The Break-Up

When I see Jennifer Aniston and Vice Vaughn on the poster for this movie, I can't help but associate it with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's movie, "Mr. And Mrs. Smith". Both comedies talk about the gap between love and marriage and the ironic part is that now Brad and Jennifer really have broken up.

The movie plotline is pretty simple, as it mainly depicts a relationship between Gary (Vaughn) and Brooke (Aniston), who have been going out together for a long time. However, their relationship is falling apart over tedious daily issues and neither of them is willing to compromise. On the contrary, each party is eager to teach the other party a lesson. As a result, a war starts.

Basically, The Break-Up can be considered the sequel of sorts to "The War of the Roses" (Michael Douglas). The methods here may not be as extreme as "Roses". Nevertheless, pulling tricks like forcing one's partner's good friends to betray him or her, going on a date to upset the other party or dividing up a room are all things people who have been in love can probably relate to.

Although its conclusion isn't like the sad-happy mixed ending in "The War of the Roses", "The Break-Up" still breaks the mold of typical romantic comedies' happy endings. After all, a broken mirror can't be put back together. Love shouldn't be tested without a grand cause. The movie has been a big hit in the United States with box-office sales of $120 million. No doubt helping the cause is heated gossip that the two lead actors are dating. If you see it, be sure not to miss Judy Davis' excellent performance as gallery owner Marylyn Dean.

---By Wen-Zhi Wu Translated by Sho Huang