Christmas films – you either love them or you hate them. For me, they hold a special place in my heart, taking me right back to my childhood. But there is one that has followed me into adulthood the most, and that is Love Actually.
Every year on Christmas Eve – I’ve made it a bit of a tradition – I decide it is finally time to get the wrapping done, and I watch the British classic while doing so.
Love Actually was released in 2003 and is a Christmas romantic comedy film written and directed by Richard Curtis. The film features an ensemble cast, composed predominantly of British actors, many of whom had worked with Curtis in previous projects. This stacked lineup includes Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Keira Knightley, Liam Neeson, Bill Nighy, Alan Rickman, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster, to name but a few.
The movie’s plot is as follows: “The film delves into different aspects of love as shown through 10 separate stories involving a variety of individuals, many of whom are interlinked as the plot progresses. The story begins six weeks before Christmas and is played out in a weekly countdown until the holiday, followed by an epilogue that takes place in the New Year.”
A fun fact about the movie is that the airport greeting footage at the beginning and end of the movie is actually real. Curtis had a team of cameramen film at Heathrow airport for a week, and asked the people involved for permission to use the footage.
However, it is a film that divides viewers. On Rotten Tomatoes, one person said: “It’s one of my all-time favourite movies.”
Another said: “Written and directed by Richard Curtis, Love Actually weaves together multiple love stories set around Christmas, exploring romance, friendship, grief, and hope. From the Prime Minister falling for his assistant to a heartbroken writer finding love across language barriers, each story adds warmth and emotion to this festive tapestry. Opening with a touching airport montage that reminds us love endures even in dark times, the film balances humour and heartbreak with charm. Despite a few weaker subplots, Love Actually remains a timeless Christmas classic — a heartfelt reminder that, indeed, love is all around.”
While a third added: “Such a disappointing movie. Tries to be too realistic and also a corny, cute movie at the same time. Loved it for half the movie and despised it for the rest.”
But whether you are a fan or a hater, there is no denying that the film is a British classic.
Love Actually is available to stream on Amazon Prime.
