Today I’d like to talk about movies. Specifically, romances. Sure, we could go on and on about favorite date movies and romances, but hold on a moment. I’m not just talking about the movies with a heart-stopping hero, witty dialogue, maybe a touch of intrigue or suspense, at least one thrilling kiss…and a happily ever after (HEA). I’d like to mention two movies on my all-time favorite list that have all those elements with one major distinction: no HEA with the characters riding into the sunset together, believe it or not. Say what???? Before you think, “She’s crazy!” and move on to something else, let me explain.
You know what it is about these two movies that make them so wonderful? The sense of honor in the heroes is so prevalent, and in the end, they do what is right for their circumstances, and ultimately, for the woman they love. They live in a completely different world from the heroine, and realistically, they’d be fighting the odds to make a relationship work long-term. They sacrifice for the greater good. And, in the heart of the viewer, you know they’re going to be all right. Do I hear a sigh? Oh wait, that was me…
But love triumphs over all, you might be saying! True, but again, in the case of these two particular movies, it makes sense that they won’t end up together, and I’m okay with that. Really! They are still soul-satisfying as love stories. Now, don’t get me started on the movies with “star crossed lovers” that drive me crazy (several of Nicholas Sparks’s movies come to mind). I won’t see one of his movies until I know the ending. Certain authors I will not read if I know there’s a tragedy or a major character is killed. I fear my fragile heart simply can’t take it. Sure, I like conflict where I might shed a tear or two, but I want to see movies and read books where I can ultimately be uplifted and swept away, and not have my heart stomped on, you know?
Don’t worry, readers. This is my promise to you: I won’t personally ever write a story where the couple doesn’t end up together. That’d be like dangling the prize and then yanking it away just as you reach for it! I find it interesting how reviewers will sometimes talk about how predictable a romance is. Well, sure it is! It’s the journey that counts, and we want to see how the hero and his heroine get from Point A to Point Z. That’s what makes a story unique! Personally, I need that HEA in the books I write as well as those I read. When I invest so much time in a book (either writing or reading), I want to know these “people” I’ve come to care about are going to ride off into the proverbial sunset together. Maybe it’s different with a movie since it’s only two hours of my time. I can be invested in the characters, but it doesn’t wound me as much if they don’t end up together. All in all, however, the journey is satisfying.
Here are those two movies. If you’ve seen them, I’d love to hear your thoughts. And be sure and check out my question at the end. Leave a comment for the opportunity to win a $10 Amazon gift card just in time for your Fourth of July holiday weekend reading!
ROMAN HOLIDAY. Starring a young Hollywood ingénue at the time, Audrey Hepburn, and one of my absolute favorite all-time leading men, Gregory Peck. She’s a runaway princess and he’s an American newspaper reporter in Rome. They meet cute and have all sorts of fun adventures around the city (I suppose it doesn’t hurt that Rome is my favorite European destination!). Eddie Albert’s along for the fun as the best friend and captures it all on camera. When she realizes duty calls and she must return to her duties, the young princess says a tearful good-bye. She’s not aware that he’s a reporter, you see. The ending scene is classic when the princess realizes what he’s done, and what he’s sacrificed…for love. For her.
WITNESS. Starring Harrison Ford and Kelly McGillis. He’s a tough-as-nails, hardened Philadelphia cop named John Book, and she’s the young Amish widow. Her son, Samuel (played by Lukas Haas) witnesses a murder in the restroom of the Philly train station. The chase begins as John recognizes the identity of the murderer and what danger this child is in. Knowing he must protect the widow and her son since the “bad guys” are after this child, John travels to Lancaster County and immerses himself in the life of the Amish. I love the scene where there’s a barn raising representing the sense of close community. Likewise a tense scene near the end where a bell is pulled and the neighbors all come running to help. Harrison’s adventures in the Amish community are humorous and you see a love and respect begin to grow between this man and the soft-spoken but spirited young woman, as well as a mutual respect between John and her father. It is another story where their lives are too different, but there is a completely satisfying love story nonetheless.
How about you? Can you think of any movies where the hero and heroine don’t end up together (without one of them dying) that was still a satisfying story? Share them with me. Or sure, go ahead and share a movie you loved where they did end up together and why it’s one of your favorite movies! I’m giving a $10 Amazon gift card to the winner. Winner will be chosen on Saturday, July 2nd. Have a happy, healthy, Fourth of July celebrating the birth of our great nation!
Blessings, friends.
