My Best Friend’s Wedding is a 1997 film starring Julia Roberts and Dermot Mulroney. In the film, Julianne (played by Julia Roberts) and Michael (played by Dermot Mulroney) had a deal to marry one another if they were still single by age 28. When the time comes, Michael announces that he is getting married to 20 year old Kimberly. Suddenly, Julianne realizes that she is in love with Michael, and the film follows Julianne trying to ruin their wedding. 

 

The film was often criticized for the characters being too “stereotypical.” They criticize the women (Julianne and Kimberly) for fighting over a man. However, women don’t have to be one thing or the other. They can fit the “stereotypes” or not. No woman is exactly the same, and just because Julianne fits some of the said stereotypes doesn’t mean that she is an anti-feminist representation. It would be just as if we condemned women who dress in heels and shirts as being anti-feminist as well. No picture is perfect, and no picture is the only way women should be. 

 

There is feminism in the film, contrary to what many may say. Julianne is not simply a woman trying to profess her love to Michael. She is an independent, successful woman who has a great job in journalism and is constantly pushing to move up the ladder. Men were never the main focus in her life. She was completely in tune with herself and her professional life.

 

The ending of the movie also left a brilliant message. (NOTE: SPOILER ALERT.  If you plan to watch the movie, do not read the rest of this article until you have watched it!) Julianne eventually tells Michael that she is in love with him. He, however, is still in love with Kimberly and, in the end, he marries her. There is not always a perfectly happy ending. Though Julianne is upset that Michael ultimately chose to marry Kimberly, she is also happy for Michael’s own happiness. It’s a bittersweet ending, but it mirrors real life. We do not always get what we wish we could have. 

 

Overall, the film is a beautiful and engaging rom-com. It is truly a 90s gem and is for sure at the top of my favorite films list :)