Drunk in Love: Iconic Romantic Scenes in Cinema Fueled by Alcohol
Romance and cinema are inextricably linked. Rom-coms are a singular pleasure on winter evenings, perfect viewing when all you want to do is snuggle up in a blanket and sip on a warm beverage. And movies are not without their fair share of alcohol. A lot of times spirits figure prominently in lots of romantic movies and dramas becoming quite a moving factor in bringing the protagonists together.
At other times, the presence of alcohol which leads the characters to spill their thoughts and experience loss and longing, induce romantic feelings within the viewer, and a hankering to hold someone’s hand while watching a particular scene. Over a century or two of the creation of numerous cinematic masterpieces, there have been many romantic scenes in films which have been induced or fuelled by alcohol. These have become etched in our memories for their depth and intensity and for the ways in which they take the narrative of the film forward.
Read on below to immerse yourself in some of the more iconic scenes in Hindi cinema and in American dramas that feature spirits:
Casablanca – Of All The Gin Joints…
This is not only an iconic scene but has also become one of the most celebrated lines to be uttered in cinema. When the long lost love of expatriate Ricky Baine walks into his nightclub and gambling den in Casablanca with her new husband, it makes for an awkward moment indeed. When she leaves, he mourns his loss by uttering the words, “Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine.” *sheer butterflies and goosebumps* as this line never fails to induce a feeling of longing and heartbreak.
10 Things I Hate About You – Dancing
Heath Ledger appears in all his handsomeness in this movie alongside Julia Stiles. This scene is especially funny and romantic because Stiles’ character Kat ends up drinking a bit much at a high school party and climbs on a platform to dance her guts out before falling down and hitting her head. The look of love and awe that appears on Ledger’s face as he watches her dance will cause any young lover’s heart to flutter.
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani – Beer At The Wedding
If you watch Hindi cinema, you probably know of this iconic scene that occurs between Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor. After telling Padukone’s beau to buzz off, Kapoor then goes on to ask her why she would beer with someone else when he is the only one she ever shares a drink with. To which Padukone’s character Naina responds that if she spends any more time with him, she will fall in love with him again. The couple shares such a romantic kiss after this exchange that the scene had to make it into this list.
Before Sunrise – Drinking Wine In A Park
For fans of romance, Richard Linklater’s Before series is indeed heavenly pleasure. The first movie is of course most special and features his two characters walking through Vienna. After it gets dark, they find a quiet spot in a park and share wine which then leads to a very romantic conversation that really shapes the course of their relationship.
Devdas (2002) – Paro Asks Devdas To Quit Drinking
In this iconic story, Paro arrives at Devdas’ family home and in his room they share sweet memories of childhood before Paro asks him to quit drinking. The intoxicated Devdas and Paro experience a rather heartbreaking but absolutely romantic moment as they talk about a love never to be realised while they’re both alive.
Notting Hill – In Will’s House
One might feel intoxicated simply by seeing Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts on screen together. In Notting Hill, the two of them share a very intimate moment and are seen to be drinking vodka and orange juice. While their attraction for each other has little to do with alcohol, the drink figures as a part of a humorous but heartwarming scene in which they navigate their feelings for each other.
Disclaimer: The above mentioned scenes are fictional and created for entertainment purposes only. This essay does not endorse alcohol as a moving factor in relationships. Drinking alcohol in measured proportions is recommended as it can be injurious to mental and physical well-being.
