Opened: April 13, 2001

Directed by: Sharon Maguire

Starring: Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Jim Broadbent, Gemma Jones, Celia Imrie, James Faulkner, Shirley Henderson, Embeth Davidtz, James Callis, Sally Phillips, Lisa Barbuscia, Donald Douglas, Charmian May, Paul Brooke, Patrick Barlow, Felicity Montagu, Neil Pearson & Dolly Wells

Renee Zellweger’s brilliantly endearing performance as the titular character makes you almost forgive the blatant workplace harassment that plagues the first half of Bridget Jones’s Diary.

When Bridget’s mother (Gemma Jones) introduces her to Mark (Colin Firth), the pair are instantly repulsed by each other.  She begins a romance with her boss Daniel (Hugh Grant) but can’t stop running into Mark – who is Daniel’s ex-best friend.

This Pride & Prejudice-inspired story is a fun watch. Zellweger embraces the imperfections of Bridget, which makes the character practically perfect. Firth’s Darcy is a role he knows and plays well, while Grant’s Daniel is delightfully disgusting.

The way in which the workplace romance starts could not be presented in the same way today but having a female director will make you feel better.

Final say: A diary you’ll read more than once. ★★★★☆