User reviews

Speaking as one familiar with "Pride and Prejudice"--the book and the 1995 miniseries upon which this work is loosely based--I like this spunky little movie exceedingly well, just as it is. Do not be put off by superficial comparisons to "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and "Notting Hill," both shallow and pretentious movies memorable only for one fine eulogy and some physically beautiful protagonists. "Bridget Jones's Diary" is more.

Bridget Jones is, as its soundtrack suggests, "Everywoman." Every woman who has ever fumbled for words, fallen on her face, been embarrassed by her mother, chosen her underwear carefully, picked a cad for a boyfriend--whether she's a thirty-something singleton or a sixty-something grandma--can identify with Bridget on some level. You can't help pulling for her. Cheering her on is cheering yourself on.

But this chick-flick is not hardcore; it has a broad sense of humor. Male viewers have been caught in the act--smirking. There is even a fistfight to warm insensitive martial hearts. A couple of famous people make appearances here, too--one with a million-dollar price on his head--Salman Rushdie, who plays himself in a wryly irreverent little sequence.

It's easy to miss the movie's charm on the first screening--some very good lines are swallowed at the ends; the gratuitous profanity, casual sex, prodigious smoking and drinking are turn-offs; the heroine is an awkward, fleshy woman with reprehensible fashion taste, and one may easily posit that she ended up with an unsuitable and unlikely mate.

But I contend, after a second viewing, that this movie is a little gem. There is a wonderful economy in the editing; every scene, every action tends toward only one possible conclusion, a PERFECT conclusion. And the childhood clips in the ending credits give credence to that conclusion and provide support for it--which is that the hero and heroine are made for each other.

I rate it a solid 9 (with a 10 for the BBC/1995 "Pride and Prejudice").

* * * * S P O I L E R S A H E A D * * * *

At first glance, Miss Jones seems stupid and inept and the last woman in the world one would pick for the intelligent and successful Mr. Darcy. But consider this: Darcy already had "a clever wife" before--bliss must needs be sought elsewhere. Besides, Bridget, though somewhat gauche, is not unintelligent, as evidenced by her voiceovers and some of her sallies. But most of all this: Each has something the other needs--he is steady and reliable, she possesses liveliness and warmth. Notice the wistful look on Darcy's face as he watches Bridget and Cleaver cavorting on the river. He WANTS some nonsense and indecorum in his life--needs them; she would be his savior. Imagine Darcy's life if he had settled on the competent but priggish Natasha--both parties would have stagnated. Imagine if Bridget had surrendered to the charms of a Daniel Cleaver--fun for the nonce, but misery for the long haul.

No, this ending is perfect in every way, down to the last delightful epithet uttered by an aroused Darcy. And oh yes, the kiss--very promising indeed; at once tender and ardent, it leaves one with the distinct impression that Darcy will be something more than "helpful in the kitchen."

Not a chick flick but something we can all relate to. In fact the Tiffany necklace worn by Renee I bought in 2001 for my girlfriend who is now my wife so maybe a little to personal but if I can find love from a movie I'll urge all others to watch for some inspiration

I haven't read the books; and neither am I a big fan of rom-coms and other "girly-flics". So I approached this movie with some supreme caution, reluctance and even dread.

However, some 90 odd minutes later, I have to say what a joy it was!

Lonely Girl (Bridget): identity crisis, getting old before her time, a dreamer, but scared of getting left behind as a cranky old spinster.

Total Cad of the Highest Order (Cleaver, Bridget's boss): womaniser, lier, betrayer of naive women's hearts; handsome, a weaver of words and irresistible to Bridget.

Boorish Barrister (Darcy): lives in a suffocating world of vacuous, society, people, boring jobs, boring lives; and shackled to the most hideous wife-to-be imaginable.

All three are inextricably linked, yet who will Bridget ultimately find true love with?

Yes, this kind of story has been done to death, Yes, it had a very predictable storyline, Yes, it was dreadfully clichéd, Yes, it stretches realism hugely, Yes, it yet again gave a rather stilted & blinkered view of jolly old upper-middle class England, Yes, it had a very telegraphed ending.

But you know what? I couldn't care a jot!

For it was pure, simple entertainment: I cared not about any of the above; I cared not how the film didn't live up to the expectations of the book; and I really cared not whether a "plump" Bridget Jones could really hit it off with a two very handsome men!

Just take the film at face value and leave the cynicism on the doorstep.

