novel of the same name by Tom Perrotta. The film follows the lives of several parents in a suburban town who are struggling to deal with their own psychological problems and the issues that come with raising their children. Brad and Kathy are married but largely disconnected from each other and their two young children. Brad is having an affair with Sarah, a stay-at-home mother whose husband has been deployed overseas. Ronnie, a former convict, is trying to reintegrate into society while also trying to take care of his young son. Meanwhile, an older, judgmental woman makes her presence felt in the lives of these families. As these characters grapple with their struggles, they come to realize that their problems are more interconnected than they had originally thought.

From Edward Zwick, starring Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, Aidan Quinn, Julia Ormond
Rated R

Legends of the Fall is a sweeping epic about the Ludlow family, led by Colonel William Ludlow (Anthony Hopkins) and his three grown sons. After the Colonel retires from the military and moves his family to Montana, each of his sons follows his own path. The eldest son, Alfred (Aidan Quinn), is a dutiful soldier following his father’s lead. The younger, Tristan (Brad Pitt), is a wild, passionate adventurer. The youngest, Samuel (Henry Thomas), is a gentle dreamer. When Samuel returns home with his fiancée, Susannah (Julia Ormond), the family’s bonds are tested. Tristan’s love for Susannah and Alfred’s jealousy lead to a devastating betrayal that will have dire consequences for the entire family. Legends of the Fall is a powerful story of love and loyalty, ultimately culminating in a heartbreaking tragedy.

From Yimou Zhang, starring Christian Bale, Ni Ni, Xinyi Zhang, Tianyuan Huang
Rated R

The Flowers of War is a 2011 Chinese historical drama directed by Yimou Zhang and starring Christian Bale. Set during the 1937 Nanking Massacre in China, the film follows John Miller (Bale), an American mortician who poses as a priest in order to protect a group of young schoolgirls from the invading Japanese army. With the help of a group of Chinese prostitutes and other townspeople, John must fight against all odds to keep the girls safe. As the war rages on, John discovers his own courage and strength as he learns to put the safety of others before his own. The film is a powerful and emotional story of love and sacrifice in the face of war and its aftermath.

From Michael Mayer, starring Nicholas Jacob, Michael Aloni, Jameel Khoury, Alon Pdut
Rated Not Rated

Out in the Dark is a 2012 drama-thriller film directed by Michael Mayer. It follows two gay Palestinian men, Nimer (Nicholas Jacob) and Roy (Michael Aloni), who cross paths and fall in love in Tel Aviv. But their relationship is tested when Nimer is forced to return to Palestine, and the two find themselves thrown into a maelstrom of cultural, political, and religious divides. With the aid of a lawyer, they fight for the right to be together, and to find a place they can call home. The film examines the complexities of identity, prejudice, and intolerance in the region, and examines how love can transcend such boundaries.

From Terry Zwigoff, starring Steve Buscemi, Thora Birch, Scarlett Johansson, Brad Renfro
Rated R

From Todd Haynes, starring Julianne Moore, Dennis Quaid, Dennis Haysbert, Patricia Clarkson
Rated PG-13

From Todd Haynes, starring Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson, Kyle Chandler
Rated R

From Lee Toland Krieger, starring Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, Harrison Ford, Kathy Baker
Rated PG-13

From Martin Brest, starring Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, Claire Forlani, Jake Weber
Rated PG-13

From Max Färberböck, starring Maria Schrader, Juliane Köhler, Johanna Wokalek, Heike Makatsch
Rated Not Rated

From Mark Romanek, starring Keira Knightley, Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, Izzy Meikle-Small
Rated R