a bittersweet romance, powerful and emotional

Rating: 6/10 (20 February 2006)

Those who look for a story about bittersweet romance need look no further than 'Notting Hill', starring the ever-handsome English Hugh Grant and American star, Julia Roberts. Hugh Grant's character is an ordinary man who lives and owns a travel bookstore in Notting Hill. He falls in love with celebrity actress (played by Julia Roberts) who happens to come into his store. She then leads him on a wild chase and ultimately breaks his heart while he is trying to win her over. But, like other films in this formula, there is a happy ending.
'Notting Hill' is very British in style, and it has that sense of Hugh Grant-esquire humour. Then, there is his Welsh flatmate, the odd sister and odd dates, and the embarrassingly-funny and confessional press conference. It is easy to feel sorry for Hugh Grant's character, and this film does play on the tenderness. It also does not take itself too seriously by offering the humour, mainly at shy Grant's expense. There's also some fast-paced action at the end, and it is feel-good because it brings all of the characters together. Talk about team-work. I'm not a fan of this genre of film, but I did enjoy 'Notting Hill'.