A cheerfully frothy romantic comedy that benefits from sharp writing, lively performances and touching characterisation.
Bridget Jones' Diary (2001)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:150
Fresh:120
Rotten:30
Average Rating:6.8/10
Consensus: Though there was controversy over the choice of casting, Zellweger's Bridget Jones is a sympathetic, likable, funny character, giving this romantic comedy a lot of charm.
Runtime: 1 hr 38 mins
Genre: Comedies
Synopsis: In the screen adaptation of BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY, Helen Fielding's international best-selling phenomenon, documentary filmmaker (and real-life inspiration for the character Shazzer) Sharon Maguire... In the screen adaptation of BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY, Helen Fielding's international best-selling phenomenon, documentary filmmaker (and real-life inspiration for the character Shazzer) Sharon Maguire has managed a rare feat--a film as captivating as the novel. Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) is a pretty and neurotic thirtysomething "singleton" (in her vernacular) who vows to take control of her life after being humiliated by handsome, standoffish barrister, Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) at her parents' New Year's party. Determined to lose weight, and cut back on vices like wine, cigarettes, and workaholic-alcoholic-misogynistic men, Bridget begins a diary to chart her progress. Unfortunately, the P.R. executive hits a snag when her boss, gorgeous cad Daniel (Hugh Grant) instigates a sexy e-mail flirtation. Despite her tendency to bungle book launch parties, and any situation involving the ever-present, ever-disapproving Mark Darcy, Bridget's winning combination of charm, vulnerability, and wit intrigues not only the seductively dangerous Daniel, but also the arrogant barrister. Featuring a note-perfect performance by Zellweger, a devilishly against-type one by Grant, and the inspired casting of Firth (the object of Bridget's lusty fantasies in the book); DIARY is a clever, delightful romantic comedy guaranteed to please old fans and win new ones. [More]
Starring: Renée Zellweger, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Jim Broadbent
Starring: Renée Zellweger, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Jim Broadbent, Embeth Davidtz, Sally Phillips, Shirley Henderson, James Callis, Celia Imrie
Director: Sharon Maguire
Director: Sharon Maguire
Studio: Miramax Films
Reviews for Bridget Jones' Diary
The filmmakers are uncritically in love with their heroine and her milieux and have romanticised them to an almost laughable degree.
This ultra-hyped adaptation of the ultra-successful Helen Fielding novel sends you out with a smile on your face.
Thoroughly enjoyable romantic comedy -- smart, saucy, brilliantly-cast, superbly acted and laugh-out loud funny with pleasing regularity.
There are astute observations along the way, more than enough big laughs and, in Zellweger's capable hands, a terrific look at a singleton on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
This is a strong debut from former documentary-maker Sharon Maguire, who directs with chutzpah and style.
The film plays as efficient romantic comedy -- smarter than most, because of the absence of dumb sitcom conventions and the colourful character of Bridget.
Funny, engaging and winning in its self-deprecating modesty, albeit in a big-budget sort of way.
It's Hugh Grant, cleverly cast against type as a scheming love rat, who steals the laurels.
Just seconds into Sharon Maguire's adaptation of Helen Fielding's beloved novel, it's hard to imagine that there was such controversy surrounding the casting of Renee Zellweger.
Provides a few laughs but failed to make me care on which loves-me, loves-me-not petal this film ends.
As a film, however, item misses its mark, failing to capitalize on the staccato rhythms and sardonic wit of Bridget's inner life.
It's so aggressive you don't even have to like it; the movie likes itself well enough for the both of you.
Renee Zellweger, a born Texan, not only nails the most beloved woman of modern British fiction but embodies and owns her.
Ms. Zellweger makes the most of what she's given and manages to triumph time and again over her pratfalls and public rump displays. In a word, she's terrific.
With great energy, style and humor, Maguire takes us into Bridget's tumultuous journey out of spinsterhood and into the tumultuous world of dating.
Americans...will find Zellweger's newly acquired English accent believable enough to enjoy her comic performance.
Si las mujeres son de Venus, Bridget nos hace pensar en que deberíamos tener visado ilimitado para entrar en tierras venusinas con tal de hallar a alguien como ella.
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This Week's Ketchup includes the requisite toy movie, but thankfully there are no remakes (although there is one movie based on an old TV show and two different movies based on... More...
July 15, 2009:
Bridget Jones 3 in Development ![]()
Good news, aging singletons: Working Title has announced plans to develop a third "Bridget Jones" film, with Renee Zellweger attached to return to the title role. More...
May 19, 2009:
Cannes 2009: Bridget Jones Becomes a Musical
Bridget Jones's Diary is set to be a musical according to Variety.
Working Title are producing the show, and will be hoping to replicate the success of the live-action Billy... More...
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