Written and directed by Greta Gerwig, critically-acclaimed comedy-drama Lady Bird is available on Digital Download now, and on DVD and Blu-ray from July 2. Exploring the spirit of a coming-of-age teen with undying self-assuredness and a fiercely independent streak, the movie stars the fantastic Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf. This profoundly personal portrayal of love and adolescence follows the self-named ‘Lady Bird’ and examines her fluttering encounters with unconditional love and the world and everything in-between; namely her mother and two starry-eyed boys.
Saoirse Ronan in Lady Bird
To celebrate the release of Lady Bird on July 2, we’ve put together a list of 5 other fantastic films about finding your first love.
Mamma Mia
Directed by Phyllidia Lloyd, Mamma Mia oozes love from the outset. Top of many lists of musicals, the film is set on a picturesque Greek island and was released in 2008, with a sequel set to drop a little later this year. The gorgeous Amanda Seyfried plays Sophie, a budding bride who wants her father at her wedding day. Without knowing who that man is however, she has a major challenge ahead. Cue performances from Stellan Skarsgård, Pierce Brosnan, and Colin Firth, who steal the show as they compete for affections from various people living on the island, and even Sophie’s mother, played by Meryl Streep. With ABBA classics scattered throughout, the movie sets the stage for a perfect ‘first loves’ theme as Donna (Streep) reminisces on the loves of her life.
Back To The Future
Directed and written by Robert Zemeckis, released all the way back in 1985, Back To The Future is a classic that frequently makes its way onto our screens. Crazy scientist Doc Brown and his new companion Marty travel back in time to 1955, where Marty disrupts the meeting of his parents’ past selves. Marty makes it his imperative to make his parents fall in love so he can get back to the future, but it turns out to not be quite as easy as he first thought. The past takes its toll on Marty, and he finds himself landing in the care of his mother’s teenage self, who seems infatuated by him, even attempting to seduce him multiple times. For Marty, the task of reigniting the young love of his parents is easier said than done.
Juno
2007 movie Juno, directed by Jason Reitman, gives us a chance to meet Ellen Page’s titular character; a conceited, sarcastic, and defiant teen. Shortly after an intimate encounter, Juno finds out she’s pregnant with Michael Cera’s character Paulie’s baby. The ungainly duo must navigate this new world as they blunder through the processes of adoption and ultimately love. The film oozes character from the outset, providing the viewer with an endearing whilst amusing dialogue. This is not your average ‘first love’ title, but that originality and naiveté of the main characters is what gives the film its genuine charm.
The Notebook
This 2004 flick starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, and directed by Nick Cassavetes, captured the attention and hearts of millions across the globe. Alongside Gosling’s body, the film showcases not just first love, but enduring love, as it follows the lives of Allie and Noah from the moment they meet as teens. Subsequently, the lovers get separated by Allie’s parents, who snub Noah despite his passionate and romantic gestures. Later in life, the couple are reunited, and Allie must choose between a wealthy man who wields her parents’ approval, and her first love.
Brooklyn
Directed by John Crowley and released in 2015, Brooklyn makes our list thanks to another exceptional performance by Saoirse Ronan. Tackling the role of Ellis who leaves Ireland for Brooklyn in the 1950s, we see the character meet a local boy called Tony, of an Italian immigrant family. This sets the scene for a romance that eventually must be tested when she briefly returns home, developing a love triangle after she spends time with a childhood friend.
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Lady Bird is available on Digital Download now, and will be on DVD and Blu-ray from July 2.
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