The Female Gaze in Romance | RomComs

[@Roseforthethorns]

For me, female gaze is all about the emotional intensity and the chemistry between the characters. If I can feel my fingers start to tingle, they nailed it.

[@ponderer04]

I believe good actors can make the worst-plotted movies worth watching

[@bibaoreo4355]

@@ponderer04 well, the directing is as important I think.

[@desireandfire]

@@bibaoreo4355acting, directing, and writing. stuff like scores and songs add a lot, but there are many great movies without music

[@ejtattersall156]

Stories written by women have three kinds of men, The Prince, The Prop, and the Problem. The Prince is a financially well-off the prize she gets for being plucky and quirky, The Prop is a sexually nonthreatening male, an old man, a child, or gay, who demonstrates how great her heart is. And the Problem is the bad man she can't quit, but will with the help of her girlfriends, The Prop and The Prince. Sometimes the Prince and the Prop are turned into the same figure.

[@ma.1749]

For men its when they start feeling something down there tingling then they nailed it

[@Cherriheart]

The hand scene in Pride and Prejudice has lived rent free in my mind for the past decade and a half

[@tarobarf]

same!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MassielMancebo]

Same, that moment is by far the hottest thing for some reason.

[@idkimnotfunny3612]

I literally know the whole script by heart

[@tam6753]

I didn't understand that bit. What's with the hand?

[@thesea7965]

@@tam6753 he touched her bare hand. When women wore gloves. It was like a super bold move ❤️

[@JWe472]

so in a nutshell, the female gaze is all about showing vulnerability and emotional availability. I wholeheartedly concur, that is exactly what I as a woman look for in a partner.

[@a.mp.m7340]

Yes, in movies, though, but yeah, lol.

[@yellowonesdontstop]

@@goolgepl2112 I wouldn't say that. Awkward blurting is often charming- being too smooth can feel inauthentic, the opposite of vulnerable and emotionally available. The key is to be considerate of the other person's feelings. The blurting is unattractive when it comes at an inopportune time (i.e. in the middle of her trying to process a problem of her own) or in an emotionally manipulative way where she would feel obligated to reciprocate your feelings.

[@lavatr8322]

MOVIES ARE NOT REAL LIFE!!!!! pls

[@paulogaspar8295]

nop. It's about good looking dudes that seem to have monetary possessions showing the soft side to women while being leaders and charismatic. Basically reduces men to this perfect robots that act and look all the same. Kpop, this dudes, 50 shades of grey dude, etc...

[@tamialeslie7187]

The woman are good looking too , and how is a man being nice and romantic unrealistic for men? Y’all got issues

[@ETelemenope]

Thought this would be a short form analysis and instead I just died for ten minutes over my favorite scenes

[@stobbi38]

My. Thoughts. Exactly.

[@katehobbs]

Came to the comments section to find this comment

[@Thisath100]

Almost disappointed it wasn't. Almost! Loved this collection.

[@MrsBrit1]

Yes, that's what I was expecting, too....instead I'm here smiling like a goon because these are some of my faves. 😍

[@DinTsai]

Me too! I was not prepared to be struck with the HAND scene from the beginning 😂🙏🏼

[@annahoward3627]

How fascinating that the male gaze is nearly all physical attraction, and female gaze happens as soon as a man surprises the female with a gentlemanly gesture.

[@leafyishereisdumbnameakath4259]

In the real world it is the opposite. @cherie bomb because men hardly will always remember a kind act from a woman. Even something like a compliment. Even from a man. Women get harassed so they tend to hear more complements and can also be wary of gentlemanly gestures due to "nice guys" wanting something in return or the woman feeling insecure about being treated like a woman due to hating gender roles enforced by family. So while what you say may be true in movies, it is the opposite somewhat irl although this does not mean women are solely attracted to physical people. But they have a ton of options so will be more selective or the opposite, whoever comes along at the right time. But attraction must be a factor or height or something because a ton of guys aren't even considered while every girl I know has a boyfriend. That said though, there are a TON of men who only care about physical appearance too. I'm not being definitive here, I'm no expert, this is just my experience.

[@cheriebomb158]

@@leafyishereisdumbnameakath4259 How so?

[@prakhargupta3949]

@@leafyishereisdumbnameakath4259 Agreed

[@sims2lovealot]

It's like the study they did about men in men's magazines vs in women's magazines. In the men's ones they're all buff and toned and wearing little clothing, but in the women's mags they're more casual with soft hair and nice button up shirts. Biologically, men prefer strength while women prefer someone who looks capable of being trustworthy and looking after children.

[@k1ng11_1]

@@leafyishereisdumbnameakath4259 Cap asf

[@nonagrace8172]

when i first saw darcy out of context i didn't find him that attractive, but after watching p&p i am in love with him

[@fictionalutopia]

Same...I had read Pride and Prejudice... And I first saw movie version(before watching movie)I thought That's not The Darcy I hoped(pictured in my mind)...But loved him in the movie

[@anudarib]

He is playing Tom in Succession!! Rather different role, he really is a great actor

[@detraxop6680]

@@fictionalutopia yes you are right our feelings are mutual about this subject 👍

[@lavishlyvice]

same

[@chereipeach345]

Same lol. Another example is daemon. The actor is honestly ugly but that character is something

[@cheneroodt]

The "you have bewitched me, body and soul. And I love, I love,I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on..." from pride and prejudice will forever be my favorite. His eyes speaks volumes. It sounds so pure.

