Guest Author - Rain Battle

I judged the the best romantic film of 2005 based on many of the same elements that film festivals believe to be of major importance. I felt that the film should reflect quality in direction, an interesting and insightful plot, keen performances, and of course, a great love story. Whether comedic or tragic, the romance just had to be good.

For the best romantic film of 2005, I finally narrowed down the choices to a top three: "The Upside of Anger," "Brokeback Mountain," and "Yes." I was surprised by the combination that I ended up with; all three films are dramas and only one of them has received massive amounts of attention.

First, "Brokeback Mountain" was an obvious choice. Who hasn't heard of this powerful film by now? The movie is beautiful, hauntingly sad, and offers a powerful lesson to those who have ever denied loving someone. You can read my full review of the film HERE.

Next, the dramedy, "The Upside of Anger," starring Kevin Costner and Joan Allen. This movie was a true surprise. Admittedly, I was expecting the worst from this film, but the previews I'd seen didn't do it justice. It's a great story about starting over and learning to love again after major disappointments with love. You can read my full review of the film HERE.

Finally, "Yes." This was a great movie! I found this little gem quite by accident; if I had discovered it sooner, I would have reviewed it upon its release. This movie also stars Joan Allen, a fabulous actress that I've just begun to appreciate over the past year. The movie is about the wife of a politician and her lover. Just as her loveless marriage is ending, the woman's lover decides he wants to end the affair. There are several unique aspects to this movie. The most noticeable of them being that the dialogue is also spoken in iambic pentameter. This is also a smart film. There are politics, intrigue, and hidden meaning involved in this intricate romance and why two lovers who can't seem to live without one another may lose everything.

So without a drumroll, I present the best movie of 2005.
"Brokeback Mountain!"

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