A rare and astounding ensemble performance of true artists. Inspires love, uplifts our 'human-ness'

Rating: 10/10 (27 June 2005)

The premise, which you must know by now, is the romantic trajectories of 8 couples. Even critics who praise it have remarked that the filmmakers were a tad bit rushed to find satisfactory conclusions to each couple's romantic potential. I disagree! The premise, that 'love is, actually, all around', is a delightful and uplifting tale. Following the characters through from promising beginnings, to uncertain middles, all the way to emotionally resonant ends is a legitimate and worthy enterprise.
There are no spoilers here, although I would say that it does not stretch the imagination too much to anticipate certain types of outcomes in a romantic comedy. All of the story lines, even those with a bit of sadness, feel true- to me, anyway. I was, at all times, able to identify with the scenes on the screen (a TV screen for me, because I had only gotten to watching 'Love Actually' recently, on DVD).
The cast of 'Love Actually', is, duh, an amazing constellation of superb actors. Some 'star vehicles' contain only stars, seemingly not really portraying anything meaningful, but merely being their own famous selves. The assemblage of stars here, however, is that rarest of things--- an assembly of world-class artists and 'presences'. Each was perfectly cast, each gives a natural and astounding performance.
I loved this movie! I found it a rich and delightful source of inspiration and upliftment. Hurray for all involved. I gave it a well deserved 10 out of 10.