[@TalkAsSoftAsChalk]

And how he ever so slightly glances at her lips. I was in absolute shambles!!

[@JishinimaTidehoshi]

I dunno sounds too over-dramatic to me. If someone (man or woman) said something like that I would burst out laughing and ask, are you rehearsing for the theatre or something?

[@noonooshK]

@@JishinimaTidehoshi *sigh* you do realized the movie is portraying an entire different era, right? I am certain people 80 yrs or more from now will find sentences that we currently find romantic to be over dramatic. It won’t stop the smart ones, who can put themselves into the shoes of the characters, to get the point being conveyed and why the wording is different from what is used in the current era. Braincells honey, braincells. Just like we don’t see everyone going around dressed like in the movie (even though the style is lovely), you don’t see people going around in their every day life saying that. It is outdated, but still captivating to many. It’s not for everyone to understand and appreciate.

[@Lisa-pk9zq]

I would literally faint😂

[@duchessoftheprairie]

@@JishinimaTidehoshi it's a period drama. set in england. in the late 18th/early 19th century. also, it is a movie. yes, it may seem theatrical but that's what some people find it appealing. i do. if someone speak those fancy sentences in order to court me, i would be weak too. but yes in real life it could be somewhat unrealistic. but that's what fictions are for right? to explore our imaginations that we think that it could never be possible.

[@anhtheton]

the female gaze has an aesthetic that i cannot describe with words

[@chaosnoelle]

For me it's like a warm summer's day. The ones when everything seems simple and beautiful, you can feel the sun on your forearms and don't have to worry about what to wear as you only need a light shirt and a pair of shorts. Summer days on the beach with nothing to do, the wind in your face and hair, when the white houses are colored pink by the evening sun, and the little twinge in your heart at the end of the day when the sun starts sinking, and you know that soon, this day will end and the world will lose its rose-colored filter and you'll never get to re-live that exact feeling again.

[@AllonsyHydra]

@@chaosnoelle this was so lovely to read and filled my heart so full it couldn’t help but leak out into a massive smile. Thank you for sharing your words with us

[@ejtattersall156]

I can. Stories written by women have three kinds of men, The Prince, The Prop, and the Problem. The Prince is a financially well-off the prize she gets for being plucky and quirky, The Prop is a sexually nonthreatening male, an old man, a child, or gay, who demonstrates how great her heart is. And the Problem is the bad man she can't quit, but will with the help of her girlfriends, The Prop and The Prince. Sometimes the Prince and the Prop are turned into the same figure.

[@Djinnk042]

@@ejtattersall156 That's a bold claim to ascribe to women writers (who all don't write romance). Sounds like you're describing tropes in the pulp romance genre or old Hollywood tropes (largely written and popularized by men).

[@navi3430]

@@chaosnoelle This was so beautifully written 😭😭

[@haleysmith9302]

I just realized that the female gaze is not only about the man in the scene...but also about the woman. In scenes that really demonstrate the female gaze, the woman is also often depicted as smart, capable, multi-dimensional. And the man understands her as such, and treats her as such. I don't think it's so much a physical vs emotional thing as it is a matter of respect. In media that is so saturated with stereotyping, demonizing, and putting down women, it's so refreshing to see a man who values the woman he loves. That's what the female gaze is for me. We all, no matter what gender, just want love and respect, and to have a little bit of fun.

[@ramatadiallo2455]

Exactly !

[@jeanswithana]

YESS

[@faithlspatrick-couchpotato]

[@faithlspatrick-couchpotato]

I just wouldn't call being in love the female gaze. Because it's exclusive to other genders. Everybody loves ❤❤❤

[@jcqwater8713]

oh gosh so perfect, love, respect, trust and a little bit of fun ❤😄

[@Bebe-rn2fh]

the way i knew immediately that The Holiday was directed by a woman for women is how they made Jack Black a hot charming male lead lmfao

[@kare.]

Aw don't do Jack Black like that lol

[@sebandrews4395]

@@kare. sounds like a compliment to me!

[@haloum]

@@sebandrews4395 it sounds like a backhanded compliment 💀 maybe the commenter didn't mean for it to sound that way tho

[@louise769]

@@haloum it says more about the writing and directing of his filmography as a whole, i think 🤔 well at least, it's how I understand it

[@fellowhuman7085]

Bro ive always loved Jack black!

[@ar_raine3195]

I know Tolstoy didn’t intend for Vronsky to be so romanticized but Aaron Taylor Johnson looks like an angel in the movie

[@navpot_monkey]

Yeh, Vronsky was a poor love interest on the page imho

[@gabrielaharries8149]

He is dreamy in everything, he can't help it

[@birib1nha]

so real

[@marvel096]

yep, he was the worst in the book :(

[@daphneverse]

I'm the 1001th person who liked this comment, yay

[@usethis4511]

I love the female gaze because it turns men into these beautiful beings. Like it notices the little gestures they do and the tiny things about them. IMO it shows love far better than the male gaze, it makes me feel like I have a crush on the character…because that’s what it is. It notices the person the way you do when you have a crush. Meanwhile the male gaze is just boob boobington.

[@returnoftheromans6726]

Soooo true!!!

