Ever since Arnold Schwarzenegger and Apollo Creed first battled the ultimate in alien hunters in a jungle,audiences have enamored with the deadlocked death machine know only as The Predator. SPOILERS AHEAD!
It was bigger, faster and strapped with better weapons than we could ever imagine. The odds always seemed impossible when trying to defeat or simply survive these killers from outer space. Makes you wonder if a military “Space Force” was around could we have stopped them from coming back ever again. Sadly, we didn’t have one then and since we’ve played host to their intergalactic shenanigans a few times.
They’ve stolen human prey to take back to their planet, fought other aliens with us caught in the middle and even involved Danny Glover when we all know he’s gotten to old for this, um…stuff. Now it seems that The Predator race is back to hunt one of it’s own on our turf. A Predator Edward Snowden, if you will.
The cast is comprised of a variety of talent that are there for a plethora of reasons and they are effectively used in those roles throughout the movie. The lead character of Quinn McKenna is a military sniper that has seen a bit too much and is locked away with other “crazy” or PTSD stricken soldiers.
Thomas Jane plays a vet with tourettes, a man who deflects his pain with comedy (Keegan-Micheal Key of Key and Peele fame), there’s also Alfie Allen taking a break from his role in Game of Thrones to kill some aliens. Olivia Munn rounds out the motley crew as a scientist that has always wanted to study an alien. Sterling K. Brown is Traeger the shady government agent that is hunting down the group of vets and the Predators that are loose on earth. He’s doing his very best to not be his character from This is Us, but he does a good job of being smarmy.
As an action film it’s not bad. In fact, I quite enjoyed my self while I watched this movie. Where the movie lost me was during the extremely eye rolling revelation of why the big Hunter Predator wanted to go after Quinn Mckenna’s young son. I won’t spoil anything but when I told my little brother who’s on the spectrum he sighed, heavily. I felt like maybe this inclusion in the script was patronizing to those who are touched by autism or care for those who are autistic. As an action movie I had a rather good time with this film but, disliked the groan inducing inclusion of autism as a plot ploy.
I’ve curated a list of five quintessential Indian love stories that have left an indelible mark on audiences. Each film is a testament to the rich tapestry of romance in Indian cinema, blending compelling narratives with stellar performances.
1. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Runtime: 3 hours 9 minutes
Actors: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol
Writer: Aditya Chopra
Director: Aditya Chopra
Studio: Yash Raj Films
Synopsis: A timeless tale of love, the film follows Raj and Simran, who meet during a European vacation and fall in love, only to face familial opposition upon returning to India.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.
2. Jab We Met (2007)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Runtime: 2 hours 18 minutes
Actors: Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor
Writer: Imtiaz Ali
Director: Imtiaz Ali
Studio: Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd.
Synopsis: A heartwarming story of a depressed businessman who finds a new lease on life after meeting a spirited and talkative girl on a train journey.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.
3. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Runtime: 2 hours 40 minutes
Actors: Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone
Writer: Ayan Mukerji, Hussain Dalal (dialogues)
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Studio: Dharma Productions
Synopsis: The film explores the journey of four friends, focusing on the evolving relationship between Bunny and Naina, as they navigate love, dreams, and friendship.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.
4. Barfi! (2012)
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Runtime: 2 hours 31 minutes
Actors: Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Ileana D’Cruz
Writer: Anurag Basu
Director: Anurag Basu
Studio: UTV Motion Pictures
Synopsis: Set in the 1970s, the film tells the story of a mute and deaf man named Barfi and his relationships with two women, highlighting love beyond societal norms.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.
5. Manmarziyaan (2018)
Genre: Romance, Drama
Runtime: 2 hours 35 minutes
Actors: Abhishek Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal
Writer: Kanika Dhillon
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Studio: Phantom Films, Aanand L. Rai
Synopsis: A contemporary love triangle that delves into the complexities of modern relationships, commitment, and the choices individuals make in love.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.
These films encapsulate the essence of Indian romance, each offering a unique perspective on love and relationships. They are readily available for streaming, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in these captivating tales.
1. Crash Landing on You (2019–2020)
Cast: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin
Director: Lee Jung-hyo
Writer: Park Ji-eun
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary: A South Korean heiress crash-lands in North Korea and is rescued by a North Korean officer. Their love transcends borders in this heartfelt drama.
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2. Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) (2016–2017)
Cast: Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook
Director: Lee Eung-bok
Writer: Kim Eun-sook
Episodes: 16 (+ 3 special episodes)
Where to Watch: Viki, Amazon Prime Video
Summary: A goblin cursed with immortality seeks his bride, the only one who can end his eternal life. This story is packed with humor, heartache, and breathtaking visuals.