My wife loved it, and I was very entertained by it, especially with its light humour & slapstick; and of course the rather feel-good ending.

For a person who prefers far more weightier genres & more thought-provoking scripts, I didn't think I would ever enjoy a rom-com. But on this occasion, I am happy to admit I was totally wrong! Bridget Jones, is a total delight.

****/*****

A truly funny romantic comedy that's a personal favorite of mine. The characters are well cast and serve the chemistry. Zellweger is delightfully dense and charming. Firth is striking and handsome. Grant is devilish. A fun watch and enjoyable hot mess.

This movie is about a single woman's journey to find herself as well as Mr. Right. It's a sweet, poignant movie with warmth, humor and depth and very well done.

This movie also made me a Renee Zellwegger fan. I saw it on the big screen and got into it wholeheartedly from the beginning. This movie combines a witty script, featuring classic comedy with great acting. Renee is perfect for the lead role, as she was utterly charming and whimsical in this.

Actually Hugh Grant was pretty good as well, It's difficult for me to think any female wouldn't love this(of coarse everyone has the right to their own opinion). I found Bridget to be a very realistic character as well as the characters of many around her. The attitudes that were shown toward Bridget as a single girl are indeed very realistic even in today's times.

I'd say this was one of the best movies of 2001 and a movie I'd wholeheartedly suggest seeing, to anyone who may not have seen it as of yet.It's warm, witty and fun. I don't think a part two was at all necessary though.

This film is perhaps one of the most iconic romantic comedies of the last thirty years. It's very fun, engaging, and the main character, with her blunders and confusions, ends up deserving our sympathy, a factor that makes us wish that everything ends well for her. Of course, with the film being a light and humorous comedy, the happy ending is almost a certainty.

Directed by Sharon Maguire, the film is based on a book that is indirectly inspired by the novel "Pride and Prejudice", by Jane Austen. The story revolves around Bridget Jones, a thirty-year-old women who are still single and decides, on New Year's Eve, to quit smoking, lose weight and find a boyfriend. Of course, her talent for arranging troubles and minor disasters promises to greatly derail those plans, but she quickly finds herself torn between two very different men: Mark Darcy, Jones' mother's favorite, a wealthy family lawyer recently divorced and, on the other hand, her own boss, Daniel Clever, a womanizing, hedonistic and self-centered editor.

For me, the best thing about this film is the perceptible feeling that it seeks to please a wider audience, and be included in the list of family films, rather than being a film focused on women and aimed at female audiences. The film isn't ultra-sentimental, it's not as hyped up or histrionic as some publicity had me think, and the main character isn't as dumb as I thought she would be. That said, yes, it surprised me on the positive side, and it was much better than I imagined it to be. In fact, despite recognizing the film's impact, mainly on popular culture (with several scenes becoming famous even for which, like me, had never seen the film), I just gave it a chance now, because it felt like a movie I wouldn't like to see. Thankfully, I was wrong... even so, the film is not perfect: there is a certain obsession with marriage here that I find reprehensible, as if someone's happiness depended on not being single, or it was not possible to be happy alone.

Renee Zellwegger gets, with this film, one of the defining works of her career as an actress, as it earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress and remained in people's memories. She has really done an excellent job and deserves to be commended for it, and particularly for the way she has mastered the British accent and the native English way of being. If I didn't know the actress, I would say she is one hundred percent English. Colin Firth also shone in her role. Being an actor I'm used to seeing in characters that ask for an additional dose of charm, dignity or chivalry, and having already played Darcy in "Pride and Prejudice", he was a natural choice. I like Hugh Grant, he has his usual charm, but he can't seem to be a capable villain as he doesn't seem nasty enough. Last but not least, the excellent contribution of Gemma Jones and Jim Broadbent (who would receive an Oscar that year for another work).

Technically, this film proudly lives, breathes, speaks and claims to be British. With contained production values, it presents us with an elegant cinematography, full of charm, but without artifice or great visual games, as is the hallmark of good British cinema, where light and color, a reliable camera work and editing and a good choice of filming locations guarantees almost half the visuals. The film bets well on creating a funny, light mood without letting itself relax too much. The costumes are an important part of the film, and the way they help to define characters is something to be aware of (Darcy's tasteful and expensive suits, Bridget's tight skirts, the anthological scene of her disguised as a bunny etc.). The film also has a very effective soundtrack, with several well-known songs that easily stays in our memories.