[@inputlunasano723]

Not exactly for example 500 days with her and between intramural movies are if miliary to the female gaze, it depends on the vision of the director. Don't worry darlin directed by Olivia wild, that movie sexualizes both the actor and the actress a lot. As I said, the director's vision depends.

[@usethis4511]

@@inputlunasano723 500 days of summer was directed by a guy and don’t worry darling isn’t a romantic film…it’s a psychological thriller

[@rachelmarie6743]

male gaze make me sick (crying)

[@rachelmarie6743]

@@usethis4511 You ate!

[@lauratodd7707]

Jack Black is an underestimated romantic lead. Love him and Kate Winslet together!

[@itsmevickies]

😊

[@vickiamundsen2933]

oh he is smokin' hot!

[@terminata7755]

really? feels like the most childish man-child I've ever seen on screen. like the fist pump he did after that kiss?

[@umbraa3233]

Hard agree!! He's been my celebrity crush for as long as I can remember

[@ladykatie3958]

@@terminata7755 no but his character in that movie is so sweet. I’m not even much of a Jack Black fan but his character Miles is just sweet and goofy and genuinely truly cares about Kate Winslets character as a friend long before he sees her as a potential romantic partner and that’s exactly what her character needed right at that moment

[@mariavlozada8993]

I will never get over the “Iris, If you were a melody…” scene ❤ Nancy Meyers, you genius woman

[@JR-pf9in]

For real, I haven't seen that film in a long time and I almost teared up lol

[@isabellp.5730]

it literally makes me cry every time, it's so achingly tender

[@SeoulExploration]

"I used only the good notes."

[@AnneliesvanOverbeek]

Never seen the film but I instantly started tearing up at that scene

[@lauramarymoonlight]

I too cried just now...

[@citriz]

When it comes to the female gaze, the object of their admiration opens up emotionally and shows compassion and concern for them or for others. Generally speaking, women are more often shown to love others for their humanity rather than prioritizing looks, like the male gaze. Edit: I must clarify that by male gaze, I mean just exactly that and not how all men think. Same with the female gaze. I'm not saying all women are saints. This is very general. I would also like to add that while the male gaze objectifies a woman's features and ignores her character, the female gaze sees a man for what he, and any person, should aspire to be: patient, respectful, and empathetic.

[@blahblahblah4544]

Hollywood (perverts) got the male gaze wrong. The male gaze is actually a woman saying "I totally understand you and I am with even if we succeed or fail. I'm in it with you." Go tell a man that lol you'll see what I mean. They die for that.

[@ejtattersall156]

Stories written by women have three kinds of men, The Prince, The Prop, and the Problem. The Prince is a financially well-off the prize she gets for being plucky and quirky, The Prop is a sexually nonthreatening male, an old man, a child, or gay, who demonstrates how great her heart is. And the Problem is the bad man she can't quit, but will with the help of her girlfriends, The Prop and The Prince. Sometimes the Prince and the Prop are turned into the same figure.

[@itscris01]

​@EJ Tattersall I think most of these clips have demonstrated male and female characters that are more multifaceted than that.

[@Galafalachida]

@@ejtattersall156 copy pasta

[@ejtattersall156]

@@itscris01 Yes, we always say that with women. We are socialized to believe women are soulful, heartfelt and deep, but in all of the above, the male is wealthy and/or successful. The woman is not necessarily so. Bridget Jones Diary. Really one of the most popular romcoms. The Prince is Colin Firth. The Problem is Hugh Grant. The Prop is Bridget's father.

[@LivelyLinnea]

I saw a quote from tumblr saying "jane austen really just repeatedly said 'the sexiest thing a man can be is kind, selfless, attentive and honest about his feelings' and, as always, she was correct every single time" i read it, i agreed, i watched this again, died and realised how accurate that is.

[@arleteapdasilva7148]

You only think that because he's famous.

[@haira-hcomsomderobg4773]

I think that the difference between the two gazes is basically the order. The female gaze starts with emotional connection and kind gestures that lead the woman to be interested in the partner (and those subtle details increase SO MUCH the physical attraction or/and bring it to existence). The male gaze begins with a crucial moment of great physical admiration which compels the man to pursue the woman and discover what is beneath the surface and develop the emotional connection.

[@khope1283]

This explanation makes me want to see a movie where both gazes come into play. Like he sees her and he is attracted beyond belief, and causes him to pursue her, and he does things that pertain to the female gaze. I just wanna see a movie like this. Both gazes playing off each other

[@haira-hcomsomderobg4773]

@@khope1283 that would be so interesting

[@elena7372]

@@khope1283 true.. let's make one

[@bip5395]

I love that you were able not to consider one superior to other, but both valuable ❤

[@khope1283]

@@bip5395 thanks!! I just think, that, since we always see movies with just one gaze, why not try to make a movie where they play off each other?

[@kevinmevin6486]

I feel like The Holiday just is the female gaze, start to finish

[@sofiandolga]

well, it was directed by Nancy Meyers, so it is female gaze actually)

[@风之子-y3p]

True 😂

[@bollocks42o]

💯 i even fell in love with the old man

[@FabalociousDee]

That would explain why I liked it so much.

[@andromeda19775]

i liked Jack Black and Kate Winslet but not the other two because their relationship literally starts out with her taking advantage of him while he is drunk

[@bnpixie1990]

I notice the man's approach in many of these scenes is gentle and pretty much repeatedly gives the woman openings to redirect the conversation or even reject them. Or the scene where the guy keeps offering different drinks and then food. The fact that Julia's character smiles the whole time and let's him go on shows she is interested. And he is patiently waiting for a yes instead of getting mad.

