A Movie With a Big Emotional Heart

Rating: 9/10 (31 December 2013)

I loved this movie. My favorite couple was Jamie(a writer) and Aurelia (his Portuguese housekeeper). These two are just so darned cute, and it doesn't hurt that I am a HUGE Colin Firth fan. I also loved David (Hugh Grant), England's newly elected Prime Minister, who finds himself attracted to his catering manager. Add the story of married couple Harry and Karen, played by Alan Rickman and Emma Thompson (Could these two ever give a bad performance?)
Then there were some story lines I just didn't like. The "boy with a crush on a girl who doesn't know he exists" is too cliché, and a horny guy who travels to Wisconsin to meet girls because he is convinced they will fall for his British accent is just silly. The story of Sarah and Karl had potential, but I disagree with her choice not to pursue the romantic love she deserves. While some might see this as a deep, sacrificial love, it left me feeling sad.
Overall, Love Actually is easily one of my favorite films. It was released in 2003, a time when many people, particularly Americans, needed a feel-good movie to make us believe once again in the power of love. Love Actually delivered.