LOVE ACTUALLY
(2003) UK, 136 Mins
Dir: Richard Curtis
Love Actually has grown into a much-loved romantic comedy in the 10
years since its release, & while perhaps not strictly a Christmas movie,
due to the movies events being based around the build-up to Christmas, has very
much become associated with the holiday season. Its stars truly a who’s who of
British film stars, including the likes of Hugh Grant, Rowan Atkinson, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson,
Keira Knightly, Alan Rickman & Bill Nighy.
The plot itself is hard to summize in any detail over just a paragraph
or two: essentially the film is made up of eight couples of some description &
their stories of love in the month long lead up top Christmas. Whether it’s the
brand new Prime minister (Hugh Grant) finding himself falling for a junior
household staff member, veteran rock n roll legend Billy Mac (Bill Nighy)
making a comeback with a Xmas song with assistance from his manager, design
agency director Harry (Alan Rickman) being seduced by his new secretary Mia,
while wife Karen (Emma Thompson) manages the kids’ school Xmas play, the film
revolves around the relationships that are unfolding as we approach Christmas. The
big thing here is, all these stories are intertwined due to the connections of
some sort between the individual stories. For example, Karen is the PM’s
brother, linking those stories together.
The major theme is reflected in the film’s title, Love Actually. That is
essentially what the film focuses on, which just happens to occur over the
festive season, which is why it’s argued as not being a true Christmas film.
Whatever the case, it doesn’t detract from a very warm hearted film with the
focus in the right place (especially at this time of year) as the couples or
groups work through their respective relationship/s. The characters are pretty
much all kind good hearted people who we can identify with in some way, & the
realness of the particular relationship is easy to sympathise with.
The film largely comes to a climax at Christmas as the relationship in
question reach their zenith – this is followed by an epilogue a month later, in
which we see how the particular groups’ relationships have evolved, basically
all working out for the best in each circumstance.
Even as a bloke, you cannot be helped but moved by this film. While it
can be argued as being on the sugary sweet side somewhat, an all star cast
& very moving performances from all involved along with the Christmas
setting, much this a very easy film to fall in love with. We really hope all
our characters can work their particular relationships out. We really hope that
young Sam (Thomas Sangster) can win the girl he has fallen for, young though
they may be. We really do hope that Colin (Kris Marshall) can find love in
America.
Definitely a film to dig out for
a watch at this time of the year, Love Actually is an excellent romantic
comedy, with its heart in the right place. In the decade since its release, it
has found a rightful place in the must-watch-at-Christmas movie collection. Put
aside the negative thoughts & bah humbug stuff for a couple of hours at
least, & settle down enjoy a heart warming film at Christmas time! I’m
giving Love Actually ****
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