Romantic but not soppy film?

[Oldromance]

This is all a bit weird to me but I have a new man (at 50+ after many happy single years) and he's keen to do "something" for Valentines.

I really don't want to a Valentine's restaurant or anything specifically marketed for Valentine's, but it's quite nice that he wants to do something, so we've agreed we'll cook something nice together and I can choose a film. He's definitely thinking romantic!

My usual film of choice would be something interesting based on a true story. I find a lot of romance/romcoms a bit problematic from a feminist pov, what recommendations might you have?

Its a bit old, but I love Last of the Mohicans for the love story (“I will find you!”)

DH once got me Out of Africa for Valentines. Absolutely hated it - Meryl Streeps husband gives her syphilis, and although Robert Redford takes her up in a plane (not a euphemism) she is infertile from the syphilis & can’t have children. Then she loses not only Robert Redford but also her husband and her farm in Africa. I do not consider it romantic, apart from the 10 minutes in the plane. It’s actually quite a sad (true) story.

What about a comedy that's still romantic? When Harry Met Sally? Shakespeare in Love?

Juliette, Naked

Hidden Figures? Primarily the true story of three black women working at NASA in the 1960s, and one has a love story. It is a terrific film, and the book it is based on is brilliant too.

I love this film but romantic it is not.

The sex scene is very well done but not romantic and there are murders.

Film Star Don't Die in Liverpool is wonderful!

I will add:
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
About Time
Sideways

This is surprisingly brilliant...
This Beautiful Fantastic: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b082cmyb

via @bbciplayer
It is romantic though not at all soppy and it's funny.

@SaborDeSoledad was just about to suggest About Time, my favourite movie ever, has romantic moments but not really the main focus, just such a beautiful film.

Actually, my most romantic (and least soppy) would be The English Patient - but you won't get a happy ending...

It really is beautiful!

Kate Winslet is always good...
A Little Chaos: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b07jqq94 via @bbciplayer

Once. Great soundtrack and a really touching, absorbing story. Not really a romance in the usual sense and no sex!

Agree with this, my favourite film.

If you like a period drama, the recent (ish) Far From the Madding Crowd with Carey Mulligan is beautiful. Or the Jane Eyre with Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens (TV adaptation though so poss too long)