3. Descendants of the Sun (2016)
Cast: Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo
Director: Lee Eung-bok
Writer: Kim Eun-sook, Kim Won-seok
Episodes: 16 (+ 3 special episodes)
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
Summary: A soldier and a doctor navigate love amidst war zones and life-threatening decisions.
4. Itaewon Class (2020)
Cast: Park Seo-joon, Kim Da-mi
Director: Kim Sung-yoon
Writer: Gwang Jin (based on a webtoon)
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary: A determined young man opens a bar in Itaewon to seek revenge against a corrupt company while discovering unexpected love.
5. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018)
Cast: Park Seo-joon, Park Min-young
Director: Park Joon-hwa
Writer: Jung Kyung-yoon (novel), Jung Eun-young (screenplay)
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
Summary: A narcissistic CEO is baffled when his loyal secretary announces her resignation, leading to a romantic and comedic journey.
6. My Love from the Star (2013–2014)
Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Jun Ji-hyun
Director: Jang Tae-yoo
Writer: Park Ji-eun
Episodes: 21
Where to Watch: Viki, Hulu
Summary: A centuries-old alien living on Earth falls for a famous actress, creating a love story that blends sci-fi with romance.
7. Hotel Del Luna (2019)
Cast: IU, Yeo Jin-goo
Director: Oh Choong-hwan
Writers: Hong Jung-eun, Hong Mi-ran
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
Summary: A mystical hotel for ghosts, run by a cursed and captivating woman, sets the stage for a love story that spans lifetimes.
8. Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)
Cast: Kim Tae-ri, Nam Joo-hyuk
Director: Jung Ji-hyun
Writer: Kwon Do-eun
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary: Set during the 1997 financial crisis, a teenage fencer and a young man bond over dreams and hardships in this nostalgic romance.
9. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016–2017)
Cast: Lee Sung-kyung, Nam Joo-hyuk
Director: Oh Hyun-jong
Writer: Yang Hee-seung
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
Summary: A young weightlifter navigates love, friendship, and self-discovery in this charming romantic comedy.
10. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)
Cast: Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-ho
Director: Yoo Je-won
Writer: Shin Ha-eun
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Netflix
Summary: A big-city dentist moves to a seaside village and finds love and healing with a local handyman in this heartwarming tale.
These dramas are available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Viki, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, making them easy to access for fans worldwide.
1. Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso)
Director: Kyohei Ishiguro
Writer: Takao Yoshioka (screenplay), Naoshi Arakawa (manga)
Animation Studio: A-1 Pictures
Genre: Romance, Drama, Music
Runtime: Approx. 22 minutes per episode
Number of Episodes: 22
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
Synopsis: A talented young pianist, Kosei Arima, loses his ability to hear the piano after his mother’s death. His world changes when he meets the spirited violinist Kaori Miyazono, who teaches him to embrace music and life again.
2. Fruits Basket (2019 Reboot)
Director: Yoshihide Ibata
Writer: Taku Kishimoto (screenplay), Natsuki Takaya (manga)
Animation Studio: TMS Entertainment
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Slice of Life
Runtime: Approx. 23 minutes per episode
Number of Episodes: 63 (3 seasons)
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
Synopsis: Orphaned Tohru Honda moves in with the mysterious Soma family, who harbor a magical curse: members transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Amid unraveling secrets, she finds love and healing.
3. Toradora!
Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai
Writer: Mari Okada (screenplay), Yuyuko Takemiya (light novel)
Animation Studio: J.C. Staff
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Slice of Life
Runtime: Approx. 25 minutes per episode
Number of Episodes: 25
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix, HIDIVE
Synopsis: Ryuuji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka strike an unlikely alliance to help each other win over their crushes, only to discover their feelings for each other along the way.
4. Violet Evergarden
Director: Taichi Ishidate
Writer: Reiko Yoshida (screenplay), Kana Akatsuki (light novel)
Animation Studio: Kyoto Animation
Genre: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life
Runtime: Approx. 25 minutes per episode
Number of Episodes: 13 + Special + Movies
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Synopsis: Violet, a former child soldier, seeks purpose as a ghostwriter and learns about love and human emotion through her clients’ stories.
5. Snow White with the Red Hair (Akagami no Shirayuki-hime)
Director: Masahiro Ando
Writer: Deko Akao (screenplay), Sorata Akizuki (manga)
Animation Studio: Bones
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama
Runtime: Approx. 24 minutes per episode
Number of Episodes: 24 (2 seasons)
Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Synopsis: Shirayuki, a herbalist with red hair, flees her kingdom after catching the attention of a lecherous prince. She finds a new home and love with Prince Zen of the neighboring kingdom.
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