The romantic drama genre has its roots in ancient Greek tragedy, where stories of star-crossed lovers and epic quests for love and acceptance were common. Over the centuries, the genre has evolved and adapted to changing societal norms, cultural values, and technological advancements. In the early days of cinema, romantic dramas were often characterized by their grand, sweeping romances, think Casablanca (1942) or Roman Holiday (1953). These films typically featured dashing heroes, beautiful heroines, and a sense of nostalgia and longing that resonated with post-war audiences.