To all those chubby girls out there with bad people skills, a clumsy sense of humour and absolutely no hope, comes this charming rom-com about the one Bridget Jones who's profile is all of the above, and yet she always manages to stumble into the light at the end of the tunnel after rolling around in dirt before of course.

This movie, even with the hilarious script and the two British men who make every married woman wish they weren't (Grant and Firth), the movie would not have been such a success with Renee Zellweger, who once again proved to be one of the best comedy actresses we have around.

Relieving audience of the usual clichéd romance stories that get thrown in their faces, or the mindless comedies, comes this masterpiece that revives the rom-com genre and has you pulled in from the first scene, being so incredibly relatable and the idea that its never too late for a happy ending even if you haven't met Mr.Right in your teens or your 20's when everything's still pointing up is just another perk

I would recommend everyone to give this movie a go!

Excellent. This is as good as romantic comedies come. It is witty, intelligent and funny. I rarely give such high marks (especially for this type of movies), but this film really deserves it. This film has to be something exceptional as it is one of those increasingly rare occasions on which both I and the critics all seem to be in total agreement (only the Academy is conspicuously absent, as usual)

My compliments for the screenplay. It certainly deserved an Oscar together with Renée Zellweger who's mere Oscar Nomination doesn't do justice to the great performance she made in this movie. Great direction, soundtrack, acting, etc. Congratulations to all involved.

Bridget Jones (Renee Zellweger) is headed to her parents' home for a New Year's gathering. Again, she is going alone, with no boyfriend in tow. Once there, her parents re-introduce her to an old childhood friend, Marc Darcy (Colin Firth), who is divorced and a hot-shot, human rights lawyer. However, Marc insults Bridget, accidentally, and Bridget sees him as a stuffy, boring gentleman, too. So, a romance between the two of them seems mighty improbable. Back at her small apartment, Bridget gets a bit tipsy but makes a New Year's resolution to keep a diary. It will record the doings of a thirty-something, biological clock-ticking lady in London. Soon after, book publicist Bridget receives some overtures from her handsome but lothario-like boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant). Unbelievably, Daniel takes a shine to Bridget and they begin a "thing". Yet, this leave-it-to-Cleaver has wandering eyes and Bridget is about to be on the receiving end of his infidelity. Horrors! On the upswing, Bridget and Mr. Darcy, that is, Marc, meet time and again, by happenstance, and their icy feelings for each other appear to go through a semi-thaw. Is it likely that "our Bridget" will find true love in the early 21st century? This is a wonderful movie and a true antidote to the cares of the world, especially for women everywhere. Most of us, like Bridget, are insecure, a bit overweight, and clumsy at love, among other things. Therefore, it warms the heart to see the underdog succeed. As the main character, Zellweger is nearly flawless, exhibiting high humor, a sunny nature, and self-deprecation in perfect pitch. Then, too, Firth and Grant are likewise terrific as her love interests; in truth, no one could have played these roles better, either. All of the secondary actors, Jim Broadbent, Gemma Jones, Shirley Henderson and the rest, are quite fine, too. As for the setting in London, it is lovely, as are the nice costumes and camera work. Above all, the script, based on Helen Fielding's best-selling book, and the skilled direction are to be greatly admired, for they absolutely capture the essence of the unhappy, aging-by-the minute single woman in her thirties. If you were to keep a diary of your own movie views, dear reader, do make certain you include BJD as an entry. In fact, it is one of those films to watch whenever a spiritual "pick me up" is needed.

BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY, in my opinion, is an absolutely charming romantic comedy that will make you laugh and feel good. If you ask me, Mark (Colin Firth) was more suited to be Bridget's (Renée Zellweger) prince than Daniel (Hugh Grant) was. I said that because Mark was more of a gentleman that Daniel was. Anytime Mark and Bridget kissed, I got all warm and tingly inside. In addition to that, I went, "Aw!" Now, in conclusion, I highly recommend this absolutely charming romantic comedy that will make you laugh and feel good to any Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, or Hugh Grant fan who hasn't seen it. You're in for lots of laughter, so go to the video store, rent it or buy it, kick back with a friend, and watch it.

