Notting Hill

Richard Curtis' factory at its peak. Objectively, Notting Hill probably wouldn't receive a full rating, but it's such a deep love story for me that no amount of reasoning or self-criticism can lower my rating. Hugh Grant in a role that fully captures his filmography, Julie Roberts' best comedy, and lots of interesting supporting characters in a story that, in its own time, wished for more men in real life than anyone would ever admit. (14/04/2006)

I wouldn't have dreamed of it two years ago, but romantic comedies like this are becoming my most sought after and surest guarantee of great entertainment. First it was Love Actually, then About a Boy, and now Notting Hill, all of these are precise and lovingly written stories that turn the usual clichés to their advantage and manage to captivate the viewer for two hours even. It’s probably no coincidence that all of them star Hugh Grant, certainly one of the most likeable British actors of our time, or that two were written by the excellent screenwriter Richard Curtis, whose intelligent humour is unparalleled in the film industry. And here they are supported by a perfect Julia Roberts and several other members of the Grant family, who also play a big role in the final quality of this romantic spectacle. Formally, it’s the weakest film of the bunch (hence only 4*), but damn, I quite like these sweet films.. :))) (08/12/2012)

It is just a romantic flick about an ordinary boy falling in love with a famous actress. And if you accept the fact that the famous actress is portrayed by Julia Roberts, then it is not bad. I was pleased to see Rhys Ifans, who proves here why I love him so much. His craziness is much better than the whole romantic storyline. But what can you do… (27/12/2017)

Those sincere romantic characters and broad smiles will make Julia Roberts immortal. Hugh Grant may have long since abandoned his roles as shy but smart blokes, but he fits Notting Hill perfectly. It's the perfect blend of unobtrusive humour, decent emotion and, surprisingly, no shortage of British charm as a spice – apparently London does its own thing here. Plus, there's an irresistible 1990s feel, when it was all still for real. In hindsight, it's admittedly romantic as hell, and Roberts is a celebrity in the film with almost too many correct values and choices, but if you are not a sourpuss, it will be impossible not to like it. (13/12/2015)

I'm not really craving British romantic comedies, but it's still better than American romantic comedies. Besides, I think Richard Curtis' scripts did give him something that now makes him an absolute British film genius, precisely because of the romantic movies that are always different. True, in the end, you will probably remember Rhys Ifans mostly from "Notting Hill," but sometimes that's enough. (24/01/2014)