“Roman Holiday” (1953) was such a delight to watch that, before I was through with it, I wanted to rewatch it, maybe not as many times as Harry and Sally rewatch “Casablanca,” but still. However, I can’t fully recommend this film.
All the images I had seen relating to this movie advertised it as a lighthearted, fun romantic-comedy, the kind of movie that feels like a nice summer day when school has let out, carefree. For the most part, it was exactly that. Sure, there was tension with Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck) because the viewer was left wondering whether he would choose his career or love, but this didn’t take away from the fun of the movie. If anything, it emphasized his love for Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn), and it propelled the plot forward.
The ending, however, had me ugly crying on the phone to my friends.
Valentine’s Day can be a polarizing holiday. I can’t imagine the people who eagerly await it want to spend it crying. As for the people who hate it, would they even be watching romantic comedies to begin with?
Some people say that real Mitski fans don’t listen to Mitski, meaning the people who relate to her music and enjoy it the most, don’t listen to it because it is too upsetting for them. So, as much as I enjoyed the film, it feels malicious to recommend it to people. If it were a worse movie, if it didn’t make you care about these characters and their happiness, then it would be easier to rewatch and recommend.
But if you’re in the mood to laugh and cry, this is the film for you.
