The movie, Love Actually, which surprisingly over the years has become a modern holiday classic, is celebrating its 20th anniversary (even though it was released 19 years ago in November 2003). I remember seeing it for the first time in a Beavercreek, Ohio cinema and loved it from the start.
Firstly, you have a dream cast of British actors. Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley, Martin Freeman, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, just to name a few. And if you've seen these actors before in classic or serious roles, you're in for a shock. In Love Actually, they all let their hair down, so-to-speak, and dish up great comedy either with a stiff upper lip or in uncharacteristic ways. You'll see Hugh Grant doing a happy dance as the Prime Minister to "Jump," sung by The Pointer Sisters, and Colin Firth jumping up and down in frustration after gallantly offering his cab to an elderly woman at an airport.
Secondly, the characters of Love Actually are in different stages of love. Liam Neeson is grieving the loss of his wife, while his young stepson is experiencing his first big school crush. Martin Freeman is going through the awkwardness of new love; Emma Thompson is facing the heartbreak of love's betrayal. There's also unrequited love, love that transcends language, love between friends, love between siblings, and love (or is it lust?) on demand. Practically everyone can relate to one type of love or another.
Most of all, Love Actually is a comedy that actually is a comedy, not a comedy that resembles a drama. You'll laugh, you'll have fun, and you'll feel good at the end. Happily, you can borrow the DVD and other holiday movies from our library to enjoy at your leisure. Just one caveat--Love Actually is R-rated as there are some mature scenes and language.
Wishing you happy holiday viewing from the perch.
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