[@luxborealis]

Speaking as a man this is something one usually picks up around age thirty, figuring out how to approach a woman without being too forward and leaving excuses for rejection, yet not being standoffish enough that you seem to lack confidence. It really takes a bit of practice. Obviously this applies to women too if they make the first move, but that is of course rarer, a woman has only asked me out like four or five times in my life (and usually in an exceptionally awkward fashion, haha). Once you do nail it though it is a great way to signal safety and non-threatening self-assurance, which many finds attractive.

[@3bellam]

crazy how women literally just want men to be nice to us and emotionally present enough to actually care for us but that's so rare that it's basically a fantasy at this point :))

[@cupknee]

lmaooo my ultimate turn on is when a man shows patience

[@JupiterIsAlone]

The funny thing is, that is exactly what a lot of men want too. I’ve seen plenty of posts where men are writing about how they just want to be held and feel loved. Yet it is difficult for them to be honest about this because “men are supposed to be stoic and not have feelings”.

[@jamesonrichards5105]

People should be nice to each other but we play games to hide out intentions or embarrassment, I don’t think any guy would disagree with that. If we reversed the gender roles of every clip from the video, I believe most men would actually find it extremely romantic and fantasy-like to have a girl make me a piano song, made the first move, remembered my specific favorite coffee, completely confessed her love, etc. this too would also be a fantasy for at least some men.

[@immajustabear]

@@jamesonrichards5105 well as far as I know, from some girlfriends, once they show their cares, many straight men become terrible… cause many of them, at least in this generation, if you care about them, they don’t think it’s because you’re a good person, but instead bursts their ego and make them feel like they’re the best person who deserves everything they want… some women are being this way too…

[@melissalozano2847]

Sad, I would like to live in Barbie world then 😢 not for the plastically life but the female gaze of the character

[@Mellow_x2_Lily]

Colin Firth has had my heart since the 1995 Pride and Prejudice miniseries 😭

[@MrsBrit1]

100% yes, and Hugh Grant has had it since 9 Months....so I married an English guy. 😂

[@Mellow_x2_Lily]

@@MrsBrit1 I completely concur, and congratulations!

[@coffeecake114]

Now it's my mission to hunt down films with the female gaze to live vicariously through-

[@katie0698]

If you find some pls recommend lol

[@isabellp.5730]

plz come back to us with your findings bestie we are starving in these streets

[@alessia4233]

Please make a playlist with what you find and thank you

[@eli-jah_ayon]

Commenting so that I get updates on this thread lmao

[@lazydaisy6804]

You should watch Becoming Jane, it's criminally underrated.

[@ashleydickerson1905]

Listen, I’m not even an Aaron Taylor-Johnson girl, but that scene with his hand running the length of her arm does something for me👀

[@bagel1612]

Ikr 😭 😭

[@chloemegan2955]

how can you not be an aaron taylor johnson girl, have you seen him in bullet train?😭😭

[@alyssayong5009]

@@chloemegan2955 bullet train was what did it for me tbh 😭

[@mialia15104]

I kept misreading this as "Anya Taylor-Joy" and kept going back and was like "but she's not in this??" I just wasted 5 minutes of my life with this lmao

[@alx123094]

​@Leia your incredible and made me laugh so hard. Ty for sharing that 😂

[@maryem9225]

Jack Black was such a great idea for a romantic lead. I recently watched The Holiday and actually thought that Jude Law’s character was “too perfect” with the whole, you think he’s two timing her but instead he’s this perfect widowed, father of two children

[@SteenaBabeana]

Well it is Jude Law so it's impossible to be anything but hehe 😏 In all seriousness, you make a valid point. Though it's not like they don't exist either. Unfortunately, they're just few and far between. Honestly, same goes for the JackBlacks out there. 😌

[@nataliedube1665]

He had me at “I didn’t know if you liked a little or big dollop of whipped cream”

[@hannahysabelle]

Well hellooooo big dollop! 🥹🥰

[@katerynasirko1832]

He casually complimented her appearance, showed consideration (didn't know what she liked and put in effort into a solution to that), and has a great sense of humour and was interested in what was going on in her life! So charming.

[@zombie6008]

​@@katerynasirko1832, what is the name of this movie?

[@katerynasirko1832]

@@zombie6008 "The Holiday"

[@zombie6008]

@@katerynasirko1832 , thank you a lot!

[@lavishlyvice]

This video reminded me of how long I've been meaning to watch Pride and Prejudice (2005). So I finally saw it for the very first time today and it was such an oddly fulfilling experience (I never watch romance movies so I was a bit sceptical). What a gentle, charming, beautiful romance that was. Darcy in the movie is not a man I would usually consider to be my type, but the actor portrayed him so enticingly that it really drew me in. The constant tension drove me up the wall. The iconic "hand scene" played (0:20) and I finally understood what it meant. I genuinely don't believe any other piece of media has made me feel the way that moment made me feel. I ordered the book immediately after seeing it. Very excited to read it.

[@battlesjulia]

The book is so detailed and witty!! I found myself laughing out loud so many times. I hope you enjoy it!

