Romance

film genre
Jessie Ganson
 The romance genre is a storytelling genre that focuses on love and romantic relationships between two or more
characters. The Kiss (1896) is one of the earliest documented examples of a romance film. It was a short, silent
film by Thomas Edison that captured an everyday moment between 2 people sharing a kiss. This film shows how

Overall
most earlier films were meant to take everyday occurrences and be more relatable to everyday people. Eventually
these films evolved to involve more comedic performances, showing the chaos and effects of falling head over
heels for someone in “just the right way,” like in The Philadelphia Story (1940). These led romance films to become

History more complicated, creating the idea that love isn’t so simple. After the comedic romaces left their prime, the
genre further evolves into something more compelling; messy realism. It shows not just the development of love,
but also of the people themselves. As this genre continues to evolve, sexual tensions seem to become more and
more prevalent. This genre also continues to explore more diverse relationships now than it did in the past,
breaking some societal norms and stereotypes to prove that love is love and should be understood by all as a
natural phenomenom. Romance movies today and created in the past decade have varied from quirky,
passionate, serious, and twisted, which depicts just how far the idea of love has come to be accepted.
5 major
Films
 Casablanca (1943)
This movie is a classic example of the “star-crossed lovers” narrative,
taking place in the wake of war and depicting the aftermath of a
destroyed relationship, makes it tense and bittersweet. The character
development of Rick and his ability at the end to let Ilsa go with her
husband, despite his own love her her, reflects romantic sacrifice , a
theme ever-so-present in the romance genre. This movie is directed by
Michael Curtiz and is considered one of the greatest films of the
twentieth century. It earned 3 academy awards (including Best Picture)
and instant critical and commercial success following its release. This
movie is know for its all-star cast (Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman),
exceptional screenwriting, and memorable soundtrack, allowing it to be
ranked as one of the greatest motion pictures ever made.
Woman in the Dunes (1964)
This movie challenges the traditional romance relationships by not clearly defining
the relationship between the man and woman trapped in the dunes. This
relationship is complex, focusing on the psychological and existential aspects of
their connection, leaving the audience to determine the true depth of their bond.
This movie throws the characters together by circumstance (in the dunes) that
creates a unique dynamic, fueling many of their sexual connections which evolves
their relationship. This film is directed by Hiroshi Teshigahara and this film won
the jury prize at Cannes and 2 Oscar nominations. This movie is best known for its
unique imagery, the use of the sand dunes viewed as hypnotizing. The camera work
was flawless, the lighting reflected ideas of desperation and isolation, and overall
this movie is well regarded for its fusion of location, casting, storytelling, and
cinementography that underbuilt the protagagonists’ issues.
Pretty Woman (1990)
This movie reflects the romance genre by presenting a classic Cinderella-like fairytale
narrative with a focus on an unlikely love story between 2 people from different social
classes. It features a personal transformation for Vivian, learning about higher society,
emphasizes physical attraction between the 2 leads, and utilizes typical tropes like
grand gestures, luxurious settings, and a captivating soundtrack to heighten the
romantic elements. This movie also results in a happy ending, to show that love can be
worked out, since the couple overcomes societal obstacles to be together. This movie
is directed by Garry Marshall and is widely praised as charming and lighthearted,
despite criticism for its romanticized portrayal of prostitution. This film originally was
set to undergo a dark, grimmer tone but ended up becoming a “feel-good romance.”
Julia Roberts’ role in this movie is known as her breakout role, winning Golden Globe
Award for Best Actress and Kids’ Choice Award for Favorite Movie Actress, while the
actual movie won the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Comedic Movie in 1991. Overall
this movie was an insane success, only being made with a budget of $14 million and
grossed an astonishing $463 million worldwide.
The Notebook (2004)
This movie protrays a true love story, capturing the deep emotions that come with it,
making it (in my opinion) the perfect portrayal of the romance genre. This story shows
the real parts of any love story, not just the romance but the hardships. It also creates
the idea that love is closely related to memories and raises the question of: is love still
there if the memories are gone? The memories that Noah and Allie created made their
relationship strong and beautiful to watch. Their relationship is hindered by social class
differences, family disapproval, and external circumstances like war, which creates
conflict and tension. The ability of Noah and Allie to overcome these obstacles depicts
their love as passionate, pure, and destined, reflecting the romantic genre. This movie
is directed by Nick Cassavetes and is based on the book by Nicholas Sparks and won 9
Teen Choice Awards and an MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Kiss. This movie is one of
the most well-known romance movies to this day due to its powerful performances by
the leads and happy, yet tragic ending.
 La La Land (2016)
This movie reflects the romance genre by showcasing a visually stunning, almost
dreamlike portrayal, of Sebastian and Mia falling in love, capturing the initial excitement
and passion of a new relationship. However, this movie also emphasizes the challenges
and conflict that the relationship endures as their individual careers progress, forcing
them to choose between love and their ambitions, a common theme in romance
narratives. However, unlike most endings in the romance genres, this ending is
unconventional, with the couple parting ways, highlighting the reality that love
sometimes isn’t enough to overcome life’s obstacles. This movie is directed by Damien
Chazelle and won many Academy Awards including Best Director, Best Production
Design, and Best Cinematography, as well as many Golden Globes including Best Motion
Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress, as well as several other awards. This film is best
known for the chemistry between the characters, unforgettable musical numbers, and
the very relatable idea that love is confusing and one can find love in their own life,
pursuing their own aspirations.
 Romance
Tropes
Love at first sight Forbidden love
Characters fall in love immediatly upon Characters are unable to be together due
meeting eachother (meet-cute) to societal, cultural, or personal barriers
Opposites attract Love triangle
Characters from different A romantic relationship involving 3
backgrounds/contrasting personalities characters, with 1 having to choose
fall in love despite their differences between 2 potential partners

