Some films just don’t hold up with the passage of time. Their jokes are too topical, their soundtracks are too contemporary, or their stories simply fade as our culture evolves. But Love Actually continues to hold up year after year, warming hearts and eliciting chuckles even on the hundredth (or thousandth) viewing. There are many reasons this movie stands the test of time, but I think a few merit discussion, whether you’ve never seen it (you should), or haven’t watched it in a while and want to appreciate it with new eyes.
1. Christmas without the Saccharin: Yes, this is a film that takes place at Christmas. And yes, the film’s most climactic scenes take place on Christmas Eve. But it also veers away from the typical Christmas film in some respects, refusing to be preachy or overly trite. Too many Christmas films set out to teach a lesson just in time for the season, or over-emphasize the importance of a particular kind of acceptable family unit with which to pass the holiday. Love Actually does neither of these things. In fact, there are several characters (Billy Mack, for one, and Colin Firth’s Jamie, for another) who reject spending Christmas with the people society tells them they should in favor of connecting with the person they each truly care about most. If that’s not a fantastic message for the 21st century holidaymaker, I don’t know what is.
2. Genuine Performances + Earnest Storytelling: Sometimes when more “serious” actors appear in a romantic comedy, you can tell that they are performing at less than their usual capacity, phoning it in or, as they might say “just having fun with it.” Not so with this cast (and it is a large, intimidatingly talented one). Laura Linney gives a performance that is both lastingly endearing and compelling; Hugh Grant’s David makes the perfect awkward-but-charming politician; and Alan Rickman’s Harry possesses a self-awareness (or lack thereof) that I struggle to comprehend to this day. And if the performances aren’t enough, the writing and directing shows a dedication to storytelling with integrity, something that is absolutely evident both in the film and its behind-the-scenes features. Director Richard Curtis put this film together with an intentionality I rarely see in this kind of film, and the payoff is clear.
3. Something for Everyone: There really is something for every kind of romantic (and even those who lean more toward the cynical). You might be looking for a storyline that is both visually hilarious and genuinely cute; I’d refer you to Jack and Judy, who by day serve as stand-ins in various nude scenes in films, but by night are actually shy and somewhat bumbling in their flirtations with each other. Maybe you’re a fan of adultery stories in films (this is a small demographic, but an existent one nonetheless); then watch Emma Thompson’s Karen get her heart slowly broken as she uncovers evidence of her husband Harry’s affair. Or perhaps you just like seeing the underdog get what he or she wants the most—if this is the case, you have your pick of stories, from 11-year old Sam’s crush on a classmate, to secretary Natalie’s infatuation with the Prime Minister, to Jamie and Aurelia’s struggle to communicate (literally, they speak 2 different languages). And there are a few unhappy endings for those of you who crave them: Andrew Lincoln’s Mark is forced to come to grips with his unrequited love for his best friend’s wife, and Laura Linney’s Sarah allows her own compassion to turn against her, keeping her from the person she loves.
4. Big Romance: There are many romantic gestures made by the characters in this film, large and small, elaborately planned and completely impulsive. And gentlemen, this is where you should be taking notes: there is a lot to be learned about romance from the men in this film. I have never watched this movie with another woman and not heard her gush over at least one scene, wishing that her boyfriend/crush/husband would rise to the occasion in such a way. There are lots to choose from, but perennial favorites include Jamie’s impulsive restaurant proposal, as well as David and Sam’s respective races to reach the girls they love in time for Christmas. My personal choice for the best gesture goes to Mark, for his final, peacemaking effort with Keira Knightley’s Juliet. It’s beautiful because he expects absolutely nothing to come of it, yet does it anyway. I guarantee if a guy showed up on my doorstep with cards like that, I’d probably tackle him. In the good way, of course.
5. It’s Still Funny: This movie came out 8 years ago, and I’ve watched it at least a dozen times each Christmas season since. Ergo, I have heard all the jokes approximately 10,000 times. But I still always find something to laugh at, and it’s almost always something different than the last time, because each character brings his or her own brand of humor to the film. Take Colin, for example: his entire role in the film is purely somewhat obnoxious comic relief, and it obviously works as a counterbalance to all the melodrama, because I chuckle every single time.
6. The Real Star, London: As a huge Anglophile, my adoration of this film has another dimension entirely. This movie gives a beautiful view of London all dressed up for the holidays, all twinkling lights and brisk, foggy air. In my mind, it really couldn’t be set anywhere else and possess the same charm.
7. All-Star Cast (Really, though): Let’s just reiterate the list, in case you aren’t aware. Colin Firth. Bill Nighy. Laura Linney. Hugh Grant. Liam Neeson. Emma Thompson. Alan Rickman. Andrew Lincoln. Keira Knightley. Rodrigo Santoro. Martin Freeman. Rowan Atkinson. January Jones. Have I made my case yet?
8. On a Serious Note, the Message: As Hugh Grant states in the opening narration, this film is first and foremost an attempt to prove that “Love actually is all around.” This film came out in 2003, a time when the world not only craved but needed such a message, and I honestly don’t think that is something that has changed much in 8 years’ time. Turn on the news or open the paper and you’ll read almost exclusively about things lacking in love and compassion for our fellow humans. That doesn’t mean love isn’t there; we’ve just lost sight of where to look for it. This film is one that attempts to put us back on the right track, and for me it does every single time. There’s a reason I keep coming back to it, after all, and it’s not just because it warms my heart during my favorite season of the year.
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