Timeless Romance Cinema: Assessing Their Enduring Quality Over Time
Vibe Check: Movies We Loved Back Then, But Not So Much Now - Clarifying Old Rom-Com Stereotypes
Let's dive into some classic '90s romantic comedies and see how they hold up, focusing on love, women, and the chaos that often comes hand-in-hand with finding your happily ever after.
Take "Pretty Woman", for instance. When it hit our screens in '90, audiences swooned over Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. However, with 35 years under our belts, one might question if this timeless love tale still sparkles as brightly.
"Pretty Woman" presents a curious take on romance. The businessman, Edward, acquires the services of a sex worker, Vivian, during a business trip to Beverly Hills. To avoid any potential embarrassment, he educates her on proper behaviour and sends her shopping at luxury boutiques.
While the chemistry between Gere and Roberts was overwhelming in '90, today, some scenes feel hard to stomach, with a portrayal of women as naive creatures in need of male guidance to find their place. So, is this rom-com still a jewel for your collection? That's up for debate (it can be found on Disney+).
"When Harry Met Sally" is a different story, though. Released in '89, it's a romantic comedy classic that still impresses with its wit, charm, and unusual exploration of male-female friendship. The chemistry between Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan is electric, making this movie a fabulous choice for a date night (stream it on Prime Video premium subscription or purchase it from YouTube, Google Play, and Apple TV+).
Meanwhile, "10 Things I Hate About You" is a laugh-out-loud rom-com with a twist - it's based on Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew." In this tale, popular student Bianca can't attend a party unless her rebellious older sister, Kat, has a boyfriend. Thus, she sets out to find one, with an unlikely source in the form of outsider Patrick Verona.
Despite some outdated views on romance, it's worth noting that Patrick respects Kat's boundaries and desires, making for a refreshing change in a '90s rom-com (available on Disney+).
Let's not forget about "Sleepless in Seattle". This heartwarming rom-com has stood the test of time thanks to its delightful blend of comedy and romance. Despite some stereotypes, it's still enjoyable today, with its timeless charm and a beautiful view of the Empire State Building in New York. Grab your tissues and catch it on Magenta TV.
On the other hand, "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" could use a rethink. Focusing on a male-centric view of women, the comedy has aged poorly, with women taking the blame for relationship failures due to clinginess, emotionality, or possessiveness. An outdated portrayal of women, this film might not be essential viewing (but you can always give it a shot on Disney+).
Lastly, who could forget "Notting Hill"? This romantic comedy has stood the test of time thanks to its witty dialogue and endearing characters. It's always exciting to escape into London's vibrant Notting Hill neighborhood, even after all these years. Catch it on Prime Video for a whirlwind romance (that's still got that 90s charm).
In conclusion, while classic '90s romantic comedies were groundbreaking in their day, they have not escaped criticism for their portrayal of women and romance. As the genre progresses, we're moving toward more inclusive and thoughtful storytelling.
In the realm of entertainment, "Sleepless in Seattle" remains a heartwarming romantic comedy that manages to hold its charm, offering a delightful blend of comedy and romance that resonates even today (stream it on Magenta TV). On the flip side, "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" might benefit from a reconsideration, given its male-centric depiction of women that has aged less favorably (available for streaming on Disney+).
