Long lost lovers, destiny and everlasting passion are three things that characterize Hollywood romance, or at least used to. Traditional Hollywood romance has slowly come to an end in present-day movies. The romance has changed from long lasting devotion to quick hook ups. Many current films illustrate this new found idea of “love” while the older ones depict the traditional standard.

Old films and films set in the past stick to traditional romance. Movies like Gone With The Wind show the purest form of love. They include old fashion chivalry and all the elements of head over heels love. The characters are faithful to those they love, unlike something we see often in current movies.

“Back in the day it used to be sincere but now its more focused on lust and isn’t genuine,” senior Zeni Saife-Selassie said.

Present-day culture has transformed but it has not changed the way we like to view the past. Even though The Notebook was produced in 2004, it was set in the 1940’s.

They portray the character’s love as everlasting and able to withstand the test of time. If this movie was set in present time, the story would have played out in a different manner, the movie would have focused more on the physical side of the relationship, not emotional.

“I think there are still romantic relationships but the movies have been showing a lot more of just the physical relationships,” freshman Katie McCann said.

The love shown in The Notebook is also present in old animation movies. Lady and The Tramp depicted the idea that love will always conquer and nothing can keep destined lovers apart. However, in current movies, the leading ladies have now turned into the tramps.

“In the past it was more genuine, but the movies now are much cornier and lame,” senior Nick Vu said.

Presently, movies portray a nonchalant outlook on love. Characters often look for physical relationships as opposed to the sentimental ones that are now the old Hollywood norm.

In No Strings Attached, we see two characters only interested in the physical side of love. Movie goers now like to see the standard friends with benefits scenario rather than the old heart melting saga.
The characters in No Strings Attached rejected all actions that could symbolize love. They refused to cuddle, have breakfast together or talk about any sort of romantic feelings. These characters despised all things that made old romance movies so popular to the general public.

No Strings Attached however, was a very popular movie. This shows just how much the mindsets of movie watchers has changed.

“I feel like movies have changed the way people feel about how a relationship between a couple should be,” sophomore Kurtis Neal said.

The upcoming movie entitled Friends With Benefits embodies the very essence of this mindset. The movie is all about two friends, played by Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis, that are only interested in a physical relationship with no plans to ever get attached emotionally.

It is undeniable that these movies are entertaining, but some find themselves wishing for a heart warming classic portrayal of love.