If I Stay
Ever since Shakespeare penned his version of the tragic story of the beloved archetypal lovers, the arts have been infatuated with tragic teenage love.
We take a look at films that further expand on the themes of love and tragedy, and positions If I Stay as a new and different take on an endlessly popular genre.
In anticipation of the UK release for If I Stay, here is a look at some of the most tragic teen romances that have hit the big screen.
- Romeo and Juliet (1968)
Franco Zeffirelli directed and co-wrote the film based on the tragic play of the same name by William Shakespeare.
After meeting at a family party, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet become infatuated with one another, despite the fact that their two families have carried on an age-long feud.
Shortly after they secretly wed, Romeo finds himself banished from Verona after killing Juliet’s cousin. The two lovers devise a plan to be together with the help of Friar Laurence, but it ultimately ends both of their lives.
- The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Hazel and Gus are two teenagers who share an acerbic wit, a disdain for the conventional, and a love that sweeps them on a journey.
Their relationship is all the more miraculous given that Hazel's other constant companion is an oxygen tank, Gus jokes about his prosthetic leg, and they met and fell in love at a cancer support group.
- A Walk to Remember (2002)
After causing a bit of trouble and getting caught, Landon Carter finds himself participating in after-school community service, where he meets Jamie Sullivan, the quiet reverend’s daughter.
Landon tries to pursue her, but Jamie pushes him away in fear that her secret illness will damage their relationship.
She eventually let’s him into her romantic life, and Landon helps Jamie accomplish the goals on her bucket list.
- West Side Story (1961)
This award winning adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet centres on two warring New York City gangs - the white Jet, led by Riff, and the Puerto Rican Sharks, led by Bernardo.
Things get sticky when Riff’s best friend and former Jet, Tony, and Bernardo’s younger sister, Maria meet and fall in love.
Although they attempt to keep their relationship a secret, their plans of running away together are shattered when things go terribly wrong and don’t stop until the climatic and heartbreaking ending.
- Titanic (1997)
Directed and co-produced by James Cameron, Titanic tells the love story between Rose DeWitt Bukater, the fiancée of an heir to a large Pittsburgh steel fortune, and Jack Dawson, the penniless street artist with hopes of making it back to America.
Rose and Jack, being from two different social classes, begin their secret relationship while aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic.
Jack is chained up after being falsely accused of stealing the necklace Cal gave Rose, and it becomes a race against time and love as the liner sinks.
- If I Stay (2014)
Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, If I Stay centres on Mia Hall, played by Chloe Grace Moretz.
Mia thought the hardest decision she would ever face would be whether to pursue her musical dreams at Julliard or follow a different path to be with the love of her life, Adam (Jamie Blackley).
But what should have been a carefree family drive changes everything in an instant, and now her life hangs in the balance.
Caught between life and death for one revealing day, Mia has only one decision left, which will not only decide her future, but her ultimate fate.
If I Stay will release in UK cinemas 29 August 2014