[@lavishlyvice]

@@battlesjulia Thank you! I've heard a lot of good things about the book and Jane Austen in general. I'm really excited to experience the world she set up in more detail. I don't even read much (if at all) but this really feels like a good starting point to a new hobby

[@sophiegarner9600]

I recently read the book for a lit class and I basically spent the last hour of my nights on my bed, giggling my head off at the characters and everything going on. Austen somehow captured the feeling you get as a middle school girl with a crush but in the 1900s. Fantastic book, I hope you enjoy it!

[@h.calvert3165]

After that, you might want to try Longbourn, by Jo Baker. It tells the Pride & Prejudice story from the point of view of the Bennett household staff. I don't normally like that kind of thing, but I really found it engaging. I can recommend it! As far as Austen is concerned, Persuasion is my favourite, but Pride & Prejudice is her great achievement, for sure. The three unfinished novels are fascinating & her juvenilia is hilarious. Enjoy! 📚

[@art3mis905]

If your up for another romance in that time period, I HIGHLY recommend Jane Eyre. Both the book and the movie (2011) are absolutely phenomenal. Pride and Prejudice has been my favorite movie for years, but I just finished the Jane Eyre book and rewatched the movie and it has dethroned P&P as my new favorite. 11/10-wholeheartedly recommend!!

[@Sharon-fw4rv]

I know I’m about to start my period because I just cried the majority of this video

[@lauramarymoonlight]

the comment I was looking for

[@magicknight13]

I totally feel this!!!! And everything's going to be okay queen dont worry 😊💗

[@holliegould3463]

as someone on her period: 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@jacyndaniels3282]

me

[@elisedasvin170]

I laughed so much reading this comment : it could have been written by me. 😅

[@mapleleaf65]

I was psyched as a kid when I saw Jack Black as a romantic lead in a movie loool. Personality is such a big part of attraction

[@veroramirez1419]

dear, the “if you were a melody” scene had me sighing dreamily as a pre-teen and it still has me doing it in my 20s. the 4 leads in the holiday were living the (my) dream.

[@Kaleidalee]

The female gaze is about men who prove they are emotionally available and kind, rather than a violent threat to women’s lives. It makes sense for women to be attracted to men who probably won’t assault and unalive them, and will actually show LOVE.

[@Iamhere829]

​@emptyshogun6194only a few gold diggers and they're just that..Gold diggers..

[@keegster7167]

@@Iamhere829 It's not just about the money though. It's the same reason guys like crazy girls. Both are bad, but it's what people in general are drawn to: bad but completely confident people. If you don't care about what's morally right or about your limitations, there's an obvious amount of freedom that comes wiith that. But ofc it's all an illusion.

[@Iamhere829]

@@keegster7167 We'll yeah.. people attract what they are..and then they have children and then those children suffer.. that's why we should have parenting licensing..

[@null035]

I fell in love with Aaron-Taylors’ Vronsky. So much elegance and beauty in one man. And now I’ve bought the 800 page book, Anna Karenina..I used to hate reading, and havent bought a fictional book since I was a kid. Neither had I fallen for a character since. That man is art

[@MariaSh-mw6mk]

How is the book? I was thinking of getting it because I adore the film

[@lb17_]

@@MariaSh-mw6mk I watched the film before reading the book, and for me the book is really worth reading, very intense and dark. Tolstoï' writing is marvelous. You should read it !

[@krutikamagar9688]

All the best it's gonna be intense

[@iciak5045]

"That man is art"..............I have never agreed more...This statement is clearer than the sun

[@Arniqua]

My primary love language is acts of service and the way Marc Darcy helps Bridget out with cooking dinner or the way Fitzwilliam Darcy goes out of his way to find Elizabeth's sister and save their honour just steals my heart everytime! ✨🌟🍀☄️😭❤️ God bless me with a man this caring, reliable and loving.

[@sofiarangel1315]

I love how Marc Darcy also told her that her friends were there to celebrate her and food is a secondary thing. He prioritizes her well being. ❤

[@Butterflier00]

Jack Black in The Holiday is just AMAZING. i wish he did more of those roles.

[@mahnamahna32]

They had me hooked starting off with my most favourite moment ever. Darcy's hand flex! Gets me every time.

[@akatingrass]

This video just affirms that The Holiday is one of the best romcoms

[@elisedasvin170]

Yes, actually. 👌🏻

[@4viewing]

Mr. Darcy is like a unicorn. He’s certainly not perfect but so perfectly has that essence of what ppl would want in their life partners; true affection. No wonder so many characters were inspired by and based on him.

[@actually_curious4773]

I recently watched some Booktuber's video on top "book boyfriends" or something and most of the list were guys from YA fiction (which is understandable because the channel was mostly about YA books), and then there was Mr. Darcy. Even teenage booktok crowds finds him dreamy.

[@sunkintree]

The only essence he has is doing whatever Elizabeth wants. Lmao.

[@trinaq]

I love these moments, a simple fond gaze can really speak volumes.

[@dddddd5960]

I love what Matthew has done with his eyes. Telling more than words.

[@gnrlyj]

old rom coms will never be replaced unique feeling of rawness of the scenes is unexplainable

[@PageHallock]

Step one to the female gaze; be British. 😂

[@lavatr8322]

I melt when I hear Bri-ish accent... Being a man!