What is it that makes Bridget Jones's Diary such an addictive film? Perhaps it's the great combination of wit, reflection, self-analysis, drama, romance and sheer hilarious situations. This is the story of Bridget, a very real British woman with many issues, mainly weight and romance related. Greatly portrayed by Renee Zellweger, Bridget is both witty and interesting, making for a purely enjoyable film. I first watched this film when it was released in 2001. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Three years later, I gave it my second viewing, and since then, I must have watched it over 100 times. I honestly can say that this is the ONLY film I can watch everyday if given the opportunity. Although not the best film, and perhaps without much depth (not to say none), Bridget Jones's diary is somehow addictive and absolutely enjoyable. Definitely set to be a classic, this is a film that all people should view at least once, not because it's philosophical or because it makes stunning comments on society, but because it is simply fantastically entertaining.

I have to be honest, though...my husband and I saw this together the first time (in the theaters) and he didn't HATE it but also he didn't "get" the humor. I, on the other hand, was rolling in the aisles. I had to buy this as soon as it hit the video stores. I wasn't sure I was going to like Renee Zellweger as the British lead, but she pulled off her accent reasonably well...and Hugh Grant was excellent as her jerky boss. And then there's Colin Firth! ...also good were Jim Broadbent and Gemma Jones as Bridget's mum and dad. The director kept this movie short and sweet, and the humor works. My guess is that women will like this movie more than men will. I loved it.

Romantic comedies seem to have a hard time in reviews, they don't seem to get the truly high ratings other types of movies get. Perhaps this is because they are slightly predictable and generally wearing a bit thin.

Not so this one. Helen Fielding, who wrote the bestselling novel 'Bridget Jones's Diary' also co-wrote the screenplay and co-produced this film, which was probably a good thing. Instead of standardized, stereotyped U.S. romantic comedy stuff, we get some truly wacky British humour, somewhere between oddball and screwball, but never in bad taste (the elk sweater early on is as bad as it gets ;-) ).

Considering the number of copies Fielding's book has sold, the plot probably needs little comment. Bridget Jones, age 32, tries to find a man for fear that she may die a spinster and be eaten by alsatians.

Great acting from Renée Zellweger, who manages to portray Bridget as clumsy, chaotic, but also as very likeable and believable. Despite the fact that there were many traps for overacting, she managed brilliantly to come across as a person rather than a caricature. Kudos.

Hugh Grant was finally cast in the perfect role. This is so much better than the type of character he usually plays. I don't think he's a great actor or particularly good in this film, but this role was just so perfect.

Colin Firth as the other possible love interest seemed very distanced and strangely cold -- that's okay considering his role, but I felt he should have thawed a bit more towards the end.

Of the remaining cast, Jim Broadbent stood out in a brief, yet remarkable performance as Bridget's father.

All in all, one of the better comedies this year. Usually I'd give it an 8, but this has a serious acting bonus for a great ensemble who seemed to have enjoyed themselves, so I'll give it a 9.

I've read the book more than once, and was a little leery of the film, but those fears were completely unfounded. This movie was truly one of the funniest I've seen in a long time.

I know that some feminists don't like this character, but they just don't seem to get it. I am a woman of a certain age and, while I can't say I know anyone who is exactly like Bridget, I can say that every woman I know has some elements of Bridget in her. Whether or not the anti-Bridget factions like to admit it, women have always obsessed about their weight, or about men, or about their parents, or whatever. What the people who snub their noses at this book/movie fail to see is that Mark Darcy has his own neuroses. This is a man whose mother who shows a dubious taste in Christmas gifts (but he loves her enough to wear them in public), a man whose wife had an affair with his best friend (but is too much of a gentleman to discuss it), a man who wants to have fun but who isn't really sure just how. Hence his attraction to Bridget. But since the story is told from Bridget's point of view, we dwell on her problems, not Mark's. Bridget is Everywoman, and Renee Zellwegger turns in a stellar performance in this role.

Colin Firth, who was a fine Fitzwilliam Darcy in the 1995 version of Pride & Prejudice, is, in my humble opinion, even better as Mark Darcy in this modern twist on the Austen novel. Hugh Grant should stick with playing cads and forget about the stammering leading man he has played once too often. He is wonderful as the Wickham-like character who has no scruples about taking what he wants, regardless of the consequences.

Gemma Jones and Jim Broadbent are terrific as Brigdet's parents. Jones is delightful as the ditzy mother who goes off to "find herself," only to discover that her real happiness lies at home. I would have liked to have seen more of Broadbent, but it was not to be, unfortunately.

From what I gather, the closing credits seen in Europe are different from those seen in North America. While Europeans get to see interviews with Bridget's family and friends, we North Americans get to see home movies of Mark's 8th birthday party. Not surprisingly, Bridget is the life of the party; she stuffs cake into her mouth and strips down before jumping into the paddling pool while Mark sits quietly and watches. I can only hope the DVD has both endings.

