The final destinations on this magical journey through classic films are the 2010s and 2020s. As we recall some of the best romance movies featured in each decade, it’s impossible to overlook all the unique facets that define popular modern-day films. With bright musicals and bold dramas, it is apparent these two eras have created incredible and ingenious productions.
The 2010s widely represent today’s society with major shifts like the rise of social media, increase in globalization and escalation of pop-music artists. Such big changes played a major role in the continuing advancements in the film industry.
“La La Land,” directed by Damien Chazelle, is the 2016 American romantic musical, starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. Sebastian Wilder (Gosling) and Mia Dolan (Stone) are two opposite individuals who share the same drive to work hard for what they love. With this comes the struggle to balance their blossoming romance and careers, ultimately creating big decisions that neither of them are ready to face. Will their love be enough to survive the challenges that come their way?
With emotional and enjoyable songs, this movie evokes feelings of love, heartbreak and hope with an ending showing the realities of life and complex emotions people face in such a messy world. Although the final scene inspired controversy because of the brutal message it reveals, all can probably agree that the movie was a cinematic masterpiece, moving the audience with every visually-pleasing and unique scene.
Paired with the colorful visuals are powerful and harmonious songs that capture the audience and engage them in this complicated love story. With the famous piano melody “Mia and Sebastian’s Theme” ringing through restaurants and social media videos all over the world, the popularity this movie gained from its soundtrack alone shows the raw emotion that Justin Hurwitz put into it when composing the score. Such heart-wrenching music accompanied by outstanding acting and framework makes for a majestic work of art, bringing tears to the eyes of many who watch it.
The 2020s are a time of startling developments such as the COVID-19 pandemic, rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and major economic changes. Alongside it, pop-culture has almost completely shifted to genreless music, nostalgic fashion trends and with that, new opportunities for the cinematic world.
“Anyone But You” is the 2023 American romantic-comedy film, directed by Will Gluck. It is loosely based on the Shakespearean play, Much Ado About Nothing. Beatrice (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell) had a picture-perfect first date but their romance quickly turns cold. After running into each other at a wedding in Australia, the two decide to pose as a couple in order to impress parents and bring jealousy to Ben’s ex.
This modern-style romance movie received mixed reviews regarding the predictability of the plot and mature content. That being said, the film received a lot of positive feedback. Many loved the acting and its unique charm. Despite the disagreement on some features, the one brilliant aspect of the movie was the powerful chemistry between Sweeney and Powell as they portrayed a beautiful and passionate love story.
No matter the decade, nostalgic movies will never grow old or out of style. Trends may come and go, but heartfelt romantic films are timeless classics that will stay with you forever. Even if it becomes something of the distant past, a movie that you truly fall in love with will never leave you.