[@melanief4115]

Step two be Colin firth

[@luizasantiago566]

taylor swift approves this message

[@rixatrix]

But like ~classy~ British

[@rinowx5]

They’re not all they’re cracked up to be though 😬

[@cosmiccreature111]

Jack and Kate get me every time "I used only the good notes". Oh, and Darcy showing up for Bridget's birthday... delightfully epic.

[@artemis7093]

Oh my gods, Jack Black in The Holiday is..... he makes me cry with how much I love that character 😢

[@yesmynguettouche]

It's about the efforts and emotions they put out

[@melima_]

Jack Black is just the perfect romantic interest!

[@fellowhuman7085]

100%

[@Pratiksha656]

He really is. I fucking love him

[@tired247]

[@bluefairy7653]

In my quietest moments when I am most alone, this is the type of love that I want. I’m just scared it doesn’t even exist. In fact, what if this type of guy is just a fantasy? Freaks me out man.

[@Indiechick]

Same ( ‘-‘)

[@klausbowpie]

I found one- don’t give up!! He’s even really good looking. I had to learn how to like men who were good for me- a bit like Iris in The Holiday, but I got there in the end 🎉

[@arielhoeft7511]

It exists I promise. My husband brings me coffee in the morning without asking and makes sure to put extra whipped cream on it. It might take some time to find them, but they exist if you’re willing to be that for them also.

[@LisaMichelle98]

My boyfriend whips out his guitar every day to sing silly songs about a bee on the hunt for honey. He knows it makes me smile no matter how down I am.

[@rdb4996]

I have found that the type of man I want is not necessarily the type of man I need. Glad to report though that I found one that takes good care of me. And I do my best to take care of him. We complement each other.

[@NightChildBarbie]

But seriously, if I had to choose between Jude Law and Jack Black, it would take me 1 second to run into Jablinski's arms without any hesitation

[@Stopthisrightnow560]

Watching this gave me this weird realisation that the guy I'm crushing on looks so much like Jack Black. 😅

[@waffles658]

JABLINSKI 💀💀

[@lilbrujita98]

Same why is he so charismatic like how could you not fall in love

[@tired247]

JABLES 💖💀

[@BarelyTsunami]

The way I smiled throughout this whole video, thank you for this compilation

[@oo-jii]

I'm so mad how male gaze sexually objectifies women while female gaze really puts values in gentleness and emotional connection.

[@adamdavis1648]

The framing of the word "objectifies" is an oversimplification. It's possible to find someone physically attractive and still think of them as a person and not an object. Also, Twilight was apparently very popular with women, and there are plenty of points where those books reiterate how good-looking Edward is.

[@wayln2591]

@@adamdavis1648 still if you compare how men write and design female characters in games comics etc it shows how they don't value them beyond their looks. That's just a fact that I have seen with many media. While they say Edward is good looking still he is much more than his looks. That's the difference.

[@sunkintree]

If you turn a man into a "gentleness and emotional connection" object, you have still objectified them. It's amazing how many mental gymnastics you make

[@punchforpound2808]

@@wayln2591 Comparing women in games to men in movies is apples to oranges, but still what you said is not really true because male characters are also designed to be physically appealing. As far as comics thats not true either. MJ and Gwen are written to have lots of good qualities not just looks, for example.

[@wayln2591]

@@punchforpound2808 even if those male characters are written physically appealing they still are given important roles and character while the female characters just exist as eye candy.

[@heauxkage5611]

5:50 THIS PART! the way this made me tear up. the music and then the singing. ugh, I need jack black in more rom coms. He's the best

[@TheWatev123456789]

I think what Julia Roberts' character says at 9:21 really applies to girls/women too, who dream of male romcom characters, and wake up to a real person who is not this perfect dream. While these moments make my heart beat faster too and I love them as a fulfillment of a fantasy to daydream about, as I've grown older i've gotten more uncomfortable with how one-dimensional male leads in most romcoms tend to be written as. Similar to how uncomfortable I feel with one-dimensional male-fantasy female characters, although I'll admit the latter makes me angrier/more uncomfortable than the former, as a woman myself.

[@Ceares]

oh, this reminded me of what I love about a good romcom, watching two people with great chemistry interact, and believing in the ineffable, effervecense of love.

[@jamiedavis4605]

My cheeks are sore from how much smiling I just did watching this. Thank you

[@a_Desty]

I love how sensitivity in movies (and books) are raw, pure, as if it showed the most natural love deep in people's eyes and lines. It's just so beautiful and- I need a word that hasn't been created yet.

[@sproutbliss]

Ohhhh yes I’m so with you. Maybe metarealism-that might be close to what you’re reaching for?

[@a_Desty]

@@sproutbliss It's very close to that actually :)

[@tiffanyh629]

I'm so glad I'm alive in this generation because I can finally put into words the warm comfy feelings I get seeing a genuine nice guy who just treats people like people. 1:23 grabbed my heart much faster than a lot of the supposed "dreamy men"

[@movieswithsammykitty]

I love The Holiday! Seriously, when Jack Black starts playing the song he wrote that sounds like her using only the good notes 😭😭😍.

[@haley9976]

"We both said froodly" is always one of my dad's favorite lines in the Holiday

[@cosygracegames]

It’s the best!! Froodly doo~

[@starfire4539]

The female gaze is basically British guys and Jack Black lol, but in all honesty this compilation had me smile the whole time.

