Sophie's Choice (1982)

Meryl Streep delivers a career-defining performance in "Sophie's Choice," a heart-wrenching drama set in post-World War II Brooklyn. She embodies Sophie, a Polish immigrant haunted by the horrors of the Holocaust, as she navigates a turbulent life in a boarding house. Sharing her world are the volatile Nathan (Kevin Kline), a brilliant but unstable American man, and the young, aspiring writer Stingo (Peter MacNicol), who is drawn into their tumultuous relationship. The film unfolds as Stingo learns of Sophie's horrific past and the impossible choice she was forced to make at Auschwitz. While dealing with devastating trauma, "Sophie's Choice" beautifully illustrates the complexities of love and the enduring power of human connection. The film's focus isn't solely on grand romantic gestures, but on the fragile, often destructive, relationships formed under immense emotional pressure. Nathan's passionate, all-consuming love for Sophie, coupled with Stingo's tender feelings towards her and the shared bonds built through their shared experiences, paints a portrait of different kinds of love, all profoundly impacting the characters' lives. The film examines how love can both heal and destroy, making it a powerful exploration of human relationships and a worthy addition to any "Best Romance movies" list.