Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)

Bridget Jones is determined to improve herself while she looks for love in a year in which she keeps a personal diary.

Jess’ Review

When Sam said that he hadn’t seen Bridget Jones’ Diary, even as a man in his late-twenties, I was quite frankly mortified and immediately set out to remedy it. It’s a classic. And one of very few rom-coms that I actively enjoy. Perhaps this is on account that our titular character, Bridget (Renee Zellweger), is so incredibly, and often embarrassingly, relatable. I’ve lip-synced ballads into my hairbrush, proudly adorned a pair of spanx knickers and of course, endured the arduous pressures of singleton life - who hasn’t? And this is why the film is so universally cherished. Elements of it are just too damn real.

The film reads as haplessly-single Bridget Jones’ diary entries, as she finds herself pursued by two romantic suitors. Zellweger is fantastic in the role, breathing life into a truly iconic character. Bridget is immediately likeable despite her flaws, portrayed with such clumsy sincerity that it’s easy to completely invest in her various escapades. It’s cringeworthy at times, but even after 19 years, the film is hilarious. Supported by the dashing love rivals of Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) and Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) as well as an extended cast list including Jim Broadbent - the film is bursting with memorable characters. It’s well-cast, well-acted and the various subplots are balanced perfectly to provide further depth to our heroine’s world.

Now, there are cheesy moments - this is a romance after all. But I can forgive them. We want a happy ending, and can seemingly turn a blind eye to any overly-convenient writing to achieve this goal. There are plot holes, and some character motivations seem loose, but the comedy distracts us away from any issues with the film’s realism. It’s a perfect mixture of authentic characters in eccentric situations, that still, after multiple viewings, has me cracking up.

I realise I don’t have much to stay about Bridget Jones Diary in the way of critique. It just feels wrong - almost like I’m trying to dissect a part of my formulative years. The film resonated with me as a dorky, awkward teenager - I saw parts of myself in Bridget, and so it gave me hope of achieving some glorious romance in the future. Perhaps that’s a little sad of me to admit, especially on account that I now consider both of Bridget’s options to be trash despite their pretty faces. But seeing a film about a ‘normal’ woman with genuine flaws and a fear of spinsterhood, then go on to achieve great things, sent a message. A message that resonates stronger in Helen Fielding’s novel, but still stands to inspire, delight and make an insecure teenager think ‘hey, it’s not over for me yet.’

7.5/10

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Sam’s Review

So, this has gone on for a lot longer than anticipated. And I’m not a keen reviewer on the best of days. We’re scrolling through multiple streaming services, desperately attempting to find anything that remotely piques our combined interest. Nothing. Then Bridget Jones’s Diary pops up and Jess laughs with delight. It’s a romantic comedy...?! Horrors is her favoured genre, and she has a healthy disdain for the more romantic leaning films. “Can we watch it?” she asks. It holds little interest to me, but I decide to pick my battles. Why say no to this harmless film, when I can save it for Gorefest 3: Return of the Killer Crocodiles?

Popcorn at the ready, we settle in. There’s casual racism, sexism and sexual harassment all in the first scene. It’s brushed past in a lighthearted way, that does just about show that it’s behaviour that isn’t approved of. It’s clever in a way, revealing the surroundings that Bridget (Renee Zellweger) finds herself in.

I dislike the premise that Bridget’s life is falling apart as she is 32 year old spinster, being picked at by friends and family alike. Though I’m saying this as a guy in his late 20’s who recently celebrated four years with his partner. So maybe the struggles of singledom are but a scant memory. Many people enjoy being single, and adding to the stigma that ‘failing’ to be in a relationship is a problem seems in itself problematic.

That said, they encapsulate the single life stunningly. The group of close friends, who become a bizarre blend of over protective parents and awful-advice-giving relationship gurus, the painstaking effort taken to get ready, and most importantly, the nights in singing to yourself. Not always with despair, I hastened to add.

The plot is predictable. Incredibly predictable. But it captures a rather awkward feel good vibe that makes the film appealing. It’s an easy watch, though certain moments may have you cringing slightly.

Zellweger is fantastic as the title character. She manages to be endearingly clumsy, sympathetic and most of all likeable. And her arc is relatable and applaudable, as there seems to be genuine growth in the character. Darcy (played by Colin Firth) could have been fleshed out a little more, as I fail to see his appeal. He just comes across rude and abrupt. With such a talented actor in Firth, I feel as if the character could have been a bit more human.

Overall, it’s a charmingly awkward film. And at just over an hour and a half, it’s an easy, slightly cheeky, slightly awkward watch.

6.5/10