This review is out of a favor to my girlfriend:
Truth be told, I was not expecting a whole lot when I sat down to watch the popular romantic movie, "Love Actually." However, even though the longer-than-two-hour movie focuses on multiple storylines, I never felt overwhelmed, or wanted the plot to ease off at all.
The film focuses on a few different characters, all with their own romantic relationship problems, ranging from dealing with estranged children, distance wives, romance with interns, blooming love during porn, etc. It's safe to assume that there are about 6 or 7 different plotlines gong on simultaneously as the story nears Christmas, which is the climax of the film.
However, even though all of these plotlines, while occurring at the same time, may seem a little overwhelming, you never feel left out, wanting more from a particular storyline. There are a few points where you want more from some of the characters, wanting them to say something, or do something in particular, but that's the charm of the flm: we never know EXACTLY what direction will be taken, but we have faith that each character will take the more honorable path, and it will help them remain in a loving relationship.
What is particularly interesting about the film is that the title of the film does not refer to just romantic love. Although it's safe to assume that a romantic comedy such as this deal with the cliched on-and-off love triangles that we often see on screen, this is far from the truth in this film. "Love, Actually," following true to its title, describes every type of love we can think of, stating that love is something you feel for someone you care about, not just a significant other. It deals with fatherly love, romantic love, love for music, etc. It doesn't state one love that is more preferred, but deals with all the ways that we can care for the people around us.
While nothing spectacular can be sad about the cinematography or the soundtrack, the acting is very well played by everyone in the film, and special kudos must be made to the script writer. While there are numerous storylines, each one has its own emphasis, and enough time is spent on each one to give it its own importance, and we feel the need for closure on everything, in which we achieve. Not only do we feel this closure for each character, but we also see the parallelism between the beginning and end of the film, which both take place in an airport.
The only flaw to the film is the character played by Alan Rickman, and his immediate family. Although Rickman plays his character very well, we can't help feel, at the end of the film, that things have not completely worked out between him and his wife. While we'd like to believe that everything has worked out well, there's nothing to say one way or the other. I'd like to say that the director and writers meant to this, but there's part of me that would like to see some sort of conclusion for this troubled marriage.
All in all, a good movie to watch with the girlfriend, as it will most likely please any woman, as well as any movie lover in general. Aside from being a very sturdy romantic comedy, there's enough in it to keep anyone interested, and make a worthwile couple of hours.
Total score: 8.2 out of 10