The Break-Up (2006)
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A couple's relationship reaches a breaking point after they decide to stay in their shared condo while navigating a messy breakup.
The story
Gary Grobowski and Brooke Meyers meet at Wrigley Field during a Chicago Cubs game and begin dating, eventually buying a condominium together. Gary works as a tour guide in a family business, while Brooke manages an art gallery. Their relationship comes to a head after a series of arguments regarding Gary's perceived immaturity and Brooke's controlling attitude. Following a definitive breakup, the two find themselves in a stalemate because neither is willing to move out of their shared condo. They agree to live as roommates, but the arrangement leads to a series of escalating provocations as both attempt to deal with the fallout of their failed romance.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Gary Grobowski and Brooke Meyers meet at Wrigley Field during a Chicago Cubs game and begin dating, eventually buying a condominium together. Gary works as a tour guide in a family business, while Brooke manages an art gallery. Their relationship deteriorates due to conflicting views on maturity and independence. After a heated argument, Brooke breaks up with Gary. Because neither wants to leave the condo, they agree to live as roommates, leading to a period of mutual provocation: Gary creates a mess and hosts a party, while Brooke dates other men to make him jealous. When a realtor gives them two weeks to move out, Brooke tries to reconcile by inviting Gary to a concert, but he misses it. They have a final argument where Brooke feels his effort was lacking and Gary feels she was unclear. Brooke eventually moves to Europe, and Gary focuses on his business. Later, they meet by chance on the street and share a friendly moment before parting ways.
- First release year
- 2006
- Runtime (minutes)
- 106
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Peyton Reed
- Writers
- Jeremy Garelick · screenplay; Jay Lavender · screenplay
- Cast and characters
- Vince Vaughn; Jennifer Aniston; Joey Lauren Adams; Ann-Margret; Judy Davis; Vincent D'Onofrio; Jon Favreau; Cole Hauser; John Michael Higgins; Justin Long
- Genres
- romantic comedy-drama
- Themes
- relationship conflict; communication breakdown
- Tone and mood
- romantic comedy-drama
- Premise and plot tags
- romance; comedy
- Reception
- The film received mixed reviews from critics.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 34% · review count: 192; Metacritic · score: 45 · scale: 100 · review count: 37; CinemaScore · score: C+ · scale: A+ to F
- Awards and nominations
- Teen Choice Award · winning films · win
- Production trivia
- The film was released on DVD in October 2006.; The film was released on Blu-ray in 2014 and 2018.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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