Why Do We Marry?

Produced by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Pat Softly's documentary Why Do We Marry? looks into the myriad reasons why couples choose to walk down the matrimonial aisle. One young Islamic couple points to religious protocol, while a lesbian couple seek society's recognition of their union. Another pair acknowledge that their plans hinge on securing parental acceptance, while two seniors who have been an unmarried couple for two decades (but never lived together) decide it is simply time to belatedly tie the knot (oddly, however, they continue to live apart even after marrying). And then we have the couple who want to marry for the simplest of reasons: they are in love and believe it is the right thing to do. The mix of ages, lifestyles, and attitudes profiled here provides a balanced view of contemporary society, while the film also touches on matrimonial traditions and the wedding industry. None of this breaks any new ground (and the doc feels overstuffed, given the wide-ranging subject); however, all of the couples are charming, and as the mountain of brides-related media attests, the subject is of perennial interest, making this a strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)