Norbit (2007)

In the broad comedy *Norbit (2007)*, the titular mild-mannered man, portrayed by Eddie Murphy, finds himself trapped in a chaotic marriage to the domineering and physically imposing Rasputia, also played by Murphy. The film squarely fits the description of "A mild-mannered guy who is engaged to a monstrous woman meets the woman of his dreams, and schemes to find a way to be with her." When Norbit's childhood sweetheart, Kate (Thandie Newton), returns to their small town, he sees a chance for genuine happiness, sparking a desperate, often humiliating, pursuit to escape his current predicament and win her affection. While often critically maligned for its over-the-top humor and controversial character portrayals, *Norbit* arguably earns its place on a "Best Romance movies" list through a surprisingly earnest central romantic arc. Beneath the layers of slapstick and gross-out gags, the film genuinely centers on Norbit's quest for true love and emotional freedom. His yearning for Kate represents a desire for a partner who sees and appreciates him for who he is, a classic romantic trope. The narrative, for all its absurdity, chronicles his efforts to escape a suffocating relationship and ultimately achieve a hard-won, albeit unconventional, happily ever after, celebrating the triumph of finding one's soulmate against all odds.