Why Everyone Is Wrong About Love Actually Being a Terrible Christmas Movie

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  • Beautifully Interwoven Stories
  • Iconic and Memorable Scenes
  • What Fans Have to Say About Love Actually

As a seasoned film enthusiast and someone who has watched their fair share of romantic comedies, I must say that Love Actually is one of the most enchanting and heartwarming movies I’ve ever come across. Having been through my own share of love stories, both successful and unsuccessful, this movie speaks to me on a very personal level.

Love Actually wasn’t initially intended as a classic Christmas film, though it was released during the holiday season in 2003. Despite this, it has undeniably become a beloved Christmas staple. This heartwarming romantic comedy is one that audiences eagerly rewatch every year leading up to Christmas. It could even be argued that it ranks among the greatest Christmas movies ever produced. Here’s why:

Beautifully Interwoven Stories

Love Actually weaves together multiple tales, each unique yet subtly connected, revolving around the complexities of love. However, it’s important to note that these narratives encompass more than just romantic love, and not all end happily. The film presents a story of budding affection, a young lad exploring his initial feelings of love, a married duo navigating the trials of long-term love and temptation, a struggling musician discovering the essence of genuine, platonic love, as well as tales of forbidden love, the hurdles in seeking love, love after hardship, and love hindered by family duties.

I find it easy to get hooked on each tale, as the characters resonate with me on various levels. Some I cheer for, others I empathize with, while there are still a few that make my blood boil. What’s fascinating is how these diverse stories intertwine, making them feel like pieces of a larger puzzle. Family ties, friendships, shared histories, or even the most unlikely encounters bind them together, creating an intriguing sense of unity.

The team of well-known actors in this production features stars such as Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Alan Rickman, Rowan Atkinson, Laura Linney, Billy Bob Thornton, Bill Nighy, Hugh Grant, and Emma Thompson. There were also lesser-known actors at the time who have since become highly successful, including Keira Knightley, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Andrew Lincoln, January Jones, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster. Additionally, supermodel Claudia Schiffer makes a brief appearance.

Iconic and Memorable Scenes

In the movie, there are numerous standout moments worth mentioning. One is when the character portrayed by Grant, who’s the British prime minister, dances in the halls, believing he’s alone. Another unforgettable scene is Joanna (Olivia Olson) performing the popular Christmas song “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey at a school concert. Lastly, there’s the touching moment where Lincoln lifts up a sign that reads, “To Me, You Are Perfect.

And there’s Thompson’s heart-wrenching, tearful scene to Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” that makes viewers cry every time, no matter how times it’s watched. This is juxtaposed by lovely moments like the sweet surprise big band performance of “All You Need Is Love” by John Lennon and Paul McCartney at Juliette (Knightley) and Peter’s (Ejiofor) wedding.

Experiencing Love Actually, I found myself utterly captivated by the intricate tapestry of performances, narratives, and emotions that unfolded on screen. This film transcends the typical rom-com genre, delving into the complexities and nuances of love in its myriad forms. It’s not merely about two individuals finding love; it’s about countless characters grappling with unfulfilled longings, taking risks, and often not reaping the expected rewards. Moreover, it subtly explores non-romantic love, making it a profound exploration of human connections and self-discovery.

Interesting Facts About Love Actually That Make It Even Better

The Opening and Closing Scenes Feature Real People

The production of “Love Actually” is filled with fascinating tidbits that make fans even more captivated by the movie. For instance, the opening and closing sequences depict genuine airport scenes during Christmas, where families eagerly await loved ones at the gates, tears streaming down their faces from happiness. Interestingly, these heartwarming airport scenes were filmed using real people at Heathrow Airport.

Two years following the 9/11 tragedy, this piece shares a connection through an opening voiceover narration. It expresses comfort in imagining uplifting moments such as family reunions, where unbridled happiness is palpable. The intention is to emphasize love conquering hate and optimism prevailing over despair.

4 Storylines Had to Be Cut, Which Could Be Used for a Sequel

The film initially planned to explore 14 tales of affection, but ultimately needed to exclude four due to time constraints. This gap has sparked demand for additional content and sets the stage for potential sequels or spin-offs based on the original concept. Notably, one of the omitted narratives was rumored to focus on a same-sex relationship, a decision that writer-director Richard Curtis expressed regret over afterwards.

