Is Drew Barrymore known for appearing in romantic comedies? At any rate, she is an actress I often associate with the genre. Adam Sandler, meanwhile, is one of the best-known comedy actors—or perhaps it would be more accurate to say one of the best-known actors in comedy films generally. In any case, Blended brings the two of them together in a warm, family-centered romantic comedy.
The film is about what is known as a blended family. I could not remember the exact term at first, but it refers to a family formed when divorced or separated parents and their children come together to create a new household. The story also includes a holiday package for families in similar situations, which gives the characters a chance to spend time together.
Divorce is widespread in modern society, although it is certainly not new. It also existed in earlier human societies, even in ancient times, and it continues to exist today. To understand why divorce exists, perhaps we first need to think about why marriage itself came into being.
One basic reason may have been reproduction and the need to raise children. In many animal species, the mother raises the young while the male plays little or no role, although there are exceptions. Human children, however, require long-term care, and cooperation between adults can make that responsibility more manageable. As the Korean saying goes, even a sheet of paper is easier to lift when two people carry it together.
In any case, this film is ultimately about families coming together. As expected from a romantic comedy, it ends on a positive note. That is one of the things I like about the genre: conflicts are resolved, relationships improve, and the story ends happily. Perhaps that kind of ending also fits the emotional preferences of Korean audiences. At least, it made me smile.