JoAnn Durgin
Matthew 5:16
Jill Weatherholt says
Great post, JoAnn! I’ve never seen Roman Holiday. Even though Ford and McGillis didn’t get together, I still loved that movie. I always waited for the sequel where they did have their HEA. By the way, I posted a hummer video for you on my FB page. Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July. <3
Wemble says
Favorite movie: Casablanca. Has the classic song “As Time Goes By”, a great lines, hero and heroine, intriguing story and, while the two do not end up together, the ending is satisfying.
Lientjie Human says
One movie I can think of is “When Calls The Heart”.
I’m not sure if it counts though, as while they don’t show the characters ending up together at the end, you sort of get the feeling they do. And then the WCTH TV series has more of a HEA element. But it’s the only one I can think of right now.
Robin Bunting says
I loved Witness. Left flat footed for an example of my own. Great blog, JoAnn!
Jenny Berlin says
I love these movies, too! I’ve always thought the test of true love is when you can answer “yes” to the question, Am I a better person because he/she is in my life? These movies illustrate that concept so perfectly. For me, the romance is in watching the hero transform from ruthless, goal-focused jerk to a man redeemed by his love for a woman who brings out the good in him. Another favorite in this line of film (in addition to Casablanca) is Lost in Translation.
Katy C. says
Love Roman Holiday! The only other movie I’ve seen (aside for a western or two) where there isn’t a HEA is The Remains of the Day. We got it in a package set with Sense and Sensibility and thought it would be similar. We were wrong. I think it’s probably great if you want a drama about English manor life and German sympathizers at the beginning of WWII, but not if you’re expecting a HEA!
DK Stevens says
I have not seen Witness, but I think it would be on I’d like. I can’t think of any other than the one already in the messages.. There are a few Amish books I’ve read that the main characters don’t end up together… until the next book in the series :)
JoAnn Durgin says
Oh, you must see Roman Holiday sometime, Jill! Such a fine movie. I never expected a sequel to Witness since it was pretty much a given she’d marry the Amish man. Sigh. I’ll have to check out the hummer video. Thank you! Blessings, and have a safe and fun Fourth of July holiday weekend!
JoAnn Durgin says
I need to see Casablanca again. I think I was too young the first time around, and I could perhaps appreciate it more now. Thanks for giving me the impetus to do that, Wemble, and I appreciate your comment and faithfulness to our blog! :)
JoAnn Durgin says
I was thinking of the TV series and not a movie. I know there are movies out there with that “hopeful” ending, but at the moment, I can’t think of even one! I’m sure it’ll come to me later. Thank you so much for stopping by the blog and leaving a comment today, Lientjie!
Beth Gillihan says
Thanks for the movie recomendations! I can’t think of any movies (at the moment) where they don’t end up together.
JoAnn Durgin says
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment today, Robin! Have a great Fourth of July weekend. Stay cools if you can! :)
JoAnn Durgin says
Great comment, Jenny! I love the line about watching the hero’s transformation. Very good point, and that could apply to many books and movies. I’m not sure I ever saw Lost in Translation although I remember hearing about it. I need to check further into that one (Bill Murray, I believe?). Thanks for the comment. Blessings! :)
JoAnn Durgin says
Thanks for the warning! LOL. I remember the title but don’t believe I saw it. I tend to stay away if I hear or know there’s not a HEA. I need my HEA! I appreciate the comment, Katy. Have a wonderful and safe Fourth of July weekend. :)
JoAnn Durgin says
Ah, D.K., that’s the thing…until the next book in the series. LOL. I don’t do that to my readers in my series because I prefer an HEA in each story. But I suppose some readers must like it. I know Karen Kingsbury has romances spread out over several books, and it certainly hasn’t hurt her sales. :) Thanks for the comment. Have a safe and fun Fourth of July weekend!
JoAnn Durgin says
You’re welcome, Beth! Sounds like you must like the same kinds of movies I do for the most part if you can’t think of any others. I know there are some, but these two just stick out in my mind as favorites. Thanks for the comment. Have a great holiday weekend. Blessings! :)
Priscila says
I love Roman Holiday and Casablanca. I’ve always thought My Fair Lady should not have ended up with HEA (seemed so unnatural).
Like you, I avoid reading books or seeing movies that don’t have HEA, including those when someone dies in the end (I’m reluctant to read or watch Me Before You, though many friends have told me it is a great story).
