Rom-Coms Then and Now: A Fresh Look at Timeless Love Stories
- *
Timeless Romantic Cinema: Assessing Their Enduring Appeal Through the Years - Movie classics of romantic love: their enduring or fading appeal over time
Grabbing some popcorn, settling on the couch, and switching on a comedy - the perfect way to unwind. But be careful. Some oldies might not stand the test of time, especially when it comes to love. Look and feel have changed significantly, as has our understanding of relationships and the portrayal of women.
Let's take "Pretty Woman," for instance. When the film premiered in 1990, it left audiences charmed, and Julia Roberts and Richard Gere became a globally recognized duo. But does it still tickle our funny bone after 35 years? And how have other rom-coms fared in the face of changing times?
"Pretty Woman"
Wealthy entrepreneur Edward strikes up a business deal with down-on-her-luck Vivian, a street-smart prostitute. To ensure she doesn't embarrass him, he takes her shopping, teach her the ropes of high society, and gives her lessons on how a lady should behave.
"Sit still," he advises her repeatedly. In the '90s, the romance between Gere and Roberts was considered quite the catch. However, with today's lens, much of it is tough to watch.
"Pretty Woman" presents women as untaught creatures in need of guidance by the wise, fatherly man. After all, he's got a reputation to uphold when seen with her in public. While he’s focused on building his career, her satisfaction comes from luxurious clothes and finding love.
Verdict: Despite strong acting, the story leaves a lot to be desired (streamable on Disney+).
"When Harry Met Sally"
Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan dazzled audiences in the '80s with their chemistry in this classic. Harry and Sally had been best friends since college, but when real feelings emerge, things become complicated. A memorable scene involves Sally pretending to have an orgasm in a busy restaurant, causing other diners to order the same dish.
"When Harry Met Sally" remains a charming film that tackles trouble in paradise, quirks, and compatibility between men and women. The banter between Ryan and Crystal is still sharp and entertaining.
Verdict: Great for a delightful evening of laughs and romance (available on Prime Video Premium, rentable on YouTube, Google Play, and Apple TV+).
"10 Things I Hate About You"
A youthful blend of comedy, romance, and high school drama, this movie is based on Shakespeare's classic "The Taming of the Shrew." Bianca, the school's popular girl, is forbidden from attending parties unless her older sister Kat has a date. Bianca decides to set her sister up with a stranger, Patrick, who agrees to woo Kat for a price.
Dating back to 1999, this rom-com, starring Julia Stiles and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, still delights. Heath Ledger plays the outsider Patrick Verona, marking his first major film role and a glimpse of his future star power, before his untimely passing in 2008.
However, it's worth noting that, despite Kat's disinterest, Patrick keeps pursuing her. It’s a good thing he respects her boundaries and stands up for her individuality.
Verdict: A fun watch for intelligent and engaging entertainment, plus a glimpse of young Heath Ledger (streamable on Disney+).
"Sleepless in Seattle"
Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan light up the silver screen in this '90s romantic comedy. After his wife's passing, Jonah embarks on a radio quest to find the perfect woman for his widowed father Sam. Meanwhile, journalist Annie is smitten with Sam, but when will they finally meet?
"Sleepless in Seattle" is a delightful, heartwarming tale with crackling wit, thoughtful humor, and enduring emotions. While it toys with conventional character traits, it's a lovely reminder of sweet romances of days gone by (streamable on Magenta TV).
"How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days"
This film showcases Kate Hudson's charm as writer Andie, tasked with intentionally losing a guy in 10 days. She chooses Benjamin, who agrees to the scheme just for the challenge.
Even at its time of release, this comedy was criticized for being shallow and disappointing. Today, some elements can feel outdated and frustrating, as women are often left blaming themselves when things go south.
Verdict: Better off with a modern rom-com (streamable on Disney+).
"Notting Hill"
Long before becoming an Oompa-Loompa or Bridget Jones' ex, Hugh Grant won hearts in 1999's "Notting Hill." As a humble bookstore owner, he stumbles upon a chance meeting with famous star Anna Scott (played by Julia Roberts). The pair strike up a unique romantic chemistry.