I've seen the film twice, and I have to say I managed to laugh even harder the second time. My advice to the naysayers? Lighten up. This movie is FUN.

Bridget Jone's Diary definitely ranks top on the list of romantic comedies I have watched. It is a hilarious adaptation of the "Pride and Prejudice" romance. I can't think of anything I found irksome about the film, just can't find a downside considering the genre it belongs to. This film has introduced me to the charm of Colin Firth and I'm glad about that. Renee Zelwegger did wonders and seemed every bit British. Kudos to Grant too for playing a scoundrel type role, not something he usually essays. Although the movie's basic plot is predictable (this is intentional or else Colin Firth's character wouldn't have been named Darcy) pretty much from the start, the same cannot be said for the film's scene or dialogue. Not surprised that this film has been directed by a woman, Sharon Maguire, because the film captures the nitty-gritty aspects of a woman's life.

Actally really enjoyed this movie, it was extremely well done.. even though have had seen the sequel also. Who would not "goggle" over either Renee, Colin and or Hugh. Renee was lovely, a very talented actress. She will go far, have not seen her in any other films other that the ones that had been shown on TV. If they do decide to make a third sequel could they perhaps continue on with just Bridget and Mark there life together as "smug marrieds" that would be quite good to look forward to. Have read the books both of them, enjoyable, would have liked BJD or the sequel would have stayed with the contents of the book (s).

Okay, weird film for a bloke to love but it is great. I really like Renee Zelwegger a lot and being 30 something myself and at the time this came out single, i can really relate to it. this film has me in stitches all the way through, Hugh Grant is great as a bad guy and I just love Shirley Henderson, her character really makes you want to look after her. Bridget is everyone one of my ex girlfriends and at the same time none of them. Helen Fielding is a very clever writer, i think any Thirty-something person (male or female) that has had a rough or bad relationship can relate to this movie. a definite must own. As Bridget i could easily fall for Renee Zelwegger, she is the "Normal" woman my age that i would love settle down with. I must also add tha Jim Broadbent is great in this film. a true Brit star actor.

Being that I am not the "stick insect" and am more the "Bridget Jones", I have to say ... Yep! I've been there, I've done that ... and even through all my humiliation, I laughed. Thank goodness they made a movie about it! I roared with laughter and felt the tears. But happy endings are possible and not just in the movies. This story is definitely the modernization of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" but is more true to life than the funky "Clueless". Men may not understand all the things women are about, but I bet most will be able to see at least part of Bridget in their girlfriends or wives. Women have long known that their are only two types of men ... the bad boy and the nice boy. The only question is, which do they prefer. I think Bridget has the right idea.

I loved the books this was based on and could not wait to see the film. I now own the dvd. Movies never are as good as the books, but this one stands on its own. The casting was terrific. Bridget's parents are funnier in the movie than in the book. This is one of my top ten favorite movies or I wouldn't own it. Good cure for depression gals.

Get a bottle of wine and some chocolate in.....have the girls over and sing along to the cool soundtrack! Bravo casting in the shape of the delectable Colin Firth and even Hugh Grant acts wonderfully against type as dastardly Cleaver. Better than the book, singletons everywhere can relate to Bridget's struggle to find a genuine guy. Surprisingly well played by Renee Zellwegger who comes off as a less annoyingly neurotic Bridget than in the book. Excellent performances by co-stars - particularly Jim Broadbent as Bridget's Dad and a great sub-plot involving Bridget's Mum and a perma-tanned shopping channel guru called Julian. Great cameos from some great British comedy actors add to make this the perfect video for a great night in! Worth the rental if only to watch the opening "All By Myself" scene and the explosive Darcy/Cleaver confrontation.

Definately one of the funniest film of 2001! keep it up Working Title! American actress Renee Zellwegger's flawless English accent really made the film and will no doubt catapolt her into Hollywood! Truly a great film, enjoyable time and time again!

Caught a preview of Bridget Jones's Diary last night and it was uproariously funny. I thought Renee Zellweger captured Bridget's personality on film. Hugh Grant and Colin Firth deliciously portrayed Daniel Cleaver and Mark Darcy. (I loved the ending credits!) The movie did not stray too far from the book, and I think worked on the silver screen. I hope the film is hit. Helen Fielding rocks!