Sheila Holman says
Insightful post, JoAnn! Appreciate the heads up promise on your own personal writing!! I’m halfway through Prequel and absolutely loving it!! My two cents on this post topic…while I tend to gravitate to both movies and books that have a HEA, occasionally there are those that capture my interest based solely on the journey the characters take. It’s the process and progression of a story that keeps me engaged and let’s me fall in love with it more so than the end result. But truth be told, I really don’t want to have to invest in therapy sessions afterwards!! Roman Holiday will always be at the top of my best.movies.ever list…surprisingly, I’ve never seen Witness! Can’t imagine how I could’ve missed a Harrison Ford movie!! For some reason the only movies that come to mind in the non-HEA category are Titanic and Gone With The Wind! Have a Happy 4th!
Ruthie Derby says
First time in a long time I read through a whole blog. I enjoyed it. I don’t remember any movie where the hero didn’t get the heroine. A movie I’m thinking about where a young lady is suppose to become a princess but doesn’t want to because she loves someone else is Princess Bride.
Connie Brown says
I loved Witness when I saw it. I fell in love with Harrison Ford in Star wars and American Graffiti. I saw Roman Holiday on TV as a kid. I immediately thought of Casablanca when you asked for movies without a HEA. I’ve never seen it through completely but knew the plot. I personally like HEAs but sometimes it just isn’t in the cards. I
Margaret Nelson says
It’s been so long since I watched Roman Holiday, I’d forgotten the ending :-) I’m not a big movie person – much rather read a book! I do prefer HEA, but there are a few stories that really tug at the heart when the two main characters part ways. Of course, I can’t think of them right now!
JoAnn Durgin says
You know, Priscila, I absolutely agree with you about My Fair Lady. I loved some of the music, but he was much too old for her and I didn’t care for that “love” story. When they first started advertising Me Before You, I thought it looked good. Until I heard what happens in the book, and the movie apparently, and read a blog about it from the Christian perspective. It’s not a movie I care to see as a result. Thanks for the comment, and have a great weekend. :)
JoAnn Durgin says
Hi Sheila, and thanks for visiting the blog today! Oh, you must see Witness. I will say the “unsanitized” version does have one scene with partial nudity, but it’s not gratuitous, as they say, and he turns from temptation. It’s difficult to find a movie without something (even Roman Holiday has them smoking and drinking). So… Your comment about “the journey” struck home. That’s my response when people complain that romances are so predictable. Yes, they are, but readers would balk if they didn’t end up together in the end! It’s the journey that makes all the difference. I appreciate your comment. Blessings, and have a great Fourth of July holiday weekend!! :)
JoAnn Durgin says
Well, thanks for visiting, reading the blog, and leaving a comment, Ruthie! Yes, and I love Princess Bride! My kids and husband love that one, too. Have a fun and safe Fourth of July holiday. Blessings. :)
JoAnn Durgin says
Hi Connie, and thanks for visiting Inspy Romance today. I need to revisit Casablanca myself since so many have mentioned it. I appreciate the comment. Have a safe and happy long Fourth of July weekend. :)
JoAnn Durgin says
I could tell you the ending of Roman Holiday, but I hope you’ll watch it again sometime. It’s a fun movie. There aren’t many movies these days I even care to see, to be honest. So I like re-watching the old favorites. :) Thanks for the comment, and I hope you have a great Fourth of July holiday weekend! Blessings.
Kimberly Rose Johnson says
I love old movies. I can’t think of a movie where they didn’t get together in the end. I
was addicted to Jag many years ago, and I’m pretty sure Mac and Harm did not get together in the end of the series–I can’t remember for sure.
Gail Estes Hollingsworth says
I loved Witness, but I’ve never seen Roman Holiday. The Sound of Music has always been my favorite, and it does sort of have a HEA. Camelot is another and it is sad for me. Although King Author does see hope for the future in a young boy.
kyleeawoodley says
The couple in 28 Days (with Sandra Bullock) don’t end up together.
JoAnn Durgin says
Gail, The Sound of Music is my all-time favorite movie musical, and I’ve paid homage to it in Awakening as well as (sort of) in my current release, Gentle Like the Rain. I need to revisit Camelot again, so thanks for the reminder. The Kind and I was sad for me, too, in some respect. Blessings, and have a great holiday weekend!
JoAnn Durgin says
Um, make that the King and I. :)
JoAnn Durgin says
Hi Kylee, and thanks for visiting Inspy Romance. Let me look that one up. I think that’s the one where Sandra enters rehab? I could be wrong. My husband flipped by that one on the TV the other day as a matter of fact. I appreciate the comment. Have a great weekend! Blessings. :)
JoAnn Durgin says
Me too, Kim! They’re so much better made in a lot of respects (just not the cinemaphotography, but part of the charm are the crackles and pops and the less-than-perfect qualities). I didn’t watch Jag, but I know the lead male was sure handsome. :) Blessings, and have a great weekend!