This film offers clever dialogue and characters that are both lovable and quirky, delivering a laugh-out-loud romp (streamable on Prime Video).
"Four Weddings and a Funeral"
This one's the quintessential rom-com, a perfect blend of wit, humor, and prized moments of tender emotion. Charles and Carrie meet at a wedding, start an affair, and then navigate their relationship through an additional wedding and a funeral, all while dealing with frequent flirting, kisses, and marriages surrounding them.
With an all-star cast featuring Hugh Grant, Andie MacDowell, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Rowan Atkinson, it's a timeless tribute to the splendor and trials of love in every form (streamable on Prime Video).
- Comedy
- Relationships
- Love
- Julia Roberts
- Women
- Disney
- Meg Ryan
- Prime Video
- Richard Gere
- Heath Ledger
- Billy Crystal
- Seattle
- Men
- Los Angeles
- Cinema
- Hugh Grant### Enrichment Data:### Overall: Classic romantic comedies with outdated portrayals of women have evolved over time, reflecting changing societal attitudes and heightened awareness of gender issues. Here's what you need to know:## Problematic Elements## Evolution of Perception## Examples## Conclusion While classic romantic comedies retain a nostalgic charm, their outdated depiction of women has become more apparent over time. The genre has been slow to evolve, although recent releases aim to move towards more progressive storytelling with empowered, diverse characters.[1] Whitneyaman, K. (2021, March 4). The evolution of romantic comedies (rom-coms): Gender roles, representations, and problematic histories. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-good-terrifying-and-peculiar/202103/the-evolution-romantic-comedies-rom-coms-gender-roles-representations-and[2] Parkin, A. (n.d.). 10 problematic rom-coms and where they went wrong. CinemaBlend. https://www.cinemablend.com/news/1575395/10-romantic-comedies-that-are-problematic-and-where-they-went-wrong
- Clichéd Roles: Many rom-coms reinforce conventional gender roles, often presenting women as dependent, passive, or needing to change at the man's request. These depictions were once charming but increasingly appear outdated.
- Lack of Authenticity: Some films fail to accurately portray real-life relationships, settling for unrealistic and idealized romances.
- Lack of Representation: Historically, the genre has ignored diversity, with limited depictions of racial and ethnic diversity. This oversight is increasingly viewed as a significant flaw.
- Critical Reappraisal: Over time, viewers have become more critical of these portrayals, recognizing them as problematic and outdated reflections of the modern woman's experience.
- Influence on Contemporary Cinema: Modern romantic comedies attempt to address these issues by featuring diverse casts and stronger, more independent female characters.
- Cultural Context: Understanding the social context in which these films were made helps explain why they were once popular but are now viewed as outdated and insensitive.
- 1960s Films: Films like That Touch of Mink (1962) and Lover Come Back (1961) offered witty banter and sophisticated romance but also reinforced traditional gender roles (e.g., Cary Grant and Doris Day)[1].
- 1990s Films: Flicks like Pretty Woman (1990) and While You Were Sleeping (1995) entertained huge audiences but have been critiqued for reinforcing gender stereotypes and objectification (e.g., Julia Roberts)[2].
- Old romantic comedies can be problematic due to clichéd roles, lack of authenticity, and limited representation of women.
- Classic films like "Pretty Woman" and "While You Were Sleeping" entertained huge audiences but have been criticized for reinforcing gender stereotypes and objectification.
- "The Taming of the Shrew"-inspired "10 Things I Hate About You" is still enjoyable, but it's worth noting that the protagonist is pursued despite her disinterest.
- Films like "Sleepless in Seattle" and "Notting Hill" remain charming, offering a nostalgic look at sweet romances from the past.
- The romantic comedy landscape is evolving, with modern releases attempting to address these issues by featuring diverse casts and stronger, more independent female characters.
- Julia Roberts, Meg Ryan, Richard Gere, and Hugh Grant have all left indelible marks on the genre, while contemporary platforms such as Disney+ and Prime Video offer an extensive collection of classic and modern romantic comedies.
- Romantic comedies, despite their flaws, continue to offer an important reflection of societal attitudes towards relationships, gender roles, and love throughout history.
