Romantic movies have been around since the 1930s and have been capturing the hearts of viewers with their beautiful stories and powerful messages. Here are 10 lesser-known facts behind the impact and history of romantic movies:
1. The Start of Sound
Romantic movies, and movies in general, saw a major turning point with the introduction of sound. The first talks feature was entitled ‘The Jazz Singer’ and was released in 1927. Previously, silent features were the only option.
2. The Start of Romance Genre
Romantic movies began to take shape during the Golden Age of Hollywood as musicals and romance began to be popularized by the studios. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer was one of the main studios that released romantic movies and even released the 1935 classic ‘Romeo and Juliet’ in the same year as one of their first romantic movies.
3. The Influence of War
The Second World War had a major impact on the growth of the romantic genre and the types of stories featured in them. Many of the stories dealt with themes of separation due to war, re-connection, and romance against all odds. This was an effective way of telling emotional stories that would appeal to both male and female audiences.
4. Foreign Romances
Romantic movies and their stories often inspired audiences around the world. The international retelling of stories with different cultural elements and nuances eventually gained a huge following around the world and enabled the romantic movie genre to expand to other countries.
5. TV & Musical Television Series
By the 1950s and 1960s, television began to become a huge part of American culture. Romantic movies and TV shows began to emerge during this time and became popular with audiences. Musicals also began to gain a big following as viewers would tune in every week to watch their favourite stories.
6. Colour Movies
The advent of colour in movies added a new element for film-makers to incorporate into the romantic genre. Colour movies allowed for filmmakers to make more vibrant stories and create visuals that were more emotionally striking.
7. Non-Hollywood Blockbusters
Romantic movies often come from different countries and cultures. Movies from Korea and India, for example, have become very popular with viewers as they each bring a unique element to the genre.
8. Real-Life Romance Stories
Movies often imitate real-world dramas and romantic movies are no exception. The antics of high-profile celebrity couples, who fans love to follow, have been repeatedly used as plotlines in romances.
9. Modern Technology
As technology has advanced over the years, so have romantic movies. Visual effects, 3D technology, and even virtual reality have been used in recent projects to create beautiful and impactful stories.
10. Social Media Talking Points
Today, romantic movies are one of the most talked-about topics on social media. Fans have their favourite couples, best scenes, and most emotional moments that are shared and discussed around the world.
Romantic movies have been captivating audiences and telling beautiful stories since their beginnings in the 1930s. From the start of sound and colour to the emergence of social media discussing these stories, the history of romantic movies is truly an interesting one to explore.
