Special Anniversary Post: Nine Wonderful Movie Husbands

Today is my 9th Wedding Anniversary. Can’t believe we’ve been married that long, I feel like we just got married a few years ago!  I’ve been blessed to marry my best friend Ivan whom I still adore him as much — if not more — as when I first met him when I was only 19.  I don’t really believe in the notion of a ‘soul mate’ but maybe he is mine as we’re both from the same hometown, went to the same Jr High, but yet we found each other thousands of miles away years later in Minnesota 😀

Ivan and I in a gorgeous day in Venice

Now, I don’t mean to rant on my anniversary post, but as I was looking for a good list of great husbands in movies, I couldn’t find any.  I did find some list of WORST movie husbands full of cheaters, psychopaths or wife beaters!  There’s really not a lot of films depicting healthy marriages either, but you’ll be sure to find a plethora of those depicting troubled/doomed unions.  Heh, I find that disheartening.  But in any case, this post is my tribute to my gorgeous, loving husband who seems to only get better with age 😀

If you’ve been following this blog long enough, you might notice that I included the four husbands I included in this list from Thanksgiving 2009.  I added five more movie husbands that I think any woman would be blessed to have.  The movie itself may not be perfect, but the husband portrayed here certainly seems that way. 

John Rolfe – The New World

The Pocahontas-inspired story actually centers on her love affair with Capt.  John Smith (Colin Farrell).  But it’s the last twenty minutes of the 2.5-hour movie that touched me the most.  Christian Bale’s John Rolfe fell in love with the grieving young woman after losing her first love, and eventually married her.  His brief scenes with her show how patient and loving he was towards her, even until the end when their love is tested.  Their scenes together are definitely one I can watch over and over again.  It’s a testament of that Bale can play a hopeless romantic convincingly.  I wish he’d tackle this type of role more often!… 

Paul Child – Julie & Julia

I just love Stanley Tucci, the man can do anything.  Now this is one of his underrated roles which my friend Paula guest blogged for me in this Flix Character Spotlight.  This movie is definitely all about the heroine that is Julia Child.  But just like the phrase ‘behind a great man, there is a good woman,’ the same can be true vice versa.  Paul Child was a loving and sympathetic husband who stood by Julia even before she became famous, and even when fame beckoned, he’s still supportive of her instead of becoming jealous of it like a lot of men would.… 

Duke – The Notebook

I’m probably the only woman on earth who isn’t head over heels in love with The Notebook nor Ryan Gosling.  I do like parts of it, and mainly the love story of the older characters.  James Gardner’s Duke shows how love transcends devastating circumstances.  He never gave up reading their love stories over and over again to his Alzheimer-stricken wife Allie (Gena Rowland), giving us a whole new meaning and inspiration to what ‘in sickness and in health’ marital promise is all about.…. 

Gerry Kennedy – P.S. I Love You

Gerry Butler might be a confirmed bachelor, but he sure can play a dreamy husband, dead or alive.  Hilary Swank’s Holly can be quite a pill but Gerry handle her rants and mood swings in stride and sense of humor.  His love for her even transcends death as he leaves notes from the afterlife to help her move on.  Plus, any husband who’s willing to do this silly but sexy strip dance absolutely deserves to be on this list. 

Oh btw, I LOVE this deleted scene when Gerry booked the vacation for his wife days before he died.  They did a good job making Butler look frail and sick, but even in this delicate condition he still hasn’t lost his sense of humor! 

…..

Bob Rueland – Return to Me

In this movie, David Duchovny doesn’t play the role of a husband for very long but in those brief scenes, he makes for such an adorable and supportive partner to his zoologist wife.  He’s funny, charming, and sweet as can be.  When he suddenly lost her, his grief was genuinely moving and heartbreaking that we all root for him to find love again.  When he does, he was the epitome of a perfect boyfriend, too, which is a far cry from the womanizer role he plays in Californication. 

Prince Albert – The Young Victoria

I always love a good period drama and this one is one of my favorite films about British Monarch.  It takes a humble and loving man to take up the role of a queen’s husband.  But Albert loves Victoria so much that it hardly matters.  In fact, right from the start when they were playing chess, he understood her predicament and knew what a woman in her position would need. 

