Bridget Jones's Diary [2001]

If the plot sounds familiar, that's because Fielding's novel was itself a retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, whose romantic male lead is also named Mr. Darcy. An extra ironic poke in the ribs is added by the casting of Firth, who played Austen's haughty hero in the acclaimed BBC adaptation of Austen's novel. First-time director Sharon Maguire directs with confident comic zest, while Zellweger twinkles charmingly, fearlessly baring her cellulite and pulling off a spot-on English accent. Like Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill (both of which were written by this film's coscreenwriter, Richard Curtis), Bridget Jones's stock-in-trade is a very English self-deprecating sense of humour, a mild suspicion of Americans (especially if they're thin and successful), and a subtly expressed analysis of thirtysomething fears about growing up and becoming a "smug married." The whole is, as Bridget would say, v. good. --Leslie Felperin

Loosely inspired by Pride and Prejudice, but in a way Ms. Austin never intended, what with all the shagging and all, the movie is not exactly like Ms. Fielding's book either. One of things I liked about the book was the little diary notes, which obviously couldn't be brought out the same way in the movie, and quite a few other side stories had to be scrapped as well, including the entire ending. Bridget's friends and family have had their parts drastically cut, to make way for a first class compact comedy, focused almost entirely on Bridget, Daniel (loving the beaver) Cleaver, and Mark Darcy.

Never-the-less, like the book, the movie is a laugh out loud affair, with Renee Zellweger accurately capturing the spirit of the awkward and ditsy Bridget, Hugh Grant being the consummate cad, and Colin Firth (sigh) replaying an updated yet still straitlaced Darcy.

Guest appearances by Salman Rushdie and Jeffrey Archer add a little literary support, and the DVD is loaded with features like deleted scenes, comments from the actors and director, as well as from Helen Fielding.

My suggestion would be to read the book first, then watch the movie.

Amanda Richards


This is one of my favourite films ever, makes me laugh every time I see it   March 9, 2007
Suzysue (London)
5 out of 7 found this review helpful

I read the book by Helen Fielding and thoroughly enjoyed it, luckily much time had passed by the time the film came out which prevented me from making direct comparisons and allowed me to enjoy the film. Whenever my housemate and I feel like watching a film we always plump for Bridget. It makes us laugh every time and we always enjoy it. It isn't an amazing,artistic, enlightening film but it is great fun. Renee Zellweger does a brilliant English accent (many Americans have failed) and makes a very convincing Bridget. If you want a great film for a girls night in I would highly recommend it.


glorious!   February 22, 2005
3 out of 4 found this review helpful

I loved this film, I really did. It captures Bridget exactly from the book and was wonderfully written and acted. Colin firth should have gotten an award for this. Whenever I am unhappy, I turn to Bridget Jones!


Fantastic, hilarious film to watch over and over again!   September 30, 2007
movie nut
1 out of 2 found this review helpful

One of my favourite ever films, that you can watch over and over again. Bridget (Renee Zellweger) is halarious , and the supporting cast are also fantastic.

Bridget at first swoons over the gorgeous, charming, but extremely mischevious Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant). Although she thinks he's perfect, before long he's cheated on her with an 'American stick insect'.

After a lot of hate and arguments she finally falls for Mr. Perfect Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) who is a loving, gentlemen like character that 'likes her just as she is'.

The film is fantasic and will give you plenty of laughs from start to finish whilst also getting to look at the gorgeous Hugh Grant and Colin Firth. A must see film for every girl out there - with of course a fairy tale ending! Ahh