Unrequited Romance Turn Around: Female Pursuit in Film

Movies often capture the complex and charming dynamics of love, particularly when the story revolves around a character who pursues someone initially uninterested. This narrative has been a staple in both classic and modern cinema, offering audiences relatable stories of personal growth and evolving relationships. From classic rom-coms to contemporary films, this article explores several movies that feature a female character's pursuit of a male interest who initially resists her advances, highlighting these stories and their unique twists.

Classic Female Pursuit Stories

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

10 Things I Hate About You is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. In this film, Kat, played by Julia Stiles, is initially uninterested in the charming Patrick, played by Heath Ledger, but their dynamic changes as they get to know each other. This romantic comedy, which blends elements of Shakespearean storytelling with contemporary humor, showcases a complex relationship where initial resistance leads to mutual understanding and love.

Crazy Stupid Love (2011)

Crazy Stupid Love tells the story of Hannah, played by Emma Stone, who pursues Cal, played by Steve Carell, after he goes through a rough patch. The film explores the idea of personal growth and how love can transform a person. Over time, Cal realizes his feelings for Hannah, highlighting the theme of evolving relationships.

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days centers around Andie, played by Kate Hudson, who tries to win over Ben, played by Matthew McConaughey, as part of a bet. Initially, Ben resists her advances, but their interactions lead to a deeper connection. The film explores the idea of mutual attraction and how personal growth can change one's perspective on relationships.

The Proposal (2009)

In The Proposal, Margaret, played by Sandra Bullock, forces her assistant Andrew, played by Ryan Reynolds, into a marriage of convenience. Andrew is reluctant at first, but his feelings evolve over time. The film delves into themes of personal growth and the complexity of modern relationships, showcasing how two characters can develop feelings for each other despite initial resistance.

Never Been Kissed (1999)

Never Been Kissed is a coming-of-age story where Josie, played by Drew Barrymore, has a crush on a high school teacher who doesn’t initially notice her. As the story progresses, their relationship evolves, and she gains the confidence to pursue her dreams. The film explores themes of self-discovery and the courage to follow one's heart.

Shes All That (1999)

Shes All That follows Laney, played by Rachael Leigh Cook, who is initially not interested in Zack, played by Freddie Prinze Jr. who tries to win her over as part of a bet. Through their interactions, they develop a stronger connection, highlighting the idea that first impressions can be misleading.

Common Themes in Female Pursuit Films

These films, and countless others, explore themes of unrequited love, personal growth, and the evolution of relationships. They often showcase how individuals can change and grow through their interactions with others, leading to a mutual understanding and love. These stories provide a relatable and entertaining portrayal of the complex nature of romantic relationships.

Complementary Genres

Delve into the realm of screwball comedies, where the trope of a dominant woman pursuing a reluctant male was often a hallmark of the genre. Films like Bringing Up Baby (1938) with Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant, and What's Up Doc? (1972) with Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal, exemplify this dynamic. These movies, often characterized by a fast-paced, witty dialogue and exaggerated interactions, offer a different perspective on the female pursuit narrative.

While these films mainly focus on female pursuit, it's worth noting that the plot can sometimes be reversed or presented in different ways. For instance, many lower-budget Hollywood films, especially those in the screwball comedy genre, often explore similar themes with the genders flipped or intertwined.