[@sunkintree]

upper class british guys If you think all british guys are like upper british guys, I have a british guy to sell to you

[@thepinkelephant2520]

LMFAO real, British guys can be excellent fathers, for my English dad is ❤

[@umbreoniteUwU]

In my opinion, the male gaze focuses on appearance and desirability, which tends to be more competitive. For example, you're on the beach, and a hot babe in a bikini approaches you (in slow mo, of course). Every other guy is looking at her, but she smiles at YOU. Men like to know that they've been picked out of the crowd. In this scenario, she desired by the crowd, but she only desires him. The female gaze is more intimate- it's hearing sweet words or sharing a soft touch. The scene when Jude Law raises both hands to smooth her hair back and hold her head and kiss her eyes is a perfect example- hes not shoving her down and having his way, he's touching her and holding her intimately and softly. Made my little heart skip a beat 😆 Of course, there's a lot of overlap. Everyone has their own preferences, but this is very generalized.

[@umbreoniteUwU]

@@Brotried97 In what way do you mean? Like when Cinderella walks into the ball?

[@sammsiegel]

that first scene still gives me butterflies every time 🦋

[@sparklingblood09]

which movie PLS

[@sparklingblood09]

i need to know 😭😭😭

[@bonelessbooks9263]

@@sparklingblood09 pride and prejudice

[@sparklingblood09]

@@bonelessbooks9263 the first scene was kissing

[@lordsjoy_]

female gaze will be forever so beautifully simple and lovely. it doesn't have to be luxurious, expensive, or impactful. it just takes chemistry and gestures of pure love, affection, and admiration.

[@Lisa-pk9zq]

Guys think we need a "alpha male" with a strong jawline and muscles😂

[@JRtitanicful]

That’s what THEY like. It’s projection at this point 😂😂😂

[@Thufferinthuckotash]

lolz

[@maryamdiao1509]

@@JRtitanicfulimfao right the tates think they know what we want. When really we want someone emotionally available decent looking loving etc

[@adamdavis1648]

@@maryamdiao1509 What's a "tate"?

[@gj810]

@@adamdavis1648 Andrew Tates followers

[@cleliapouquet4994]

I can't stop thinking how all the movies in this video are connected by common actors like : *Anna Karenina* stars Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, the main actors in *Pride and Prejudice*, but also Jude Law who is in *the Holiday*. Then you have Colin Firth (who btw was in a previous version of P&P) in *Bridget Jones's Diary*, alongside Hugh Grant, who also stars in *Notting Hill*. That's it. I feel better now that I shared that.

[@shierubea]

And isn't Bridget Jones's Diary a sort of retelling or inspired by P&P? It really all comes full circle

[@yours_eve2001]

the fact that women love awkward handsome men

[@nabhapurohit2106]

AMEN

[@asudebirtane8243]

I always admired and respected Jack Black as an actor, comedian and especially as a musician but I never thought he could also be an amazing romantic male lead...till I saw the holiday. Now my perception of him has got even better

[@nathaliechiles6981]

“surely not, just stir it Una” is such an underrated line from Bridget Jones. It’s so lighthearted and funny but it’s also a line from the first time they met (as adults) at the Christmas party, meaning that he remembers their encounter and everything that happened around them during that. idk I just love Bridget and Mark they’re such a sweet couple. even though Bridget can be irritating he brings out the best in her.

[@kimmy2631]

Waiting for a man to tell me I have bewitched him body and soul.

[@lauramarymoonlight]

it's an overwhelming feeling to hear it

[@laurablanche5339]

Problem is in reality it might just be a manipulation thing (like they try to make you think they are something they are not just because they know thats what women like and after a few month they stop the act and show their true nature and it is not pretty at all...). I prefer living these moments vicariously through movies it's safer ^^

[@lauramarymoonlight]

@@laurablanche5339 the other problem is you are literally their world and without you they literally fall apart. Being put on a pedestal is not healthy.

[@laurablanche5339]

@@lauramarymoonlight Yes I had both the experience of being with someone who pretends out of manipulation (classic narcissistic pervert) and being with someone who use you as their life buoy (and therefore put you on a pedestal but is quickly becoming suffocating), and both cases are toxic and unhealthy. So now I chose to remain single: problem solved.

[@lauramarymoonlight]

@@laurablanche5339 yes, I am also choosing to remain single, temporarily. I want to stop "giving chances" and "seeing potential".

[@MamitaClaud]

The moment a woman looks at a man long and hard, she sees him for who he is. Romantically and the trouble she is willing to go through with this man.

[@sunnni_]

Mr.Darcy will always have me smitten!

[@ash_tray]

When I first met my ex, who was taken from this earth, the first thing I noticed about him was that he bears a striking resemblance to Jack Black. I never thought Jack was super cute until I saw a movie after he passed, and I can’t help but get butterflies when I see him now. I miss you every day Reid!

[@teachmetelugu7320]

Im so sorry for your loss💔

[@SuzSingsnTris]

When I watch these scenes with the lip smacking kissy face noises I feel 8 years old again and hide my eyes! 😂

[@lauramarymoonlight]

when I realised the hard way that kissing really does make noise and they're not just dramatising it, I was disappointed to say the least lol

[@Rizzalert69]

@@lauramarymoonlight wait thats so disgusting 🫢

[@bekaemery2918]

A big part of the female gaze I think is seeing the lengths the guy is willing to go to show his affection. Weather it be a heartfelt speech, rescuing a disastrous meal or flying to England at the drop of a hat. She knows he's wants to be there with her and for her

[@bw1llis]

Thought this was going to be a video essay/critique/dissection haha - kept waiting for the commentary to come in, and thought they were holding out on us to build tension

[@beth1862]

Half way through still waiting for someone to start a voiceover explaining the female gaze 😂 finally realized I'm just going to enjoy a nice movie montage!