Second chance romance Happily ever after

Characters who were previously in a The story ends with the characters
relationship are given a chance to getting together and living happily ever
rekindle their love after.
 Romance film tropes share core narrative structures but differ in execution. Love at first
sight features idealistic lovers drawn together by fate, with a dramatic inciting incident
(meet-cute) and heightened climax, often leading to a happily ever after. Opposites
attract centers on clashing personalities, using sharp dialogue and contrasting “mise-en-
scène,” with an initial setup of tension that softens into mutual understanding by the climax.
Second chance romance revolves around former lovers with unresolved issues, often
using flashbacks and emotional monolugues that build toward reconciliation. Forbidden
love introduces external conflict as the inciting incident which leads towards a climatic
choice between love and duty. Love triangles thrive on tension, with shifting loyalties and
emotional stakes that combine in a decisive moment of commitment. Happily ever after ties
many of these tropes together, often using stunning cinematography and romantic scores to
emphasize the resolution. Despite these differences, each trope creates emotional highs and
lows through inciting incidents, climaxes, and character archetypes that develop romantic
tension, engaging the audiences.
 DirectorsCredited

Garry Marshall
Richard Linklater
An American director, has innovated the genre with his An American director and producer, revitalized romantic
“Before” trilogy: Before Sunrise (1995), Before Sunset (2004), comedies with his films like Pretty Woman (1990) and
and Before Midnight (2013). These films show a couple’s Runaway Bride (1999), which both also feature Julia Roberts
evolving relationship over 2 decades, employing current- and Richard Gere. Marshall’s ability to blend humor with
time dialogue and character-driven narratives. Linklater’s heartfelt moments, along with creating charismatic on-
focus on authentic conversations and passage of time screen pairings, has made his work extremely popular. His
depicts a realistic portrayal of love’s progression, engaging films often feature strong character development and
audiences with its relatability and depth fairy-tale elements, offering escapism while addressing
real-life themes.

Rob Reiner Pedro Almodovar

Also an American director, contributed to the genre with A Spanish filmmaker, is known for his passionate and
When Harry Met Sally... (1989), a film that explores the vibrant storytelling. His films often dive into complex
complexities of platonic and romantic relationships. relationships and forbidden love, blending melodrama with
Known for its sharp dialogue and memorable scenes, his dark humor. His bold use of color, intricate plots, and
direction is a witty and insightful look into modern love, strong, multi-faced characters expanded the emotional
influencing future romantic comedies with its blend of and aesthetic boundaries of the romance genre.
humor and sincerity.
 Directors Credited

These filmmakers have enriched the romance genre by

introducing diverse narratives, complex characters, and
innovative storytelling techniques, making romantic films
more engaging and reflective of varied human experiences.
 The romance genre is evolving, with upcoming films in 2025 and 2026 set to push its boundaries through
diverse narratives and innovative storytelling. One notable trend is the adaption of classic literature with
fresh perspectives. Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights, scheduled for release on Febuary 14, 2026,
stars Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie as Heathcliff and Catherine. This rendition aims to offer a
different take on the gothic masterpiece, potentially redefining its themes for modern audiences.

Romance
Future of Additionally, the resurgence of rom coms is evident with films like Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy,
scheduled for 2025. This sequel continues the character’s journey, reflecting modern romantic
challenges and societal changes. Furthermore, there’s a noticeable shift towards more anti-Valentine’s
Day themes, with films such as Love Hurts, Heart Eyes, and Companion, which offers alternative
narratives that contrast with the traditional romantic tropes. This trend shows a diversification in the
genre, catering to more various audience preferences. These upcoming films suggest a dynamic future
for the romance genre, characterized by innovative adaptations and a broader spectrum of romantic
plots.
No Film School- romance genre in film
Films Fatale- evolution of romance
Salem Press- Casablanca
JCA- Woman in the Dunes
Project Management- Pretty Woman
Medium- The Notebook
Movie Web- La La Land
Movie Web- Romance Directors
Word Press- Romcoms
Vulture- Heathcliff
Cosmopolitan- 2025 Romance
The Guardian- Bad Romance

Bibliography