Romantic Drama

A type of drama that centers its narrative action on a romantic conflict. By nature, the prototypical romantic drama tends to be a solemn and straightforward character study of a couple struggling to unite or stay united, frequently ending with tragic or downbeat circumstances. In most romantic dramas, obstacles blocking this coupling usually fall into one of several categories. As with many classic literary counterparts, social obstacles such as class, illness, cultural, economic or racial differences have always been cinema's favorite romantic crimp. Lovers helplessly caught in these circumstances are viewed as trapped by fate and must find a way to overcome great odds. Examples include Jungle Fever, The Piano and The English Patient. Romantic threats in the form of another lover is also a tried-and-true formula, with the "romantic triangle" plot acting as the prime example. In these scenarios, one or both parts of the couple either find or are threatened by philandering or another love interest. Casablanca, Jules and Jim and The Age of Innocence are specific instances of this dilemma. Finally, psychological restraints usually offer more complex, complicated and modern variations on this movie type, wherein internal mental conflicts within the protagonists (rather than outside barriers) keep them from falling in love. Repression, confusion, past turmoil, and/or abuse are all factors in these types of examinations and can be seen in such models as Two English Girls, Un Coeur en Hiver and sex, lies, and videotape.

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