Let’s face it, everybody loves “Legally Blonde.” Not only is it one of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time, but it’s also an inspiring tale of not judging a book by its cover, as the seemingly ditzy blonde Elle Woods (played by Reese Witherspoon) proves herself to be an extremely competent lawyer. “Legally Blonde” begins with a coldhearted breakup scene when Elle’s boyfriend Warner (played by Matthew Davis) breaks up with her for superficial reasons. As Elle herself exclaims incredulously, “You’re breaking up with me because I’m too blonde?!” It’s heartbreaking to see her so let down by the man she expected to propose to her but, instead, broke her heart.
The entire narrative of “Legally Blonde” revolves around Elle trying to win Warner back by proving herself to be just as smart and respectable as he is by enrolling in Harvard Law School. Over the course of the film, Elle goes toe to toe with her contemporaries, despite their superficial preconceived notions about her. Following her climactic win in the court case, Warner tries to take her back as his girlfriend, but Elle rejects him instead. She paraphrases his breakup speech from the beginning of the film, saying, “If I’m going to be a partner at a law firm by the time I’m 30, I need a partner who’s not such a complete bonehead.” This moment sticks with fans as a triumphant, inspiring, and much-needed personal victory for Elle that puts elitist men in their place.
