I must admit my experience of the black and white classics is somewhat lacking. But it's never too late to try something new - or old.
But - inspired by my friend's love for the old love stories, and particularly Brief Encounter of which she has a framed picture next to her bed - it was time to immerse myself in the films which inspired decades of romantic comedies to follow.
And I wasn't disappointed. I accept that the oldies will never be my favourite genre, but as a hopeless romantic and an idealist when it comes to love stories, I enjoyed this film about two strangers falling in love.
The 1945 black and white film is truly charming and inspiring. It relies on a simple and straightforward story of two lovers, there are few extra characters and no complex plot. Unlike films today which battle to outdo each other in special effects, a-list casts and intricate plots, Brief Encounter relies totally on the chemistry between Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard.
The acting feels slightly corny and wooden when looking back on it from more than six decades on, but
Brief Encounter is filmed and framed beautifully - the art of making films in the 1940s leaps out at you as you watch the long, lingering shots and close ups filled with emotion and raw acting.
And the simple idea of falling in love at first sight with a stranger, and waving them goodbye on a train station creates a love story and a tragedy which may be impossible to beat.
The film is touching, heart-wrenching and is a must-see for any girl.
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