50 First Dates

| 2004

Directed by: Peter Segal

Main Plot

"50 First Dates" is a romantic comedy that explores themes of love, memory, and perseverance. The story unfolds in Hawaii, where a man falls for a woman who suffers from short-term memory loss due to a car accident. Each day, she wakes up with no recollection of the previous day, making it impossible for her to form new memories. Despite this challenge, the man is determined to win her heart anew every day. To help her remember, he devises creative ways to remind her of their relationship, including videos and notes. The film humorously and tenderly portrays his daily efforts to make her fall in love with him again, highlighting the power of love and dedication. As the narrative progresses, the couple faces various obstacles, including skepticism from her family and the emotional toll of her condition. The film balances comedy with heartfelt moments, emphasizing the importance of patience and resilience in relationships. It also touches on the impact of memory on identity and the lengths one will go to for love. Ultimately, "50 First Dates" is a story about overcoming adversity and the enduring nature of true love, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Characters

  • Henry Roth, a marine veterinarian, falls in love with Lucy, who has short-term memory loss, and devises creative ways to win her heart every day.
  • Drew Barrymore plays Lucy Whitmore, a woman with short-term memory loss. She relives the same day repeatedly, while Henry tries to win her love daily.
  • Ula, Rob Schneider's character, is Henry's Hawaiian friend who provides comic relief and assists in Henry's efforts to win over Lucy despite her memory loss.

Ending Explained

In the film's conclusion, Henry Roth, a marine veterinarian, devises a unique way to help Lucy Whitmore, who suffers from short-term memory loss due to a car accident. Each day, Lucy wakes up with no memory of her relationship with Henry, believing it is the day of her accident. To cope with this, Henry creates a video diary that Lucy watches every morning, explaining her condition and their love story. The ending unfolds as Lucy wakes up on a boat in Alaska, confused but intrigued by her surroundings. She watches the video, which updates her on her life, including her marriage to Henry and their daughter. This method allows Lucy to start each day with an understanding of her current life, despite her condition. The final scene shows Lucy stepping onto the deck, where she is greeted by Henry and their daughter, reaffirming the love and commitment Henry has for her despite the challenges. This resolution highlights the themes of enduring love and adaptability. Henry's dedication to finding a way for them to be together, despite Lucy's memory loss, underscores the film's message about the power of love to overcome obstacles.

Peter Segal Comedy Drama Romance Adam Sandler Drew Barrymore Rob Schneider