Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail just became bigger tear-jerkers (who knew that was possible?) with the death this week of acclaimed writer and director Nora Ephron. Ephron knew how to make movies about women and for women, and the world of chick flicks will never be the same with her gone.
To commemorate her too-short life, we’ve put together a roundup of the most brilliant, witty, and unforgettable film scenes that she gave us.
Thanks, Nora, for these moments, and so many more.
When Harry Met Sally
Perhaps the most famous scene from the movie, set in Katz’s Deli in New York: When Sally fakes an orgasm to show Harry just how convincing women can be. (The one-liner of an onlooking diner is one of the funniest lines from the movie.)
And at the end of the movie, Harry delivers one of the most memorable love declarations of all time (and thus ruins every other New Year’s Eve kiss for all eternity).
You've Got Mail
The famous coffee shop scene: Shopgirl and NY152 are supposed to meet for the first time, but Joe discovers that his online love interest is his real-life business competition. Sweet, mild-mannered Kathleen finally succeeds in insulting Joe at precisely the right time.
Joe embarks on a campaign to woo over Kathleen in a series of scenes of epic cuteness. Here, the pair guesses as to the meaning of the screen name NY152.
At the end of the movie, Kathleen finally learns that NY152 and Joe are the same person. Who hasn’t cried during this scene? (The DVD actually comes with a box of Kleenex for precisely this reason.)
Sleepless in Seattle
Eight-year-old Jonah calls the radio station about his heartsick father Sam, while Annie is listening. Sam initially resists opening up about his late wife, but eventually delivers a heartfelt monologue on how special she was.
Sam sees Annie for the first time at the airport and has no idea who she is.
This clip sums up the difference between men and women (An Affair to Remember vs. The Dirty Dozen).
At the end of the film where Annie and Jonah and Sam meet for the first time, you don’t see Annie and Sam kiss. But when he takes her hand, it’s one of the most heartwarming moments of the movie.