12 YEARS WITHOUT GREGORY PECK (5 April 1916 - 12 June 2003)

MOVIES SET ON A PLANTATION / FARM....etc. (OTHER THAN OUT OF AFRICA)

It's no secret for those who know me that I'm totally obsessed with Out Of Africa, and that I've been this way for a while now. 

"I had a farm in Africa...."

And it's not just because of the epic love story (I'm a helpless romantic) but it's also because of the story, the music, the photography...etc. I mean, firstly the story of superation, a woman that is running a farm alone in Africa, and how she ends up realising that the land was never her's, showing one of the problems of colonisation. 

The landscapes this movie shows makes me want to get the first plane to Africa (if I could afford it). Its just magical.



And lets not forget about the soundtrack, John Barry in this case surpassed his own mastery, this soundtrack is simply gorgeous. And I must admit, one of my Dad's favourite's. 

So, being obssesed and all I decided to make a list of certain movies that take place in a farm or so and that have some (even if very remote) resemblance to Out Of Africa. 

1. Australia

It is true that the comparison of this movie to out of Africa is slightly insulting. But not all movies can be masterpieces, and on top of that this one is very enjoyable. 






Lady Ashley (Nicole Kidman) goes to Australia to meet her husband in his land, Faraway Downs. When she arrives the farm is in a terrible state and her husband is dead. She will have to face these and other problems, with the help of Drover ( a very sexy Hugh Jackman) who is very different to the men she's used to. Also, she will take care of an aboriginal child, Nullah, showing us the racial discrimination and other issues. This story takes place during the Second World War. 

2. Giant

This movie (1956) takes place in a big, a very big (should we say giant?) ranch in Texas, called Riata.  

Bick Benedict (Rock Hudson) owns a big ranch in Texas, and goes to Meryland to buy a horse from Leslie (Elizabeth Taylor). They soon fall in love, despite their differences, get married and go back to Texas. Life there for them is difficult due to their differences and because of Bick's sister, Luz, who will give an old employee, Jett (James Dean), a piece of land, and he becomes determined to get revenge on Bick (he had fired him). 

The movie tells the story of the family and depicts how the oil industry changes the economy, and other issues such as racial discrimination. 

3. Gone With The Wind

This is probably the ultimate story about the importance of land.

Tara! Tara! 

Probably one of the best movies of all times, an absolute masterpiece. 

I believe little desciption is needed because who hasn't seen it? (and if you haven't you should, and fast!)

This movie takes place in the South, during the American Civil War, and it tells the story of Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh), specially her romance with Rhett (Clark Gable). 

And it has left us uncountable iconic scenes and phrases. 

4. The Long Hot Summer

Its seems weird to name this movie after Gone With The Wind, but again it takes place in a plantation in the deep South, and on top of that it tells the love story between Ben Quick (Paul Newman) and Clara Varner (Joanne Woodward). I mean Paul Newman (OMG!) and Joanne Woodward! Together!

Ben Quick, is an accused barn burner that arrives to a small town in Missispi and soon gets to know the richest family there, the Varners, specially Clara, that works as a teacher and is  pressured by her father, Will Varner (Orson Welles) , to get married. 

 

MY TOP 10 MOVIE KISSES OF ALL TIMES

These might not be the same for everyone, but I bet at least one of them (if not all) have made you sigh and have sent shivers through your spine. 

These are my 10 favourite movie kisses of all time (for now... I might change my mind next week). 

1. A Room With A View 

Who could possibly forget this iconic kiss between Julian Sands and Helena Boham- Carter in the middle of a golden field in Italy. It looks just like a painting! Oh, and the music. Just...gorgeous. To be honest I can't really explain why I love so much this kiss, I guess I just do. 

2. The Notebook

I mean, are words even needed? I think this is probably the most popular romantic scene, ever. The rain, and the chemistry, and RYAN GOSLING....And lets not talk about their kiss at the MTV awards after they won best kiss!!! Anyway, this is one of my favourite's and probably one of everyone's favourite's. 

"It wasn't over!....It still isn't over!"

3. Gone With The Wind

Probably one of the best movies of all times, and certainly one of the most iconic kissing scenes. I must admit that I know the dialogue prior to it off by heart, from "you should die of shame..." onwards. But even if you're not as crazy as I am, I'm sure you remember this unforgetable kiss between Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh. 

"Kiss me, Scarlett, kiss me, once...."

4. The Quiet Man

This kiss between John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara has, in my opinion, a certain magic to it. I'm not sure if its the wind, or the chemistry or I don't know... But we'll always thank Mary Kate for cleaning John's house. 

5. Titanic

Well, what can I say, Titanic is just Titanic. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet have left us with one of the most romantic love stories of all time. And that kiss! What a kiss!


"my heart will go on.... "

6. Breakfast At Tiffany's

This kiss between George Peppard and my dearest Audrey Hepburn is very close to my heart. This scene is purely adorable, with Holly looking for the cat, and the rain (the rain again!) is very special, And I love that when they kiss the cat stays between them!

"moon river, wider than a mile, I'm crossing you in style someday...."

7. From Here To Eternity

I must admit this movie isn't one of my favourite's, but this kiss (Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr) is one of the most iconic in history.

8. Spiderman

I'm generally not too keen in superheroe movies but I have to admit that this kiss is really gorgeous, I don't know if it's the upsidedown thing, or the rain but it always makes me sigh. 

9. Casablanca

Even if the movie's song says "a kiss is just a kiss" this kiss is something much greater, it shows the epic romance between Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) and Rick (Humphrey Bogart). This movie has left us unforgetable moments, quotes, and... kisses. 

10. Atonement

Perhaps this kiss is a little bit more than a kiss, but who cares? Right? This kiss against the library is craved in my memory. Its incredibly sexy and the actors are just.... I mean, James McAvoy (oh my!) and my idol, the one and only, Keira Knightley. I think its a very good way to end this list!