Love Actually is a classic Christmas movie, however, one that I watched for the first time only recently. And I have fallen in love with this movie. It follows multiple different stories of love at Christmas which all come together towards the end of the movie.

From start to finish, Love Actually is actually amazing. It is the kind of movie that keeps you smiling the whole way through. I adored every moment of this movie. The overall story is incredibly clever. The way that the characters are linked through small details makes it very clear that there had been a lot of thought put into this movie. With the many stories, there is something for everyone to love and relate to such as the prime minister who falls in love with an assistant, the stepdad who helps his son ask his crush out, the fragile relationship of a married couple, or the strange connection between an aged pop star and his producer. Although some of the stories of love are a little questionable, there is not one story that the audience won't like.

Love Actually has got to be the movie with the highest number of famous people. With a cast made up of Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman and even Mr Bean himself making a cameo appearance, you have got to expect big things from this movie. And the cast certainly does not disappoint. Each member makes it feel like you could meet that person in the real world. From the struggling mum who knows his husband is in love with someone else, to the stepdad who has just lost the love of his life and needs to connect with his stepson, or the rockstar who misses the one true thing important at Christmas whilst having everything in the world; this cast are the people you run into in your everyday lives. Even the 11-year-old kid manages to pull off an outstanding performance. 

This movie has a lot of love if the title didn't suggest otherwise. It is the kind of movie that you want to watch with loved ones; the movie that reminds you just how precious those close to you are. It tells of the importance of love in one of the busiest times of the year and reminds us that, in the words of Hugh Grant, love actually is all around. It is maybe not the movie you want to watch by yourself after a breakup or some family fallout; however, can be a good reminder of the good in the world when all else seems lost.

As I was watching Love Actually, the rating I had in mind for this movie gradually crept higher and higher until it reached a perfect score of ten out of ten. I thought "surely this movie isn't perfect. Can't I find something wrong with it?" But it's true, I can find no fault in the movie. The only thing that comes close to a criticism is that this movie needs to be watched multiple times. The story will make more and more sense on multiple viewings. However, this is merely a testament to how rewatchable Love Actually is.

I think I have a new favourite Christmas movie (perhaps even a new favourite movie). Love Actually is the perfect Christmas movie. With a stellar cast, clever story and beautiful morals, the movie has no faults. I feel like I can't put into words how there is no way to not love this movie!

Director: Richard Curtis

Starring: Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley, Martine McCutcheon, Bill Nighy, Rowan Atkinson

Year released: 2003

My rating: 10/10

Review by Tristan Carr

Last edited: 10/12/2023