In the 1970s and 1980s, romantic dramas began to take on a more realistic tone, reflecting the changing social and cultural landscape. Films like "The English Patient" (1970), "An Officer and a Gentleman" (1982), and "Dirty Dancing" (1987) tackled more mature themes, such as infidelity, social class, and personal empowerment. This shift towards more realistic storytelling paved the way for the modern romantic dramas we see today.