Movie Review: Bridget Jones Diary, 2001

Ah, Bridget Jones's Diary — the rom-com that gave us one of the most relatable and lovable heroines in cinematic history! Based on Helen Fielding’s bestselling novel, this 2001 classic delivered humor, romance, and enough awkward moments to make us all feel a little better about our own lives. Whether you’re watching it for the first time or revisiting it for the hundredth (no judgment — I’m right there with you), this film remains an absolute gem. But does it still hold up in today’s world of online dating and Instagram-perfect relationships? Let’s dive in!

The story follows Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger), a 32-year-old single woman in London who is determined to turn her life around. Her New Year’s resolutions? Lose weight, quit smoking, stop embarrassing herself in public (spoiler: she fails miserably at that last one), and most importantly—find Mr. Right. Her diary becomes her confessional, where she records everything from calorie counts to cringe-worthy romantic encounters. Enter the two men who shake up her life: Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), her devilishly charming, womanizing boss who oozes confidence and bad-boy appeal, and Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), the seemingly uptight, socially awkward barrister with a heart of gold. Their first interaction is disastrous (he calls her a “verbally incontinent spinster” at a holiday party — ouch!), but as the film progresses, it turns out he’s the real Mr. Right.

The film’s plot is a classic enemies-to-lovers story, sprinkled with misunderstandings, hilarious mishaps, and some of the best rom-com moments ever. Yet, beyond the romance, Bridget Jones’s Diary explores themes of self-love, acceptance, and embracing life’s imperfections. Bridget starts off feeling insecure about her weight, her job, and her love life, but by the end, she realizes she doesn’t need to be a size zero or have the perfect man to be happy. (Though, let’s be honest, having Colin Firth show up at your doorstep in the snow definitely helps!) The film also cleverly satirizes the pressures put on women in their 30s—especially in an era when being single past 30 was treated like a personal failure. Thankfully, times have somewhat changed since then.

The characters are a delightful mix of quirky, charming, and downright hilarious. Zellweger nailed this role, proving all the critics wrong (yes, Brits were sceptical about an American playing a British icon). Her ability to balance Bridget’s awkwardness with her lovable charm is what makes this character so iconic. Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver is the smooth-talking bad boy who is fun in the moment but ultimately a disaster—one of Grant’s best roles, hands down. And Colin Firth as Mark Darcy? He once again plays a Mr.Darcy (after his legendary Pride & Prejudice role), and honestly, no complaints. Bridget’s friends—Shazza, Jude, and Tom—are the supportive, wine-drinking, brutally honest squad we all need, while Bridget’s parents (played by Gemma Jones and Jim Broadbent) add some great comedic moments with their midlife crisis and infomercial-presenter affair.

Of course, Bridget Jones’s Diary wouldn’t be the same without its iconic scenes. From the bunny costume disaster (when Bridget realizes it’s not a costume party) to the epic fight scene between Mark and Daniel (a clumsy, totally non-Hollywood brawl in the streets of London), the film delivers unforgettable moments. And let’s not forget the heart-melting line: “I like you just as you are.” Mark’s simple yet heartfelt confession remains one of the best romantic lines ever. Then, of course, there’s Bridget running through the snow in her underwear, because nothing says “true love” like chasing after your man in the middle of winter, wearing only a cardigan and leopard-print underwear.

Fun fact: the film includes some unexpected cameos. Salman Rushdie makes a random appearance as himself at a book launch event, Jeffrey Archer pops up briefly, and Honor Blackman (aka Pussy Galore from Goldfinger) has a minor but memorable role. These little nuggets add to the film’s quirky charm.

When it was released, Bridget Jones's Diary was a massive hit. Critics praised Zellweger's performance, and the film became an instant rom-com classic. However, some criticized its obsession with Bridget's weight (seriously, calling 136 pounds overweight?!), something that feels a bit outdated today. Still, the film resonates because of its humour, heart, and relatable chaos. Bridget is one of the most human rom-com protagonists—she’s clumsy, awkward, and full of flaws, but that’s exactly why we love her.

If you loved Bridget Jones's Diary, the good news is that her story didn’t end there! The film sparked two sequels: Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004), a more chaotic follow-up where Bridget struggles to keep her relationship with Mark Darcy afloat, and Bridget Jones's Baby (2016), where Bridget, now 43, is pregnant—but doesn’t know if the father is Mark or a charming newcomer played by Patrick Dempsey.

Despite being over two decades old, Bridget Jones's Diary still holds up as one of the funniest, most relatable rom-coms ever made. Sure, some things are a little outdated (cough weight obsession cough), but at its heart, it’s a movie about loving yourself and finding love when you least expect it. So, whether you’re single, taken, or in a situationship, this film is always a good idea for a cosy night in.

What’s your favorite Bridget moment? Are you Team Mark or Team Daniel? Which scene makes you laugh the hardest? Drop your thoughts in the comments! Let’s talk Bridget!