Heidi Robbins (@colorvibrant) says
I absolutely LOVE Roman Holiday!!! I normally need a traditional HEA where they stay together, but this movie works for me because of the nature of their relationship- he’s helping her experience life away from royal restrictions. I think the age difference helps too- he seems much older than her, so it’s almost like a big brother’s friend/little sister dynamic… until they kiss :)
Joelle says
I always enjoy learning more about you. I have a hard time thinking of a favorite movie, but some love stories that come to mind are Ghost and most recently War Room… Now, I know was room wasn’t a love story per se, but I love how the characters fell back in love with God and each other reminding us of the ficus our relationships should be on.
Joelle says
*focus
Rachael Birch says
Agree with you completely on Roman Holiday. Do I want them together?? Yes!!! Completely. However, we all know that someone is likely to wind up disillusioned at the least in that relationship. Cannot help but fall in love with a man willing to walk away either, and it doesn’t hurt that he is so easy on the eyes
JoAnn Durgin says
Hi Heidi! Roman Holiday is such a fun movie. You’re right. It was so fun for her to experience life outside of the royal palace and all the restrictions. And showed the audience that people born with the proverbial silver spoon don’t always have it as great as we think they do. They have many responsibilities and obligations that leave precious little time for a personal life. You’re also correct in that Gregory did seem quite a bit older than Audrey. Until that kiss… :) Thanks for the comment. Have a great holiday weekend!
JoAnn Durgin says
Ghost was good except he was already dead, but that’s a good one to mention. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the scene with that penny and those tears slipping down her cheeks. War Room was great for the very thing you mentioned. Thank you for highlighting that point as well. Blessings, and have a great weekend. Happy reading! :-)
JoAnn Durgin says
So true, Rachael! Love, love, LOVE Gregory Peck. What a man. Loved his voice, his looks, and his portrayal of Atticus Finch in the film version of To Kill A Mockingbird…ah, perfection. Thanks for visiting Inspy Romance and for sharing your thoughts with us today! Blessings. :)
Diana says
Our favorite movie is The Happiest Millionaire, with singing, dancing, pet alligators kept in a mansion, Fred McMurray, and his coming of age daughter. It did end happily, and is very funny.
Winnie Thomas says
My first thought of a movie without a HEA is Gone With the Wind. I noticed someone else already mentioned it. One I absolutely love is While You Were Sleeping. It’s a more contemporary one, but I have watched it several times and never get tired of it.
Pam K. says
I have seen Roman Holiday but after reading your post, I think it’s time to watch it again. I really can’t remember if I’ve seen Witness, though I know I’ve heard about it. It’s another to put on my list of movies to watch. Thanks for reminding me of these.
susanmsj says
Kimberly, Mac and Harm did get together in the very last episode. They went through a lot to get there, though, didn’t they?
susanmsj says
I haven’t seen Witness, but Roman Holiday is a fave. I saw Casablanca and Gone With the Wind mentioned. Another movie without a HEA is The King and I. Now I have to go watch some movies.
Merrillee Whren says
I’ve seen Roman Holiday, but it was so long ago that I hardly remember the ending. I do remember Witness. I just watched a movie that I recorded from the Hallmark channel, First Daughter. The couple doesn’t wind up together.
Julie Jobe says
I see some already mentioned Gone with the Wind as a movie where there’s no HEA. I can’t say it was a satisfactory ending or movie at all for me. I felt like I had wasted hours of my life watching it and that Scarlett hadn’t learned a thing or really changed very much. I had bought it when it was on sale, and after actually watching it, I ended up giving it away. Anyway, two other movies I’ve thought of that don’t have a HEA where the couple gets together is The Bodyguard with Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner and Becoming Jane with Anne Hathaway and James McAvoy. I don’t know that I would say they were satisfactory endings, but they weren’t horrible either. I’ve not seen either of the movies you mentioned. I’ll have to check them out sometime and see if I agree.
heidimccahan says
Great post! I really enjoyed Witness, although just thinking about the scene in the silo with the corn filling in so quickly makes me want to hyperventilate. I’m super claustrophobic.
I haven’t seen very many classic films. Roman Holiday sounds like good one. I thought Castaway with Tom Hanks and Helen Hunt was phenomenal and I understand why they don’t end up together at the end, but there’s just enough uncertainty in the final scenes to aggravate me. The crossroads are symbolic, I suppose, but I still didn’t love it as an ending.
Happy 4th to you and yours, as well.
