Though Valentine’s Day isn’t a “Jewish” holiday, it’s still one that many of us recognize, marking an occasion to celebrate love with whoever it is that’s most important to you. If you need a movie to cap off the night, here are a few suggestions:
The Birdcage
While The Birdcage doesn’t follow your classic romance blueprint, it is a movie that’s all about love, when the lives of Armand (played by Robin Williams) and his partner Albert are disrupted after Armand’s son arrives announcing his forthcoming marriage to an ultra-conservative senator’s daughter. They decide to hide both their homosexuality and religion (changing their name from Goldman to Coleman), in order to seem traditional. Despite the culture clash – spoiler alert – romance prevails.
Clueless
Clueless follows budding socialite Cher Horovitz, a 16-year-old teenager living in Beverly Hills. She’s wealthy, she’s superficial, and apparently clueless when it comes to love, until she finally realizes the right man was right in front of her. With a cast that includes Paul Rudd, Stacey Dash and Brittany Murphy, the film has gained a cult audience over the years as an adorable portrayal of privileged teenage adolescent.
Dirty Dancing
One of the most iconic romance films of the late 20th century, it isn’t immediately discernible that Dirty Dancing is a strongly Jewish film – at least, for those who wouldn’t know. The daughter of an affluent Jewish physician, Frances “Baby” Hoffman and her family are vacationing at a resort in the Catskills when she meets the resort’s dance instructor, Johnny. Together, they create one of the most famous dance sequences in film and shared a love that lasted at least a summer.
When Harry Met Sally
The jury is still out on whether Harry Burns is truly Jewish, though it is strongly implied. Some have cited the famous Katz Deli scene as evidence, where Harry eats a corned beef sandwich and Sally eats turkey on rye.
Annie Hall
Essentially, every Woody Allen film is in some way a love story but Annie Hall is his pièce de résistance, earning him the awards for best picture and best director at the Academy Awards. The story of Alvy Singer and his perplexing but consuming relationship with Annie Hall is relatable, deep and, as Alvy would say, essentially neurotic.