Princess Victoria: You don’t recommend I find a husband to play it for me?Prince Albert: I should find one to play it with you, not for you. 

It’s a heartwarming love story and it’s clear that Victoria relies on her husband’s support and love to carry through such a heavy burden of ruling a monarchy at such a young age.  In fact, he’s instrumental in helping her build her self-confidence.  It seems that there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for his wife. 

Michael Green – When a Man Loves a Woman

I saw this years ago and I was quite taken by Andy Garcia’s performance.  The film is quite heartbreaking, as do films that deal with any kind of addiction.  Now, his behavior might not always be wise as he loves her too much to put his foot down and confront her addiction, but what matters is he sticks by her.  He abides by the ‘through thick and thin’ vow of his marriage that’s often forgotten by people as soon as trouble strikes.  I think even if addiction is not involved, anyone can relate to this story as no marriage is ever perfect. 

Walter Fane – The Painted Veil

Now if you’ve seen this film, you might initially disapprove of Walter’s decision to take his unfaithful wife Kitty to China.  It seems like a punishment for her initially and there’s perhaps an element of that in Walter’s mind but he obviously loves her so much and wants their marriage to work.  I reviewed this film a while back, saying that it’s rare to find a movie that tells a wonderful human drama without being too cutesy or overly romantic.  I do think that love is more than a bed of roses or candlelit dinner in fact, it’s best experienced when you’d least expect it.  The journey that these two go through together sends a hopeful message that nothing is beyond repair if we’re willing to take a personal reflection and seek forgiveness.… 

Carl Fredricksen – Pixar’s UP

I’ve featured this scene a year ago on this day for my 8th wedding anniversary, so Carl Fredricksen definitely has to be on this list.  Who says animated films can’t contain a profound message, certainly Pixar films have done so and it’s filmed in such a delightful, charming way.  Of course it’s not always a picture of marital bliss and sometimes it’s downright tragic.  But the real beauty is how they shared every moment of sorrow, disappointment, as well as happiness together.  I certainly hope Ivan and I will grow old together like Carl and Ellie 😀

Now, I’m not one to give advice but if I could give just one tip to anyone looking to get married… it’s the same as the one I said last year and the years after that: ‘Marry not just the one you love, but the one you LIKE spending tons of time together with.’ 

Congratulations Ruth and Ivan!  I’m slightly concerned that I have only seen two of the above as these are just not my kind of movies!  Up was truly lovely and beautiful, but The Notebook made me cringe and think ‘no guys are like that!’.  Then again as I’m getting married in July, perhaps it’s time I started brushing up on these movie husbands! 

As for depicting healthy marriages, I can’t think of any, I guess I just watch too many horrible movies.  I much prefer a doomed romance like Romeo and Juliet or Titanic.  Oh wait I always loved the couple from The Crow.  But they both die.  But at least he comes back from the dead to avenge her.  That’s a great movie husband.  I can’t even remember if they are married actually. 

Oh you’re getting married soon?  Awesome!  Well, hopefully you LIKE your fiancee as much as you love her 🙂 I think movies often depict couples being head over heels in love when it’s really more about the other ‘L’ word, ahah.  Well doomed romance has its place and I do like those too, but I think there’s just an unhealthy imbalance of films that depict the other side of that.  Ahah, never thought of The Crow as being a good husband but if you put it that way I guess he is 🙂

Way to go – most of my office is looking at me and wondering why I’m all misty and sniffling. 

Great post – you’ve given me some great examples to look up to as far as what a husband is supposed to be, and reminded us all that going to the movies isn’t always about escaping our own lives but giving it perspective. 

Congrats and here’s to many more!  Very good list of great husbands ;-D. Two of my favorite movie husbands redeem themselves in the end.  One is Jack Campbell (Nick Cage) in The Family Man (2000).  He certainly doesn’t start out as the ideal hubby, but by the end of his fantasy “glimpse,” he sure comes close.  And Rufus Sewell as Petruchio in Taming of The Shrew (ShakespeaRe-told series) starts out very quirky but ends up in wedded bliss with Kate (Shirley Henderson). 

