Rich in accurate historical detail, this movie is pure romance.

What is it about time-travel romances that is so appealing? For me, it has something to do with the notion that a part of us (our souls, perhaps) really does travel through time and space over the ages, meeting up with different versions of the same beings we’ve been with before. Perhaps we’ve been reborn as our own great-grandchildren. Now there’s a thought, eh? My e-letter editor Judie tells me that for her, the appeal of time-traveling romance has to do with going back to a simpler time when the pace of life was much slower. Instead of being distracted by the trappings of our so-called advanced society, the characters focus on loving relationships and are more present for them. I think it’s human nature to long for “the good old days,” even if they really never existed. Who knows?

I, for one, love the idea of traveling back in time to repair something that has already happened in the future, an often used device in many movies that I find really appealing. One of my all time favorites along these lines is Kate & Leopold, a “wrinkle in time” story that connects 19th century New York City with modern times. It introduces a dashing gentleman from the past, played by Hugh Jackman, to the overwrought, overworked, strung-out Meg Ryan in the present.

Their romance is funny and touching. And Meg Ryan’s character is as fresh and appealing as when she was in Sleepless in Seattle. I am a huge Hugh Jackman fan, but who could resist Huge Jackman uttering “fresh creamery butter” in that dreamy British accent? Or heroically galloping through Central Park on horseback to save the day while dressed in his attire from another age?

Rich in accurate historical detail about the building of the Brooklyn Bridge, this movie is pure romance. And pure fun. Time for me to re-watch it. You too!