Direction: Sharon McGuire Cast: Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, Patrick Dempsey,
Emma Thompson, Jim Broadbent ; Story/ Screenplay: Helen Fielding, Dan Mazer, Emma Thompson.; Producer Liz Glotzer, Martin Shafer, Will Gluck Cinematography: Andrew Dunn; Music: Vivek Maddala; Editing: Melanie Ann Oliver; Genre: Romantic Comedy; Distributor: Universal Pictures; Location: London, England
Technical assessment: 3.5
Moral assessment: 2
CINEMA rating: V14
Twelve years after we last saw Bridget Jones (Zellweger), we find her once again as we did the first time we met her—single, lonely and determined to be her own woman—with or without a loved one. So after her breakup
with long time boyfriend Mark Darcy (Firth), Bridget, now 43 years old, decides to just focus on her job
as big honcho in the television news industry. For a while, she does take
control until a one night stand with dashing American billionaire Jack Qwant (Dempsey), the exact opposite of Mark. Mark himself suddenly resurfaces into her life, relighting a spark between them. But those fateful consecutive one night stands
with two different men lead to more complications: weeks later, Bridget discovers she's
pregnant. Who is the child’s father?
The Bridget the world fell in love with is still as loveable as an older adult
searching for herself and romance in that effortless quirkiness and endearing
klutziness. The story is old and retold a hundred different ways but Zellweger brings fresh spirits in the development. We might know how
things will turn and eventually end but we root for Bridget nonetheless. What is commendable about the script and
direction is now it cascades real life’s drama with graceful banter and simple
truths. The punchlines are on point and the romance is charming. Firth’s Mark
Darcy is as stiff as ever but his character just grows on you. Thompson outdoes
herself by weaving her eccentricity into her OB-Gyne character. The rest of the
supporting cast help tighten the narrative. Visually, there are no artistic
metaphors or outstanding cinematic techniques but all elements fall into place
to push the story and emotions where they should be.
While the culture where the movie was produced
and primarily shown is permissive about casual sex,
having an affair with different partners consecutively is not acceptable in our
local culture—at least in principle. The greatest problem Bridget Jones' Baby poses is portraying sex as just a physical act like eating or bathing. So locally, the film treads on sensitive moral grounds where sex is sacred and an exclusive
act for people who love each other enough to commit permanently. Now, the movie
depicts another angle about middle age and being single. One, happiness and
completeness can be achieved with or without a partner. Two, that
motherhood is a joy and grace even for older women. But because the film is centered on the casual sex and comedy of not knowing
who the father of your unborn child is, these messages are flooded and lost.
The movie may be seen by older teenagers but parental guidance is advised.
