Love Actually

"Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow airport. General opinion makes out that we live in a world of hatred and greed - but I don't see that - seems to me that love is everywhere. Often it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there: fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, none of the phone calls from people on board were messages of hate or revenge; they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love, actually, is all around.”
- Hugh Grant

The opening line of “Love Actually” is powerful, and so true. Often, we see so many negative things in today’s world that we simply forget to look around and realize how much happiness, comfort, and love there is all around us. Directed by Richard Curtis, “Love Actually” is actually my favorite movie. While most people select a classic as their “number one” film, I’m hooked on “Love Actually” and continue to watch this film over and over and laugh, cry, smile, and get goose bumps.

Curtis is credited with films such as “Bridget Jones’s Diary” & “Notting Hill.” “Love Actually” was nominated for two Golden Globes and won the title of “Best British Film” at the UK’s Empire Awards. The film features Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley, Rowan Atkinson and Bill Nighy to only name a few!

Released in time for the Christmas season is 2003, the stories of different couples unfold and intertwine throughout the film. I think I love it so much because all of the different stories seem very close to reality. The film examines some relationships that are working and some that are not working. Curtis does an excellent job developing each character and explaining their story.

“Love Actually” isn’t your typical “romantic comedy” as some might think. The story appeals to both men and women and isn’t just “happy-sappy” the entire time. Young couples, older
couples, and single friends face death, love affairs, and happy endings.

The film is set primarily in England and follows the lives of the new Prime Minister and bachelor (Hugh Grant), a writer, a married couple facing hard times, a man who has just lost his wife, a little boy finding himself in love for the first time, a newly married couple, young single men hoping to find love, etc. etc. etc.

No matter what you're situation in life, especially regarding relationships, you will connect with a character in this film. You need to see it for yourself and I promise you won’t be disappointed.