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The return of Bridget Jones brings both nostalgia and fresh challenges in the latest installment titled Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. In this film, Bridget navigates the emotional turmoil following the death of her husband, Mark Darcy, portrayed by Colin Firth. As she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and romance, Bridget finds herself torn between two potential love interests: the charming younger man, Roxster (Leo Woodall), and her child’s teacher, Scott Walliker (Chiwetel Ejiofor).
While the narrative focuses largely on Bridget’s quest for a renewed sense of purpose, it also serves as a fond tribute to the original film. Here’s a look at ten subtle references that harken back to the beloved earlier chapters of Bridget’s life.
Bridget’s Underwear
In this new film, Daniel Cleaver, once the embodiment of Bridget’s romantic misadventures, now serves as a platonic figure known affectionately as “Uncle Daniel.” Even so, his personality remains unchanged—still the “emotional f*ckwit” who humorously advises Bridget to “unbunch those giant panties” as they prepare for a night out with her children. This quip recalls a memorable moment from the original film, bringing a light-hearted connection to Bridget’s past.
Later, in a moment of nostalgia, Bridget searches for the perfect outfit for her date with Roxster and humorously greets her reliable, full-coverage underwear with a warm “Hello, old friend,” before ultimately opting for a more daring choice.
Milky Blue Cocktails
Another memorable scene features Bridget and her loyal friends raising a toast to Mark with a round of curious, milky blue cocktails, reminiscent of the culinary mishaps from the first film. This toast provides a heartfelt echo of the original movie’s poignant lines, reinforcing the enduring bonds of friendship that help Bridget weather her challenges.
Her Classic PJs
One of Bridget’s endearing traits has always been her unwavering attachment to her pajama collection. In this film, she dons the same playful red penguin pajamas that fans remember from her memorable solo moments in the first installment, reminding viewers of her relatable quirks.
Brenda Jones
A humorous nod to the past occurs when Bridget, returning to the working world, is mistakenly introduced as “Brenda Jones,” mirroring a moment from the original film. This small throwback underscores her ongoing struggles with identity and societal expectations.
The Chechnya Nod
Bridget showcases her persistent charm by expressing her admiration for a TV journalist’s early work covering Chechnya—a topic she previously brought up during dinner with Daniel in the original film. Two decades later, it appears Bridget is still leveraging that geopolitical reference to spark conversation.
Bridget’s See-Through Top
Fashion plays a notable role in Mad About the Boy as well, particularly with a sheer top Bridget tries on for her date with Roxster. This outfit might be a throwback to a daring look from the first film, showcasing her unapologetic style and confidence long before it became a mainstream trend.
A Soaked Shirt À La Pride & Prejudice
Further emphasizing the film’s ties to classic romantic cinema, Roxster’s daring jump into a pool to rescue a dog draws a delightful parallel to Daniel’s own wet-shirt moment from the earlier movie. This homage underscores the layered storytelling and references that enrich the narrative.
Kafir Aghani & Eleanor Heaney
Bridget’s reflection on her late husband’s work brings a touch of bittersweet nostalgia. She learns from a news segment about Mark’s noteworthy achievements, including a high-profile case he won. This connection revisits how Mark’s support helped to elevate both their careers and their relationship.
Mark Darcy’s Sweater
On a more sentimental note, Bridget’s son is seen wearing the iconic reindeer sweater originally sported by Mark on New Year’s Day, symbolizing the lasting impact of Mark’s presence in their lives.
“Just As You Are”
A poignant moment at a New Year’s Eve party sees Bridget’s mother receiving a reassurance from Scott, who reminds her that she’s perfect just as she is. This line resonates with a beloved confession from Mark in the first film, which continues to influence Bridget’s relationships and self-perception.
Source
www.bustle.com