Themes of the Movie Bride Wars

Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway Battle for the Best Wedding

Apr 27, 2009

Bride Wars is more substantial than the typical chick flick and even more satisfying are the unique themes and humor woven into the film.

Bride Wars (2009) is a fun-going movie that shows two best friends, Liv (Kate Hudson) and Emma (Anne Hathaway) prior to their engagements and during as they plan each others weddings with enthusiasm. When they are informed of a scheduling error for their weddings, the best friends turn to enemies in a laugh-out-loud battle for their ideal wedding location.

Nothing Too Unexpected in Bride Wars, But Not Your Typical Chick Flick

Although this chick flick had nothing overly shocking plot wise, it did surpass audience expectations by not giving viewers what they wanted and expected romance-wise. While the form of the movie was a traditional romantic comedy with its lighthearted feel, the narrative had well-developed, complex characters that evolved and developed as the movie progressed.

Externalizing Emotions Versus Internalizing Emotions

Themes of externalizing emotions and thoughts versus internalizing them were very prevalent throughout the movie between the highly contrasted best friends Liv, a direct and slightly obnoxious lawyer, and Emma, a quiet and reflective artist. The relationship between Liv and her boyfriend is more vocalized and externalized, often seeming more controversial throughout the film, while the relationship between Emma and her boyfriend is more romantic, quiet, and internalized, although true conflicts are often repressed.

Audience Expectations Against Healthier Relationship

As the tension builds when the best friends turn to enemies, the audience fights for the underdog and less-aggressive Emma who works hard and tries to please everybody instead of the frank and selfish Liv. Most people are yearning for the artsy, more organic relationship between Emma and her fiancé to work out, but it ultimately fails because of failure to communication and Emma’s inability to care for herself.

Liv’s overachieving and dominant personality succeeds because she has fully developed herself prior to committing to her fiancé. Aside from a strong theme, Emma has developed into a more complete character by the end of the film, able to stand up for herself and her wishes, and Liv has also changed, showing more compassion for her friend and fiancé.

Overall, Bride Wars is a great movie to pick up with a group of girls and even easy-going guys. It's definitely got the chick flick vibe, but the humor is entertaining enough to overpower the mushy parts. The movie is a well-thought-out story with depth and twists that satisfy not only the chick flick kick but the funny bone and wit as well.