5 Hilarious and Heartwarming Comedy-Dramas
A Few of My Favourites....
....in no particular order. Obviously there are endless films worth watching that fall under the comedy-drama category, but to get started I thought I'd share some of my go-tos when in need of cheering up, or when I just want to watch a bloody great film. As you can imagine it was tricky picking just Five!
Since its 2016 release I've watched this film at least five times. Not only did I want everyone else to also experience this delightful story, so ended up watching it again and again with numerous friends and family, but I also just couldn't get enough! The main protagonist Ricky Baker is an unexpected, unique and charming character who'll have you in stitches ten minutes in, and the overall innocence and simplicity of the plot encourages you to focus on the simple things in life....
Like most of Taika Waititi's work, Hunt for the Wilderpeople leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
Together with Blue Valentine, this was one of the films that turned me onto Ryan Gosling. What an incredibly talented actor he is to perform such diverse roles, from mentally fragile Lars, to depressed and bitter Dean in Blue Valentine.... not to mention the seemingly emotionless "bad boy" driver in Drive. Despite the beautifully written screenplay by Nancy Oliver, I really don't think it would have had the same charm or emotional pull without Gosling.
Lars and the Real Girl touches on various day-to-day issues that a lot of us experience, but usually keep quiet about, as well as other more severe mental health problems. It also focusses on family, friendship and love in a way I felt I hadn't seen before. It's a really heartwarming and powerful film; (one of my favourite moments is the party scene when Lars dances alone to 'This Must be the Place', it actually brought a lump to my throat). Please watch it if you haven't already!
A friend of mine suggested I watch this film following a tricky breakup I went through a couple of years ago. Margot, (played by the beautiful Michelle Williams), is equally as endearing as she is odd, and at times she is incredibly selfish and a little unlikeable. Yet, her character is so real and so raw that you still find yourself sympathising with her regardless of her questionable choices; she is only human after-all.
If you're looking for something relatable and easy to lose yourself in then I recommend giving this one a watch!
So, this one is a little odd. My boyfriend really didn't get it.... Originally titled 'La Science des Rêves', The Science of sleep briefly follows the weird and wonderful life of Stéphane, who struggles to differentiate his dreams from reality. Written and directed by Michel Gondry, this film is charming, romantic and sometimes just really strange... by the end you'll feel, perhaps confused, but also thoughtful, happy and inspired.
Also Gael Garcîa Bernal and Charlotte Gainsbourg are both brilliant!
5. Frances Ha
When I first sat down to watch Frances Ha I couldn't believe I'd only just found it; it was so "me". Greta Gerwig is so perfect in this film, I was smitten immediately and have followed her career ever since. Not only does Gerwig, as Frances, pull you in with her awkward, goofy charm, but she takes us on an emotional journey as she struggles to grow up and figure out her place in life. Real, relatable and engaging characters combined with Noah Baumbach's relaxed - no frills, no fuss - approach to film-making creates a wonderfully unique feature length film.
I'd love to know your thoughts on the above films. Or please feel free to share your own favourite comedy dramas below; I'm always looking to expand my watch list!
TC x
All images sourced from IMDB