Art Imitated Life (and Vice Versa)

The depiction of Grant’s fictional prime minister has been referenced in real-life situations that highlight the film’s far-reaching impact and influence. For instance, when Tony Blair stepped down, some people likened the potential anti-American shift with Gordon Brown and his cabinet to a “Love Actually moment,” drawing parallels to a scene where Grant confronts the U.S. president (Thornton) in the movie. In 2013, speeches given by David Cameron were compared to those made by Grant’s character in the film as well.

In this scene, it’s said that Atkinson intentionally prolonged his actions to annoy Rickman as Harry, who urgently wanted to purchase a gold necklace for his secretary Mia (Heike Makatsch), possibly also his mistress. Rufus’s deliberate delay in wrapping the necklace increased the risk of Karen (Thompson) coming back to the booth and catching him in the act. It is known that Atkinson improvised and prolonged many of his actions during this scene, which caused Rickman’s genuine frustration and anger to be captured on film.

In a tragic reflection of real-life events, the character portrayed by Liam Neeson, named Daniel, is grappling with the loss of his wife and raising her son from another relationship. Notably, this plot mirrors the unfortunate demise of Neeson’s real-life spouse, Natasha Richardson, who passed away following a skiing accident in Canada years after the film “Love Actually” was released.

The Most Divisive Scene Still Causes Debate

There’s been much discussion about the scene where Lincoln declares his affection for Juliet, who is actually Peter’s new spouse. At first, Juliet thought Mark disliked her, but when she watched their wedding video that he had recorded, she understood that he was in love with her instead. Since he couldn’t have her due to their friendship, Mark kept a distance as a means of protecting himself. Some consider this scene peculiar, including the film’s director who has referred to it as “odd” later on. However, the romantic moment continues to intrigue viewers even today, long after the movie was initially released.

The movie has left such an indelible impact that numerous scenes and plots are still being discussed, even decades after its release. In fact, a television short film sequel titled “Red Nose Day Actually” was produced in 2017 as part of the Red Nose Day 2017 fundraising event, which aimed to generate funds for eradicating childhood poverty.

What Fans Have to Say About Love Actually

As a cinephile, I must admit that movies like “Love Actually” often get a bad rap, with publications such as The Guardian, Cosmopolitan, and Refinery29 labeling it one of the worst Christmas films ever. However, I strongly believe they’re overlooking the movie’s charm and substance. The ongoing debates about some of its most divisive scenes and storylines are a testament to its influence – a gem of a film that continues to resonate with audiences years after its release.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the romantic comedy film “Love Actually” garnered a 64% approval rating among critics and an impressive 72% from audiences. Similarly, on IMDb, it holds a commendable score of 7.6 out of 10. Critics who didn’t enjoy the movie often commented that the narrative seemed fragmented. However, this is intentional as the film comprises several brief “love” stories, some of which intertwine while others remain distinct.

It’s apparent that those who appreciate and enjoy the movie have likely watched it multiple times, as indicated by Redditor don’t_shoot_jr sharing their roommate’s experience of watching the film every day for three months after a breakup. Additionally, LotusB1ossom finds it to be a delightful, non-serious film, stating its primary theme is love in various forms. KlaatuBrute likens the movie to a romantic comedy buffet.

In essence: Although some timeless Christmas movies are revisited year after year with children, Love Actually offers an ideal setting for snuggling up with a significant other, friends, or even alone, making it a must-watch at least once during the holiday season. The film holds a unique charm that resonates with everyone, whether you’re freshly in love, deeply content in your relationship, or still seeking the perfect match.

Setting aside any casual criticisms, the film is unquestionably flawless, offering a unique take on romantic comedies that likely served as an inspiration for numerous ensemble cast rom-coms that followed. Any actor fortunate enough to have been part of it can hold their heads high, knowing they’ve contributed to a cinematic masterpiece etched in history. Though it may not have garnered awards or universally positive reviews from critics, it has since earned a much-deserved cult following. The film’s tagline, “If you look for it, I have a sneaky feeling, that you’ll find that love, is actually all around,” remains a powerful and hopeful message that resonates with many.

Stream Love Actually on Amazon Prime Video.

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2024-11-16 20:02