We’ve seen a plethora of love stories each year; but occasionally a film that reflects our lives and our stories seeps through the Hollywood cracks and into theaters. It’s a breath of fresh air to see films we can relate to and learn from. From poetic love in Love Jones to friendship lines being crossed in Brown Sugar, we’ve learned a thing or two about love from some of our favorite films. In case you missed the love lessons, here’s your refresher course.
Love Jones
Love Lesson: Love is complicated.
Besides the extra poetic moments, this movie is probably one of the best examples of a young, complicated black love story. From Nia Long’s character swearing off love in the beginning due to a broken heart, to Larenz Tate attempting to be a smooth brotha trying to win her over. the two someone fall in love but are too scared to take the next step. We learned that the lack of titles in some relationships can cause uncertainty and confusion.
Brown Sugar
Love Lesson: Best friends sometimes make the best lovers.
In an ode to hip-hop with subliminal hints regarding their relationship, Sanaa Lathan and Taye Tigg’s characters in this movie showed us how close to perfect a relationship with a friend can be. We also, know that on the flip-side these relationships can ruin a friendship. This is probably the reason, the two ignored the obvious in the beginning. Still, we learned that sometimes what’s best for us has been with us all along.
Two Can Play That Game
Love Lesson: In love, there really are no rules.
If you learn this lesson, you won’t be as confused why some of the ‘rules’ that were handed down to you aren’t working for you and your relationships. Yes, sometimes there are overlying themes that are prevalent in most relationships, but love has a way of throwing, some unexpected curve balls.
Vivica Fox’s character thought she could control her relationship with rules, only to be left confused and heartbroken. The lesson is simple, love has not rules.
Disappearing Acts
Love Lesson: If a man or doesn’t see himself ‘fit’ to be your man…don’t allow him to be until he does.
Wesley Snipe’s character took Sanaa’s character on an emotional whirlwind. A very passionate love story, the couple shared some of the best times but also some of the worst.
In between jobs, dealing with a messy divorce, and simply figuring himself out as a man, Wesley’s character was passionately in love with Sanaa’s, but his inferiority complex wouldn’t allow him to be the man she needed.
If he doesn’t see himself as ‘good enough’ or ready to be with you, the relationship is doomed for failure.
Boomerang
Love Lesson: Forgiveness in any relationship is vital.
‘Love shoulda brought ‘yo a** home last night”. The infamous line that Halle Berry screamed to Eddie Murphy’s character was followed by the hit song from Toni Braxton. I was only a young girl when this movie and song came out, but still felt as if I could relate.
Marcus, played by Eddie Murphy, was used to being a womanizer, until he fell in love with Halle Berry’s character. Still, he couldn’t shake his womanizing ways as he cheated on her with his ex. Deciding to move on with her life, Halle’s character eventually forgave Marcus when he came back into her life to apologize. Everyone will make mistakes, but sometimes love has to learn to forgive. Not be stupid, but forgive.
Not Easily Broken
Love Lesson: Allowing too many people into your relationship can be detrimental.
In this movie Morris Chestnut and Taraji P. Henson’s relationship included a lot of outside advice from Taraji’s mother, causing conflict within their marriage. After a serious accident Taraji’s character took more advice from her mother, who was divorced and seemingly unhappy. Eventually Taraji realized that she was allowing her mother’s advice to ruin her relationship. This movie was a prime example of how we allow others inside our relationship who may mean well but can’t offer unbiased advice.