Well i think troubled relationships just provide more conflict, which is why they are used more often. 

Anyways, the only one coming to mind for me Joe WIlson from Fair Game.  Even though what happens to valerie puts a strain on there marriage, they still stay together in the end.  Pus i think penn is really good in the role

Oh yeah I know, Hollywood and a lot of moviegoers are obsessed w/ dark stuff it seems like.  I saw Fair Game and I thought it was just ok.  I suppose the real life Joe Wilson is a good man, I just wasn’t wowed by Penn’s performance, I do like Naomi though. 

Happy anniversary Ruth!  Nine years is quite a feat, congrats!  You two sound like a perfect couple.  😀

As for movies about marriage, I can’t really think of any happy movies about marriage, but recently I saw a great film called Scenes from a Marriage which depicts ten years in the life of a married couple.  It’s very realistic and the acting is some of the best I’ve ever seen in any movie, but it isn’t really an upbeat film since it’s about divorce.  But still, a fantastic movie. 

I have to look up that film, sounds like a good one.  It doesn’t have to be an upbeat film so long as it’s honest.  I come from a broken home myself but I certainly am not bitter about the whole idea of marriage. 

Happy anniversary, Ruth!  You guys look like a very happy couple indeed.  😀

That is pretty disturbing, though, that there are so many lists online about abusive husbands and failed relationships, but little to the contrary.  It’s a good thing you made this list to help balance it out.  🙂

Totally agree about Stanley Tucci in ‘Julie & Julia.’  I think that was the same year he did ‘The Lovely Bones,’ and that was the showier role, so he got nominated for that, but he could’ve just as easily been recognized for this as well. 

Congrats, Ruth, on 9 years of marital bliss!  I agree with you 100% about the “like” thing being just as important.  My wife and I are coming up on our 3rd anniversary next month, and the fact that we like each other and enjoy spending time together makes it all work, despite the occasional bumps in the road. 

Have a great anniversary!  And don’t forget all those great movie wives out there…two examples off the top of my head being Donna Reed as Mary Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life and Rosemarie Dewitt as Ben Affleck’s oh-so-supportive wife in the little-seen but terrific drama The Company Men (2010). 

Aww Shucks!!  Happy Anniversary you two cats!!  I can’t believe it has been a year since the last post!  You two look so happy in Venice… Although I didn’t recognise you without your Sun Glasses on!!  HAHA

My fav movie husband would be David Thewlis as Michael Aris in The Lady.  I find it very sweet to see such a supportive and patient husband like him.  Plus a sharing partner who speaks the same “language”. 

Movie husbands always just make me feel insanely jealous.  It’s a case of “I want!”.  Duke from The Notebook is definitely one who had that reaction for me.  Though, having trouble of thinking of any others at the moment.  Can think of plenty of TV husbands though! 

Hey, you just might find a hubby like one of these, Jaina.  I know a couple of my single friends just found love in the last couple of years and are getting married now.  Duke is a tough act to follow indeed, that scene of him reading to his wife always bring tears to my eyes! 

Happy anniversary, Ruth.  That’s a wonderful story about you and your husband.  I agree with some, especially Up and PS I Love You, also Julie & Julia.  Nice list!  I always wanted to see the Painted Veil. 

Mike Leigh’s Another Year shows a healthy marriage of an old couple. ( and that’s all I can remember now).  Have a great anniversary (although maybe it’s too late when I say this)

Thanks Andina!  The Painted Veil is lovely, plus the China cinematography is breathtaking. 

I actually thought about Jim Broadbent in ‘Another Year’ but that film is quite boring IMO.  I really wanted to like it but it’s sooo s-l-o-w, even for a fan of period dramas like me which are generally not fast-paced. 

Leonard Whiting, Romeo in “Romeo and Juliet”.  Beloved of Juliet, “The all seeing sun ne’er saw her match since first the world begun”.  Soul mates, like Ruth and Ivan, though thou doest gainsay.  Salute! 

