Not Perfect, but worth seeing

Rating: 8/10 (10 January 2004)

Love Actually has something in it for anyone who has ever loved someone. And that's pretty much everyone, as this movie is not just about romantic love, but love in all it's forms. It also explores the love we feel for family and friends, and our attempts to reconcile that with romantic love.
Some of the story lines were better than others. Hugh Grant, while amusing, plays himself again. And the thought of him as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is not far short of farcical. However, this was made up for by the touching storyline played out by Emma Thompson of the wife who finds herself being overlooked by her husband, for a young flirtatious woman at his work.
Also, the storyline about the body doubles standing in for actors in nude sex scenes. While this was pretty ridiculous on the surface, it was a great story for two reasons. Firstly, the fun it poked at the quaint English manners - it would be hard to think of a less appropriate setting for such formality. And secondly, I think it made a very interesting point which to me was the background theme of the whole movie - that what really matters in human relationships is not just the physical (that is easy to come by), but an emotional connection. Without that, we are just going through the moves, without really knowing the other person.
The other thing I liked about this movie was the use of the airport arrivals scenes. It really tied together the fact that here was a series of stories about everyday people, and every single person has their own story. Next time I'm at the airport, I will be looking more closer at those around me, and wondering what interesting story has brought them there.
All in all, I would recommend this movie. If you have ever loved, you will find something in it you relate to.