Bridget Jones Diary (2001)

Editor's Note 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.

	James Callis
	Jim Broadbent
	Sally Phillips
	Renée Zellweger
	Embeth Davidtz
	Hugh Grant
	Colin Firth
	Shirley Henderson
	Celia Imrie
	Helen Fielding - Source Writer
	Richard Curtis - Writer
	Andrew Davies - Writer
	Helen Fielding - Writer
	Sharon Maguire - Director

New York Times
"...Ms. Zellweger accomplishes the small miracle of making Bridget both entirely endearing and utterly real..." 04/13/2001 p.E14

Variety
"...Zellweger breathes full-bodied life into Bridget..." 04/02/2001 p.E17

Rolling Stone
"...BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY delivers frisky fun....Renee Zellweger is irresistible..." 04/26/2001 p.66-7

Total Film
"...The movie succeeds as a very funny rom-com..." -- 4 out of 5 stars 05/01/2001 p.88-9

Los Angeles Times
"...BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY is cheerful, cheeky entertainment, a clever confection..." 04/13/2001 p.1

Entertainment Weekly
"[T]here's still hope for smart romantic comedies and the women who love them." 11/12/2004 p.103-5