JoAnn Durgin says
Oh Diana, I remember that movie! Mainly because it also starred Lesley Ann Warren (whom I loved from the TV version of Cinderella) and John Davidson. Sigh… I also remember The One and Only Genuine Original Family Band (remember that one?)! Thanks for commenting and good to be reminded of that fun movie. Blessings, and have a great weekend. :)
JoAnn Durgin says
I love that one, too, Winnie. Sigh. It’s a favorite. Thanks for the comment, and have a great weekend! :)
JoAnn Durgin says
You’re welcome, Pam! Glad I reminded you of two great movies. :) Have a fun and safe Fourth of July weekend. Blessings!
JoAnn Durgin says
Hi Susan! I mentioned The King and I in a comment. My mom loved that one. A fun fact to know and tell: I saw Yul Brynner in a stage production of that in Texas back in the 1980s. It was great to see the legendary actor portraying his signature role. :) Thanks for commenting, and have a great weekend.
JoAnn Durgin says
Hi Merrillee! I’m not sure if I ever saw First Daughter, but it sounds familiar. Aren’t they very young, though? I’ll have to check into it. Have a great weekend, and thanks for the comment. :)
JoAnn Durgin says
Hi Julie! I hope you do get the opportunity to see them sometime and let me know your thoughts. :) The movies you mentioned are all good examples. I never cared for Gone With the Wind the way everyone else did, either. Didn’t really understand all the praise and hoopla. I saw The Bodyguard a long time ago, and I believe I have Becoming Jane but have never watched it, believe it or not. Now I’m not so sure I do… Thanks for the comment and have a safe and fun Fourth of July holiday weekend!
JoAnn Durgin says
Hmm… I can’t remember the ending of Castaway, to be honest. I mainly remember him talking to the soccer ball, Wilson. LOL. What a love story! :) Oh that silo scene…that was so intense, wasn’t it? I’m not claustrophobic, but oh my… I hope you can see Roman Holiday sometime. It’s just so fun… Have a great weekend, and thanks for the comment, Heidi!
Lori Soard says
Excellent points. I love both of those movies, too.
JoAnn Durgin says
Hey, Lori! We need to get together again for lunch or dinner…SOON! Hope you and your family enjoy a fabulous Fourth of July holiday weekend! Blessings. :)
kathleenefriesen says
One of my favorite movies is Freedom Writers. It isn’t a romance and actually includes a marriage breakup, but the love that grows between the heroine and her students is absolutely amazing. Amazing movie!
I do love Roman Holiday and bought it so I could watch it again and again! Thanks for this great post and intriguing questions, JoAnn. :)
JoAnn Durgin says
Hi Kathleen. Freedom Writers…I have to look, but I’m thinking that’s the movie with Hillary (sp) Swank. Whatever happened to her, by the way? She’s a wonderful actress. In any case, I’ll check up on it since I never saw that one. I love movies about teachers and how they impact their students in special ways! Thanks for the comments, and blessings! :)
Cristel Phelps says
The two most remembered films with disappointing endings (of course, because they didn’t end up together) are Up In The Air with George Clooney. Being a person who travels a lot in days gone by, I was attracted to the movie, but very disappointed in the ending. The second is another Harrison Ford flic (girls, don’t we still love him), Hanover Street! (Swoon… Heavy sigh)
JoAnn Durgin says
Hey there, Cristel! Nice to hear from you and have you visit the blog. I know my husband saw Up In The Air and I’m not familiar with Hanover Street. I’m going to need to check them out. If I know (or suspect) they don’t have a happy ending, then I usually will pass. But as actors, I do love George Clooney and Harrison Ford. I even mention Harrison Ford in Gentle Like the Rain (and Sean Connery, as well). Blessings, and have a fun, safe Fourth of July holiday weekend! :)
Linda Herold says
My all time favorite movie is You’ve Got Mail. I love Tom Hanks and I love the hea!! Happy 4th of July!!
MaryEllen Volb says
I like Roman Holiday, but without a doubt one of my favorite ALL TIME movies is Witness. I love the music when they are building the barn. The romantic tension between John Locke and Rachel was well written and well played. Great blog, JoAnn, blessings my friend!
JoAnn Durgin says
Very good movie, Linda. Thanks so much for sharing! Blessings to you and yours on this July 4th holiday weekend, as well. :)
JoAnn Durgin says
MaryEllen, how GREAT to see you here! I’ve seen Witness so many times I can’t count. I agree re: the music, and it added a lot to that film. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Come back anytime! Hugs, and blessings to you and yours. :)