What Women Want

What Women Want

Year: 2000

Runtime: 127 min

Language: Chinese

Director: Nancy Meyers

Budget: $70M

FantasyComedyRomance

After an accident, a workaholic advertising executive mysteriously gains the ability to hear women's thoughts. Suddenly privy to their innermost feelings and opinions, he’s forced to re-evaluate his perceptions and confront his own biases. This unexpected gift leads him on a comedic and insightful journey as he attempts to understand women and, ultimately, himself.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – What Women Want (2000)

Explore the full timeline and setting of What Women Want (2000). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal dynamics and gender roles. It plays with themes relevant to its release period and beyond, showcasing changes in workplace dynamics and the evolving understanding of feminism.

Location

Chicago, Las Vegas

The movie takes place primarily in Chicago, a vibrant city known for its rich history, diverse culture, and iconic skyline. Las Vegas is also relevant, highlighting its association with glamour and show business, as it is where Nick's mother was a showgirl. Both cities serve as backdrops for themes of ambition and personal transformation.

🏙️ City 🎰 Entertainment

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:43

Main Characters – What Women Want (2000)

Meet the key characters of What Women Want (2000), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Nicholas Marshall (Mel Gibson)

Nicholas is a charming yet arrogant advertising executive whose inflated sense of masculinity often leads him to make poor choices. Initially self-centered, he undergoes significant character development as he learns to listen to women and mend strained relationships, notably with his daughter and Darcy. His journey reflects themes of growth, empathy, and redemption.

👔 Executive 💔 Changemaker

Darcy Maguire (Helen Hunt)

Darcy is a sharp, intelligent addition to Nick's team, challenging his outdated views on advertising and consumer needs. Her strong personality and creative flair captivate Nick, leading to a romance that thrives on mutual growth and respect. Darcy is a representation of modern femininity, balancing ambition with vulnerability.

👩‍💼 Professional ❤️ Love Interest

Alex Marshall

Alex is Nick's 15-year-old daughter, navigating the complexities of adolescence and her relationship with her father. Her interactions with Nick highlight the struggle for independence while still seeking parental support. The tension in their relationship serves as a crucial element of the story, pushing both characters towards growth.

👧 Teenager 💔 Daughter

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:43

Major Themes – What Women Want (2000)

Explore the central themes of What Women Want (2000), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Redemption

Nick's journey is one of personal redemption, as he works through his chauvinistic tendencies and learns to empathize with the women in his life. His ability to hear women's thoughts acts as a catalyst for change, ultimately leading him to seek forgiveness and mend broken relationships. This theme resonates throughout his interactions, particularly with his daughter and Darcy.

👥 Communication

The theme of communication is central to the film, as Nick's newfound ability to read women's thoughts facilitates deeper understanding. It challenges him to listen, reflect, and engage in honest dialogue, waking him up to the complexities of relationships. This theme is about breaking down barriers through vulnerability and connection.

👨‍👧 Fatherhood

Nick's relationship with his daughter, Alex, serves as a major thread in the narrative. His protective instincts and desire to connect highlight the challenges of modern fatherhood. As Nick transforms, he also learns to support and understand Alex, emphasizing the importance of open communication and emotional support in their bond.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:43

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Magical Self-Discovery Movies like What Women Want

A magical twist forces a self-centered character to grow and see the world differently.If you enjoyed the magical premise and personal transformation in What Women Want, you'll like these movies where a surprising ability leads to heartfelt growth. This list features similar comedies and romances with fantastical twists that teach characters valuable lessons about themselves.

transformativecharmingcomedicheartwarmingmagicalredemptiveplayfulinsightful

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a flawed protagonist whose life is upended by a supernatural gift or curse. This power initially causes chaos but becomes a tool for gaining new perspectives, forcing the character to confront their biases. The story unfolds with comedic mishaps and poignant realizations, building towards a climax where the character must use their new understanding to make a moral choice, culminating in personal redemption.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a high-concept, lighthearted fantasy premise used to explore themes of empathy and redemption. They blend comedy with insightful character development, maintaining a steady, engaging pace and concluding with a satisfying, happy ending that reinforces the positive change in the protagonist.

Charming Workplace Rom-Coms Similar to What Women Want

Professional rivalry and budding attraction collide in a charming, character-driven comedy.Fans of the office setting and romantic tension in What Women Want will enjoy these similar movies. Discover other comedies and romance films where workplace rivalry sparks chemistry and leads to heartwarming personal and professional resolutions.

charmingheartwarmingcomedicplayfulromanticwittyprofessionaluplifting

Narrative Summary

Stories typically begin with two characters in professional opposition or competition. Their initial friction masks a growing attraction, explored through witty exchanges and collaborative (or sabotaging) efforts on a shared project. The plot uses the workplace as a backdrop for character revelation, forcing the protagonists to see each other beyond their professional personas. Conflicts arise from misunderstandings or career ambitions clashing with romance, but are resolved for a harmonious happy ending.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their specific setting and tone: a light, steady-paced blend of romance and comedy within a professional environment. They share a medium intensity driven by workplace stakes rather than drama, a straightforward narrative focused on the central couple, and a consistently charming, playful mood.

Unlock the Full Story of What Women Want

Don't stop at just watching — explore What Women Want in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what What Women Want is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

What Women Want Summary

Read a complete plot summary of What Women Want, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

What Women Want Summary

What Women Want Timeline

Track the full timeline of What Women Want with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

What Women Want Timeline

What Women Want Spoiler-Free Summary

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What Women Want Spoiler-Free Summary

More About What Women Want

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More About What Women Want

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