Where have all the Leopolds gone?

I’ve been too busy to watch movies until recently. When Ocean’s Eleven was released, everyone I knew watched it. Every single one of my girl friends had suddenly developed major crushes on either George Clooney or Brad Pitt after they came out from the cinemas. (It’s amazing what two hours of film can do to a person!) While they were daydreaming about having George and Brad suddenly come out of an elevator, I was doing my projects in school. I didn’t have time to watch that movie. While my friends talked about how funny the movie was and while some debated if it was really a good movie, I just sat there and nodded.

When I heard Kate & Leopold was showing last week, I did everything I could so I could watch it with a couple of my friends. I love romantic comedies, and there’s no better way to finally relax after a stressful week than to watch one—especially if Meg Ryan is starring in it. Armed with my popcorn and ticket, I went to the cinema and watched the movie.

Just like what had happened to my friends when they watched Ocean’s Eleven, I suddenly fell in love with Hugh Jackman’s character, Leopold. My friend and I were totally tickled at each little polite thing he did for Kate. Everything he did was adorable—from the way he stood up when she left the table, the way he made breakfast for her, the way he held up her jacket so she could simply slip her arms in it to wear it. We were thrilled at the concept of a guy being so considerate towards girls.

The only problem with Leopold is that he is from 1876, which is more than a hundred years ago! That got me thinking. Does it mean that guys like him only exist in the 1800s, or even earlier?

No offense meant to boys, but sometimes I really think that most guys have become too dense to remember to be gallant gentlemen towards girls. Just a couple of days ago, one of my guy classmates asked my girl bud to take him home after our practice on that day. Just like that. He just said, "Hey, take me home later!" without any hesitation. No "Is it okay if I..." before the request. Actually, it didn’t sound like a request to me. I reprimanded him a split second later. Thankfully, he sounded apologetic right away.

I really wish guys today would be more like Leopold. While I was watching Kate & Leopold, I was mentally remembering all the things Leopold did so I could give tips to my desperate guy friends when they ask me what to do about their crushes. I mean, when they’re in love, they usually rely on their phones and cell phones to woo their beloved girls. While I’m eternally grateful to Alexander Graham Bell and to the people who developed cell phones and text, I don’t think we should make these the sole bridges of communication. A guy who can rediscover the art of letter writing is definitely all right with me. I mean, so much work can go into one letter. Imagine the agony of finding the right words to say and making sure you have nice handwriting, correct spelling and grammar, and the delight of having the finished product practically perfect. Unlike in text, where you just forward sweet messages and put a small "luv u" or "tc" after the quote. How original. Also, you eventually have to erase the quotes to make space for new ones. You can keep special letters in a special place so you can always dig them up if you want to feel nostalgic and cheerful.

Another thing Leopold did was to arrange a whole dinner just for him and Kate. He didn’t just order a pizza and buy cans of soda. He planned the whole thing. He bought food, hired a violinist, decorated the place with candles, set the table, etc. The whole dinner was majorly sweet. People today like it when something special is prepared just for them. Maybe we still like eating out or buying burgers from our favorite fastfood joints, but sometimes there’s nothing like something homemade when you know it’s made out of love. You can bring someone to a romantic restaurant, but isn’t it better if you create your own romantic atmosphere? The memories just aren’t the same.

Leopold was also a cultured guy, and that was a really big plus for me. I mean, it’s great if you like someone who’s really athletic, but a lot of people are good in sports. Leopold could speak French fluently, was oriented with classy things like operas, and a very good dancer. For me, a cultured guy is really extraordinary because that shows how he was brought up and his breeding. Everyone wants someone who’s classy, refined, mature and well-bred. Of course, we all want people who can talk about a multitude of things, not just their favorite video games or TV shows.

What I like best about Leopold is that he’s truly a sincere guy. He’s got a good heart, and that’s pretty hard to find in this fast-paced world. He doesn’t force himself to do things for others, but he truly believes in doing them. Leopold makes breakfast, entertains little children, gives advice, buys flowers, writes notes, speaks French, and gives the sweetest compliments because they all come from his heart. He hates being dishonest about anything and no matter how upright he may seem, he is willing to fight against what he believes isn’t right. Boys, you’d better watch Kate & Leopold if you want to see how girls want to be treated!

So maybe all the girls I know are still obsessed about George Clooney’s boyish smile and Brad Pitt’s gorgeous eyes. Well, I say I’d rather be in love with Leopold and his classy charm any day of the week. Maybe eyes or a smile can shake my knees for a minute, but a sincere compliment (it definitely helps if it’s in French!) can touch my heart forever.