A truly wonderful film

Rating: 10/10 (24 December 2004)

From the trailers, this looked as if it would be cute, but not astounding. It seemed romantic but not original. But ultimately it seemed like a rehash of the past Working Title romantic comedies we have come to expect year after year. With this in mind, as well as the thought of the astounding cast, which includes at least 20 well-known actors in either leading roles or cameos, I went to see LOVE ACTUALLY, expecting to see a nice and easygoing romantic comedy. I was wrong about it. Instead of just being good, it was fantastic, and exceeded all of my expectations. This movie is so romantic, so clever, so funny, and so utterly sweet that it could truly be described as the perfect romantic comedy. And to boot, it has a storyline that is sure to make you feel good about the upcoming holiday season.
LOVE ACTUALLY tells a truly original tale of several love stories that occur on the streets of Britain during the five weeks leading up until Christmas. It would take too long to describe all, but there are several that receive more attention than others. For example, one involves the Prime Minister (Hugh Grant) and his adorable and sweet secretary Natalie (Martine McCutcheon). Others include a married couple (Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman) discovering marriage problems, a hidden love between a newlywed (Keira Knightley) and her groom's best friend (Andrew Lincoln), a blossoming love between two people (Colin Firth and Lucia Monz) who don't even speak the same language, an aged rock star (Bill Nighy) hoping for a comeback while realizing what is important in life, a father desperately trying to help his 10-year old son reveal himself to the love of his life and many more. The movie is so filled with love and heart that you will almost be overwhelmed. It truly is a film that shows you what love is all about.
The cast is astounding. Hugh Grant once again proves he is a talented rom-com lead, and he really is likable here. Martine McCutcheon is adorable in her first major film role, playing a very sweet character the audience immediately recognizes. Colin Firth and Lucia Monz both steal the show, providing great chemistry and sweet, adorable and touching scenes. Their love story was one of my favorite parts of the film and I felt like cheering at the end when they finally got together. Emma Thompson is ASTOUNDING here as the wife who discovers her husband's planned infidelities. I'm shocked she didn't receive an Oscar nomination for her work here. In one truly heartbreaking scene, she makes the audience cry with her as she makes the discovery. Alan Rickman isn't very likable, but he gives a decent performance. Liam Neeson is very good as the troubled stepfather who wants his stepson (Thomas Sangster) to tell the love of his life how he feels. The scene where the son finally does tell the girl is one of the film's most memorable sequences. Keira Knightley is great here, showing emotional range and adding depth to her character. Laura Linney gives a cute performance as a woman pining for her co-worker. All the other actors do a great job, especially Bill Nighy, who steals the show with a lot of hilarious scenes throughout the film.
Director Richard Curtis has crafted a true work of art, from the astounding cast to the wonderful and beautifully written screenplay. He has truly proved himself to me as one of the most talented men working in film today. He brings a distinct and bright vision to the film, and this really adds to the heart and soul of it. Another thing that works here is the music. The musical score in this film is fantastic. It didn't stick out to me during the first viewing, but really got to me after that. It's sweeping and romantic, and really conveys the emotion being played out on screen. I'm shocked and dismayed that composer Craig Armstrong didn't receive an Oscar nomination for his work here.
LOVE ACTUALLY is a fantastic romance, but in addition it is also one of the most joyous and heartwarming Christmas films I have ever seen, possibly the best one. No film has ever made me anticipate and realize the importance of a holiday more than this one.
In closing, LOVE ACTUALLY is truly perfect. A perfect romantic comedy, a perfect Christmas film and a perfect cast of characters. It's a wonderful holiday experience that is one of my all-time favorites, and I look forward to watching it numerous times throughout my life, especially on Christmas 10/10 (A+)