Congrats Ruth on your anniversary it is nice to hear when people are together for so many years like Julia Roberts said in Notting Hill
Anna Scott: “For June who loved this garden from Joseph who always sat beside her.”  Some people do spend their whole lives together. 
Happy Anniversary Ruth @>–

Hey no such a thing as a late comment Nov 🙂 Thanks very much, hope you would find someone special in your life as well.  Glad you have seen PS I love you, I know it’s not really your cup of tea.  Yes, Gerry (the actor & the character) is absolutely adorable here! 

Yeah indeed, a rom-com with actual romance AND comedy 🙂 Did you see that deleted scene I posted above?  That scene never fails to amuse me and they managed to make Gerry look cancer-stricken, and this is done around ‘300’ time when he still has his 8-pack abs! 

it is so rare that you see such a calm, natural and intelligent love like the two of them had on screen.  Did you know that Vics loved him so much that after his death at a young age, she spent many decades wearing black and mourning him till her own death. 

Sorry i am so behind the times…happy anniversary to you both and many many more!  So glad to see one of the best movie hubbies of all time, Paul Child on your list, and thanks for linking to my article 🙂

Happy Anniversary! 
First, I have to get this off my chest; I can’t agree more that Stanley Tucci really can do anything, fantastic actor!  Now, when it comes to a devoted husband I always think of Andy Garcia’s portrayal of Michael Green.  This movie portrays the perfect picture of a loving marriage torn apart by addiction, and the complications that are inevitable.  I have a friend and colleague who works with me for Dish, he is going through a similar situation and is being torn apart, it shows in every aspect of his life.  I subscribe to Blockbuster @Home, so I’ve got ‘When a Man Loves a Women’ coming in the mail.  I’ve invited my friend over so we can watch it together in hopes, it will bring him some peace. 

People need to stop romanticizing Pocahontas.  She isn’t a movie character, she was a real person and John Rolfe was quite possibly her abuser/captor considering she was kidnapped, forced to convert, and probably forced to marry him, and the Mattaponi oral history suggests that their child was possibly the result of a rape and wasn’t his.  Something to think about. 

About me

Hello I'm Ruth!  Film is in my blood.  LOVE movies of all genres, from Jane Austen to James Bond.  Official blogger for the Twin Cities Film Fest (TCFF).  I've recently completed my first feature screenplay & produced my first short film HEARTS WANT.  Visit facebook.com/heartswantfilm

Trivia on Blade Runner 2049

Denis Villeneuve noted that he's fully aware of the immense pressure he's under, and how hardcore fans of the original view the prospect of a new film: "I know that every single fan will walk into the theater with a baseball bat.  I'm aware of that and I respect that, and it's okay with me because it's art.  Art is risk, and I have to take risks.  It's gonna be the biggest risk of my life but I'm okay with that.  For me it's very exciting... It's just so inspiring, I'm so inspired.  I've been dreaming to do sci-fi since I was 10 years old, and I said 'no' to a lot of sequels.  I couldn't say 'no' to Blade Runner 2049 (2017).  I love it too much, so I said, 'Alright, I will do it and give everything I have to make it great.'" 

Initially, Denis Villeneuve was against the concept of a sequel to Blade Runner (1982), as he felt it could violate the original.  But after reading the script, which he and Harrison Ford have described as "one of the best" they have ever read, he committed to the project, stating that Ford was already involved at that point: "To be very honest with you, Harrison was part of the project before I arrived.  He was attached to it right from the start with Ridley [Scott].  I met him and he's honestly one of the nicest human beings I've met and is one of my favorite actors of all time, so for me it's a lot of pleasure." 

Jared Leto was introduced to Denis Villeneuve by his close friend Jean-Marc Vallée, who had directed Leto in Dallas Buyers Club (2013). 

Emily Blunt was considered for a role but she declined due to her pregnancy. 

This sequel is set to be released on October 6, 2017, just ten years and one day after the Final Cut version of the first film premiered in Los Angeles. 

The sequel which takes place 30 years after Blade Runner (1982) is the story of new Blade Runner Officer K (Ryan Gosling) as he searches Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) whom has disappeared.  In Harrison Ford's earlier science fiction film Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) which took place 30 years after Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983), The film's main protagonists Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Finn (John Boyega) are searching for Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) whom disappeared.  Harrison Ford played Han Solo in the Star Wars films.