LOVE ACTUALLY
Movie Summary
Many people are critic of this movie; those that are will likely have an opinion standing on either extreme of it (like it or hate it). I for one like the move immensely, and despite its shortcomings, which I don’t over look, I think this is a beneficial and optimistic movie for anyone of any age.
The people who do not like this movie usually hate it for one of two reasons. They will claim that the movie give people unrealistic expectations for love and relationship, or they will happen to claim that they are men and men don’t watch chick flicks. The second is too easy to make fun of so I won’t address it. But the concept of unreal expectations presented in this movie is an interesting and somewhat prevalent debate around the modern romance film.
I am of the opinion that optimistic versions of what romance can be in its idol portrayals stimulates the imagination of everyone that sees it. Love and affection is a intangible concept for those that believe in such things. The eighty-year-old couple can love each other just as much as the youthful ones, but face it young love is more vibrant and entertaining to watch on the silver screen.
People like to be reminded that when facing such a limitless and taunting idea as love that no matter how good it gets that it can get better, and that even with it seems like it can’t get worse there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel. It is the duty of a movie like this to impart that overwhelming idea that within this idea of love there exists the possibility to reach nirvana here on earth.
This movie tries hard to give every possible viewer at least one character or situation to identify with. There is a new comer to love that is the prime minister and Natalie. There is the complication of having feelings for your best mate’s girl. One can be on an epic quest for sex like Colin. The classic childhood crush is there too, and even the reminder of the importance of friendship with our rock star. Now given all these various story types, everyone finds some sort of peace, happiness, or understanding by the end. It is not happy in every case; such as the father who gave the necklace to his slut of secretary. It doesn’t always make sense either; Colin’s pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It does get the audience thinking at least, thinking about the limitless possibilities out there.
I make it a habit to watch this every Christmas season with friends, and when I do I can’t help but smile for the last 20 minutes of the move; no matter how many times I’ve seen it, that’s because it all ties together in that span of time. All of the subtle people connections are uncovered and people make their moves. It gives this feeling of simple world where all the pieces fit, and if you just give it the effort to try you will find something you’re looking for in the end (good and bad).
