Movie characters to look up to based on how they handled a break up

Albert Rosales

January 28, 2022

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  Movie characters to look up to based on how they handled a break up

  Watching movies is one of the best ways to cope up with any situation. Sometimes, we can find a certain movie character who we can relate to. Same thing can be said after you went through a break up.

  So, here are some movie characters to look up to based on how they handled a break up:

  SPOILER WARNING: We will discuss some crucial parts of movies where the characters are involved.

  Greta James – Begin Again (2013)

  Greta James (Keira Knightley) just broke up with her boyfriend Dave (Adam Levine) following his affair with a production assistant. The couple used to love creating and performing music. You will think after a break up, some couples might stop doing what they love individually since it reminds them of their exes.

  However, Greta continues to make the music she loves and that’s how Dan (Mark Ruffalo) discovered her. This is what we can take from how Greta handled the break up. You shouldn’t stop doing what you love just because it makes you remember someone from your messy past. Keep doing what you used to do when you’re still with that person. Maybe you’ll find peace with it in the long run.

  Elle Woods – Legally Blonde (2001)

  After graduating high school, Elle Woods’ (Reese Witherspoon) boyfriend broke up with her as he was about to enter Harvard Law School. Unfortunately, her boyfriend thinks Elle’s not fit for what he’s building for the future because her style is too loud and colorful. To prove her ex-boyfriend wrong, Elle applied for Harvard, too. 

  At first, she wants to bring back her ex’s love and affection. However, she found out that he’s already engaged with a girl who he seems more “appropriate” for Harvard Law School. Instead of changing herself, she decided to continue studying law and prove everyone wrong about stereotyping her.

  Although Elle might have a wrong motivation in entering Harvard Law School, our takeaway here is that she never changed herself no matter what the society tells her. Same with real life, never change who you are just because your ex can’t accept the real you.

  Peter Bretter – Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

  After breaking up with his partner Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell), Peter Bretter (Jason Seagal) tried everything to move past his terrible relationship. From a series of one night stands to lots of alcohol, it seems like nothing can make him forget Sarah Marshall.

  Until he decided to go on a vacation in Hawaii. Unfortunately, Sarah Marshall is also there with her new partner. At first, Peter did his best to stay away from Sarah. He stayed inside his hotel suite sleepless and crying. Then he met the outgoing and passionate hotel receptionist, Rachel Jansen (Mila Kunis). 

  They made wonderful adventures together and that’s how he forgot Sarah Marshall. So instead of drowning yourself with alcohol and tons of meaningless sex, it might be a great idea to have a time for yourself or have a meaningful conversation with another person. It might be the key for you to move on.

  Tiffany Maxwell – Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

  This is not really about a break up, but it is worthy to note what Tiffany Maxwell (Jennifer Lawrence) did to move on from her deceased husband. While suffering from a mental disorder, she finds peace in dancing as her hobby. This is where she meets Patrizio “Pat” Solitano Jr. (Bradley Cooper).

  Even if she’s not a great dancer, she joined a dancing competition with Pat. They didn’t win but ended up confessing their feelings for each other. The main lesson here is that you may want to find a hobby in order to forget your past relationship. 

  Instead of stalking your ex on social media, focusing your mind on other things helps you move on, whether from a messy breakup or untimely death of your loved one.

  Cal Weaver – Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)

  Cal Weaver’s (Steve Carell) life changed after his wife, Emily Weaver (Julianne Moore) decided to divorce him. He went to several clubs and drank tons of alcohol. Furthermore, he tried hooking up with several women only to end up telling a lot of stories about his wife. Until he met Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling).

  Jacob tried to “make a man” out of Cal. Changing the latter’s way of clothing and manner of speaking to women. He went successful with this metamorphosis as Cal became more confident. However, Cal still pursues his wife despite many women drooling over him.

  Sometimes, changing for the better and not for what your partner wants is the way to win your relationship back. This character certainly moves on from his old habit of being dependent on his wife. As a result, he renewed his relationship with his wife and family.

  Brooke Meyers – The Break Up (2006)

  The whole premise of the story revolves around processing a break up after a long term relationship. Brooke Meyers (Jennifer Aniston) and Gary Grobowski (Vincent Vaugh) were living together in a condominium they bought, but after a number of misunderstandings and arguments, Brooke breaks up with Gary, despite still having feelings for him.

  It didn’t go well at first as no one wanted to leave the condo. We can admire Brooke’s determination to really get out of the relationship despite being madly in love with Gary. Sometimes, being in love isn’t enough especially if things are not working out anymore. 

  At the end, both Brooke and Gary accepted that they’re not meant for each other and remained friends afterwards.

  Sweetie, there is no universal formula for moving on. Different people have different ways to get through a break up. So, whoever the movie character you’re looking up to, may they remind you that you need not lose yourself in the process.

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