Monday, December 19, 2011

My Favorite Christmas Movies: "Love Actually"

Zach's Favorite 10 Christmas Movies:
Movie #2

Love Actually
Directed by: Richard Curtis
Starring: Hugh Grant, Bill Nighy, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley, Martin Freeman

Rated: R for sexuality, nudity and language


Upon it's release, the film Love Actually was heralded as the "ultimate romantic comedy." Little did they know that it would become one of the most beloved and respected romantic comedies, as well as Christmas films, of it's decade. This is certainly not a blanket justification of the movie's content; it’s not suitable for all audiences, and some things for any audiences. However, the film is a splendid take on what we already understand about love, all with a wonderful, enjoyable, heart-warming backdrop of the Christmas season. Through this film (which stars some of my favorite actors and actresses, including Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Bill Nighy, Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, among others) we walk away with a deeper understanding of love and all the warm-fuzzies it brings. Love is beyond political or social status, beyond nationalities, beyond age, beyond friendships, beyond sex, beyond infidelity, beyond selfishness, beyond understanding, and, my favorite storyline, beyond communication. (The Portuguese proposal at the end may be the best proposal ever in a movie.) However, the film doesn't just caught up in romantic love; from friendships to blood relatives, love is explored throughout every frame of this wonderful story. "To love" is a way of life and it affects everyone around us. While this movie will be far too offensive for most, I find that Love Actually touches hearts in ways unlike any other modern rom-com. And, to quote film’s opening scene, it makes us aware of how "love actually is all around."


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