Love Actually is a film much like Crash or He’s Just Not That Into You (although a lot better than the latter), the delves into the different relationships concerning around 10 people and we witness their quest to find and keep love, whether it be in a relationship, siblings, children or simply a friendship. Love Actually proves that love actually is all around.
The cast consists of: Alan Rickman - Harry Emma Thompson - Karen Hugh Grant - David Martine McCutcheon - Natalie Colin Firth - Jamie Liam Neeson - Daniel Keira Knightley - Juliet Laura Linney - Sarah Bill Nighy - Billy Kris Marshall - Colin
Love Actually is one of my favourite films, it’s centred around the Christmas period and although it can and has been perceived as cheesy by many people I think that this is simply a feel good film that should be taken on face value.
This is written and directed by Richard Curtis who is definitely the king of British rom-coms and sitcoms, his previous work includes: The Vicar Of Dibley, Notting Hill, Bridget Jones and Blackadder. The man can do no wrong so as soon as this film hit our screens back in 2003 it was obvious that it was going to be a huge hit.
The ensemble cast is probably one of the strongest I’ve seen in a British rom-com and they all manage to do the film some much deserved justice (yes even Hugh Grant!). My favourite character was Colin played by Kris Marshall, any My Family
fans will recognise him as the hilarious Nick Harper.
Hugh Grant plays his usual English gent character, infact this time he’s playing the Prime Minister which is probably as highbrow as he could possibly get! When I think about it I can’t think of any other actor that could have been put in his part if he had turned it down. He has a long history of working with Richard Curtis and although I have somewhat of a love/hate relationship with Grant I do think that he did ok in this. I thought it was hilarious when you witness him dancing along to a Girls Aloud song, I could definitely feel his embarrassment. I thought that the chemistry between him and Martine McCutcheon was good and although their relationship, especially, should be taken with a pinch of salt, their onscreen chemistry helped to enhance it with a little bit more credibility.
My favourite relationship in the film was between newly widower Daniel and his stepson Sam, Sam is 10 years old, has just lost his Mother but is certain that he’s in love with a girl at school. I love the way that Daniel (Liam Neeson) doesn’t make fun of Sam, instead he encourages him to follow his heart and pursue the girl of his dreams. This was definitely the sweetest relationship.
My other favourite couple were James (Colin Firth) and the Portuguese woman named Aurelia. Their relationship was the most original it was really nice watching it play out in front of the audience. The way they speak two different languages yet are having a conversation without even realising it is great writing which Richard Curtis constantly excels in throughout this film.
Overall all the cast are great and there’s no weak link in the ensemble, most of the cast are of course English actors and actresses but it also includes some brilliant cameos from American actresses in the form of: Claudia Schiffer, Elisha Cuthbert, Shannon Elizabeth and Denise Richards. Even Ant and Dec make a came appearance. There’s also a really funny cameo from Rowan Atkinson in a few moments during the film, the most prominent one being at the jewellery counter. It was great for me to see Alan Rickman in another role because the only thing that I’ve previously seen him in was of course Die Hard in which he portrayed one of the best villains ever. I did feel that his part was a bit lukewarm for me though, the way in which an affair is hinted at from a much younger, more attractive co-worker is a little contrived but of course once again is to be taken with a pinch of salt. You really feel for his wife, played by Emma Thompson, she’s a much more believable character and really gets the audience behind her well. One thing that did bother me about the couple together was that they’re both clearly in their 50’s and yet they have two children both around 10 years old, this again seemed to be a little farfetched. Also for Emma Thompson to be playing Hugh Grant’s younger sister was also a little fanciful as looking at the pair of them it’s clear that Hugh Grant is quite a bit younger than Emma Thompson.
Love Actually seems to have a distinct lack of any central plot, of course all the subplots are there to mask this but it would have been nice for the film to concentrate on one story above the others, it would make it a lot easier to follow. I did love the way all the separate relationships intertwined in different ways however at times it seemed a bit too much to take in and just when you want to see more of one character it moves onto the next subplot, at times this became a little irritating.
The film is rated a 15 however I think that maybe if their extracted a lot of the profanities involved they could have made this film more family friendly, seeing as it’s a Christmas film and Christmas is about family, it almost feels like they’ve sort of missed the point.
Overall I’d recommend this film to anyone, like all films it has it’s negative aspects but when you weigh up the positives with the negatives, the positives far outweigh the negatives. This is simply a great romantic comedy which revolves around different aspects of love. It’s extremely funny throughout and will make you feel all warm and fuzzy after watching it!
The DVD I currently available from play.com for only £3.99.
The special features include: Audio commentary from writer/director Richard Curtis and actors Hugh Grant, Bill Nighy & Thomas Sangster Deleted scenes and storylines presented by Richard Curtis 'Christmas Is All Around' music video Music highlights: a selection of songs introduced by Richard Curtis 'The Storytellers' featurette Interactive menu Scene access
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With no fewer than eight couples vying for our attention,Love Actuallyis like the London ... more
Marathon of romantic comedies, and everybody wins. Having mastered the genre as the writer ofFour Weddings and a Funeral,Notting Hill, andBridget Jones's Diary, it...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
With no fewer than eight couples vying for our attention,Love Actuallyis like the London ... more
Marathon of romantic comedies, and everybody wins. Having mastered the genre as the writer ofFour Weddings and a Funeral,Notting Hill, andBridget Jones's Diary, it...
Postage & Packaging: £2.69 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
With no fewer than eight couples vying for our attention,Love Actuallyis like the London ... more
Marathon of romantic comedies, and everybody wins. Having mastered the genre as the writer ofFour Weddings and a Funeral,Notting Hill, andBridget Jones's Diary, it...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
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Jun 30th, 2009
very helpful by (100%):
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