[@pennyaubie]

jack black is so hot and i’m not afraid to admit it

[@FabalociousDee]

Got better with age, honestly.

[@evhsguitar]

you're very real for saying this

[@caitlynford3001]

You understood the assignment. These r all the best scenes

[@Discrete1998]

Never thought Jack Black would Give me butterflies but that piano scene and the way he looked at her did it for meeeee 😩💕

[@danielaf1487]

One of the best "female gaze" romantic scenes I have ever come across was in a historical series set in the 9th century, one full of war, violence and pillaging - the last place you'd expect to find a deeply sensitive, introspective, yet intense and believable love scene. In Season 2, episode 7 of The Last Kingdom, the Saxon princess Aethelflaed and the Viking warlord Erik exchange a kiss under the moonlight (after some slow-burn pining between the two building up to it). It is honestly the most unexpected yet romantic scene I have ever seen, all the more so for being an enemies-to-lovers pairing.

[@virginmirage4717]

Ohhh Mr. Darcy, you hv bewitched me body and soul and I love... I love... I love you 😂

[@gabriellaberman]

This needs Mark Darcy telling Bridget he likes her “just as she is”

[@haley9976]

I need a sequel with 1. Will Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean and 2. Alan Rickman in Sense and Sensibility

[@victoriaelliott8753]

Omg sense and sensibility gets me every time. He’s so noble 🥹

[@aren7138]

YES FOR THE ALAN RICKMAN ONE. he's so gorgeous. rip to a phenomenal actor.

[@utopiavey]

Not me expecting this to be a video essay analyzing the female gaze 😭😭😭

[@thepinkelephant2520]

Same 😂

[@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460]

@7:30, I have watched *Pride & Prejudice* so many times I can barely count them, and my heart soars every time Mr. Darcy tries three times before he can fully say, *"I Love You"* to Elizabeth. It feels like all the love in the world is rushing through his body to be the first to express it to her verbally. I don't know. I just love it. 🤗☺

[@croonch6538]

The scene where Darcy proposes for the second time... I'll always prefer the 1995 p&p, but I absolutely adore Macfadyen's performance in p&p 2005. The thing I love about pride and prejudice is that it captures the nature of love and romance so very well. thank you for putting it into this video ❤

[@jimjam7016]

Jack Black in the Holiday is literally my dream man

[@jeanswithana]

I CANT. “you are lovelier this morning than u have ever been.” 9:36

[@turtles_are_cuties]

What movie is this?

[@rdb4996]

@@turtles_are_cuties Notting Hill

[@Cecy_]

@@rdb4996 TYSMMM You have NO idea I’ve been searching for the title thru sm comments (too lazy to Google)! 💖

[@tynet429]

I will love, and remember, and quote Mr Darcy’s words my whole life. That is the standard and it lives rent free in my mind. I love Pride and Prejudice so much. Timeless❤️

[@nikieakellow6470]

I honestly feel if The Holiday was directed by a male, it would have been a flop for sure. Jack Black is the LAST person I would have pictured to lead in a film like this but he was SO CHARMING. And Jude Law was incredibly swoon worthy! The charisma between everyone was just *chefs kiss*

[@murdoch2Dnoodles]

"It's quite pervy, actually." "Yes, I like to think so..." 😂

[@MarNieves]

Is this my favourite video on the internet? It probably is

[@joskusko]

The holiday has been my favourite romcom since I was like 12 and it's on my yearly watched christmas movie list ❤ Adding that I'm now 24 😭

[@annaissodone]

the holiday holds up soooo well

[@dandylion3452]

I had to study Pride and Prejudice during my school years. I fell in love with Mr Darcy at the end of the book. I kid you not - it was such hot, unbridled love that I have not felt for anyone else before. I was so touched by the length to which Mr Darcy went to save the Bennets' honour. The emotional connection really does it for me

[@parvathykutralingam4961]

I loved Miles and Iris in Holiday. Beautiful

[@mckenzie2213]

I would watch a thousand of these compilations, I need more!!

[@shpei88]

Miles, Iris and the eyelash…don’t blow away!

[@emilybernstein4667]

I still can’t believe that’s Beth Dutton…such a talented actress

[@kapokikkodragneel1505]

It's funny how the scenes of the films I don't know aren't that attractive, but the others are. It's all about the full context.

[@theodoesthings]

IF A MAN WROTE A MELODY THAT SOUNDED LIKE ME I WOULD SIMPLY COMBUST

[@bangchanswebbrowsinghistor5145]

unfortunately Jane Austen set the bat way too high regarding what to expect from men

[@krizhiel6376]

in our language we describe this feeling " kilig " whenever we see romantic scenes/gestures. its when ur body just feels like a good electric shock and it feels tingly everywhere. and then u also want it to happen to u. its a really universal feeling i dont know why i cant find words for it in english

[@JR-pf9in]

Yearning is the closest word I can think of, but it's not specific to romance, and it's not necessarily caused by witnessing a romantic action. Maybe it exists in German? This was an interesting word to learn of in the comment section. Thanks for sharing 💙