I may have fallen in love with our favorite romanticized Hallmark movies – but my views on seeing it as a reality may be contradictory! Here’s my two cents.
An escape into the countryside, a break from the monotonous 9-5 routine, a departure from the cutthroat corporate world, and an entrance into a farm, a candy shop, a library, or an inn-owner – Hallmark movies have consistently managed to romanticize the countryside in the U.S. And that’s why they are among my favorite movie themes to look forward to, especially in winters.
They bring in an old world charm, a nostalgic calm, a slice of peace in an otherwise chaotic world that we live in. And while it may be a light-hearted flick, a happy-ending embrace or a jolly good family movie, there’s so much more than what meets the eye.
How I personally feel about these Movies
Over time, I believe we have exaggerated how effortlessly unrelatable and whimsical the concept that a Hallmark movie presents is. It’s highly unlikely that a managing director of a company would take a break to visit their family in the countryside and decide to forgo the comforts of a financially secure job whilst living in a bustling city like NYC. And why would they?
Hallmark movies offer a glimpse of what could be possible without fully acknowledging the realities of life. In reality, a high-ranking executive from a corporation wouldn’t find themselves romantically involved with a rural boy who works on a farm. Nor would an architect that hates Christmas visit his hometown only to fall in love with the one woman who loves Christmas so much, she made it her career.
And who am I to say that this is wrong, when it could be your reality, right?
Yet, that’s the beauty of these movie themes. Hallmark movies depict a world that might be conceivable. But only if economic dynamics, inflation, jobs, and the possibility of living a satisfying city life were equally attainable in the remotest corners of the world.
While these movies have captured the beauty of rural America, there’s more to it than meets the eye. The harsh realities of life take a backseat in these movies. The inconvenient and infrequent hourly drives to the nearest town are minor concerns. The challenge of living outside one’s comfort zone comes second to the protagonists.
What are they searching for? An escape from the mundane aspects of city life? They discover how living at a slower pace is an escape they believe they can sustain indefinitely.
These hallmark movies can be very de-stressing and they make you feel happier.
However, I sincerely believe that a person raised as a city chap cannot truly live a countryside life forever. Contemplating the serene and unhurried beauty of a slow and steady lifestyle. One might even wonder if it could become monotonous and potentially boring. This is especially true if your mind is accustomed to the fast-paced nature of modern living.
While we may contemplate the warmth of Hallmark movies for ourselves, it’s important to truly consider and appreciate them. They serve as an escape into a picturesque and simple life. Don’t get me wrong, I am the biggest fan of hallmark movies and absolutely love them to bits. In fact, you’d often find me curled up and cozied in the living room. I watch a Hallmark movie every other day.
Nonetheless, whether it’s a fleeting retreat or a solo rendezvous, country living can be considered a cherished haven. However, just as the seasons change, so too does our desire for novelty and the embrace of life’s diverse experiences.
In the end, it’s about the delicate balance between the slow and the fast. It’s also about the rural and the urban, adding richness to the narrative of our lives. So, let me know in the comments below what you think about my views on Hallmark movies. If given a chance, would you be willing to explore the life we see in a typical romance-infused Hallmark movie?
