Love Actually

A Christmas movie gift in which everyone who has ever been in love at least once will find something for themselves, whether they’re 17 or 40, black or white, good looking or not so good looking. Four stars for the fact that I didn’t completely identify with absolutely all of the characters (which is natural) and a secret 20 stars for the one segment that left me petrified and speechless. And also for the overall good-heartedness and love that everyone involved put into making this film. (11/11/2003)

A wonderfully positive film, so necessary in these crazy times. Bill Nighy is an incredible showman, but I wouldn’t buy his CD, he sings awful :) (19/11/2006)

Those of you who would ever pay gold for just a pinch of good mood, I invite you all to pre-Christmas London. I have seen many performances and I can recite the lines by heart, but a while ago Curtis stole me away again, so I can't fully return to my thoughts. In Love Actually, everything is heavenly, and therefore there may be something that might not appeal to you. However, there is also so much amazingness in it that when I add up the shy guys, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth, the triumphant Bill Nighy, the unforgettable Keira Knightley, the discreet angel Rowan Atkinson, or the few seconds of magical cameo by Elisha Cuthbert, there is too much perfection in one movie. The best romantic comedy and one of my top 10. (18/07/2005)

In every genre category, I have a film that comes close to, or equals, perfection, simply a 100% film. Among romantic comedies, this spot is taken by Heavenly Love, and it must be said that it emerged as the clear winner. But yes, a nitpicker could argue that the screenwriter did not burden himself too much with logic - but since when is love logical? Top-notch cast, a number of funny moments, and an amazingly positive atmosphere. An ideal film for a romantic evening for two. Overall impression: 100%. (29/05/2007)

Why is this film a patchwork of so many separate stories connected by so many awkward transitions operating on a soap opera basis? Because individually, each of them is so feeble that they wouldn't even take it on Hallmark. (27/02/2009)

Truly one of the best and most cleverly written romantic comedies ever made. A typical Christmas film for the discerning viewer who has realised that, nostalgia notwithstanding, the bells have tolled for the classic fairytales and it’s time to move on. (05/11/2004)

After the third viewing I can say for sure that this film is simply perfect, both touching and funny, non-violent, unobtrusive and made with such love that the adjective heavenly is not nearly enough. It's exactly one of those amazing films that I'm fan of here on FilmBooster and that is guaranteed to lift my spirits anytime, anywhere with its Christmas atmosphere and a plethora of familiar faces. Whether it's Bill Nighy and his quirky rocker, the modest and cheerful Prime Minister Hugh Grant, the head-over-heels in love and shy Laura Linney or the traditionally magnificent crown in the form of Rowan Atkinson’s salesman, all of them and many others instantly grow close to the heart and for two hours become such a part of it that they leave a lasting impression. But the one who excels the most is Curtis, the director. All the stories are perfectly intertwined and you are not confused for a moment, on the contrary, you suddenly feel that the world is much simpler and more beautiful. The boundaries of kitsch are attacked by the premise itself, but the final result is so original and tastefully filmed that only the biggest nitpicker could reproach any sentiment or slight cliché. Simply a beautiful, wonderful spectacle whose magic cannot be expressed in words. (14/10/2011)

A well-cast hilarious British comedy. As it is a Christmas film, there’s a huge dose of romance, which is not to say it’s a bad thing. The film works really well as a whole. The only parts I didn't like were the Liam Neeson scenes, which tugged a little too much at the heartstrings. On the other hand, the characters played by Martin Freeman and Bill Nighy were excellent. " Don't buy drugs. Become a pop star and they give you them for free!" (01/07/2016)

"Heavenly Love" is a film that Garry Marshall attempted twice before with the films "Valentine's Day" and "New Year's Eve". He disappointed in both cases. Richard Curtis managed to do it on the first try, even though he had experience with romantic films, of course. Films like "Notting Hill" or "Bridget Jones's Diary" are not bad films. He only participated in them as a screenwriter. "Heavenly Love" was his directorial debut and it must be said that it was a brilliant debut. He managed to create a film composed of the fate of many characters, beautifully and logically connecting them, and I don't think he slipped into gratuitous squeezing of emotions at certain moments. Everything is so beautiful and naturally Christmassy. The fates of the characters are not indifferent to you, and even though they are often absurd, they are still beautiful. David, the new prime minister, would probably never say to the President of the United States what he thinks, and I can't imagine how conservative England would react if his girlfriend jumps after him when he is returning to his homeland. But isn't it beautiful? Aren't these encounters at airports the most beautiful thing that life brings? Or encounters in general? Zdeněk Svěrák said it beautifully in his "Empties". "I'm a welcoming type. That's a guy who likes to welcome his wife. However... in order to be able to welcome, there must first be parting." Reunions are beautiful moments in human lives, especially when the person you are reuniting with is someone you love. "Heavenly Love" is not a perfect film, only banalities are essentially discussed here, you could say, but they are beautiful banalities, ones that are part of our lives. And show me a film where there is a more beautiful and touching declaration of love, which is doomed to never be fulfilled from the beginning. More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2012/12/milk-az-vyjde-mesic-trhak-noc-v-muzeu-2.html (03/03/2013)

When the best possible mixture of romantic stories is combined with a perfect English sense of humor, the result is a movie that I can watch a hundred times over and never get tired of it. Love Actually is exactly this type of movie and I never fail to find the time to watch it during Christmas. An excellent combination of funny, touching or even slightly sad stories, with probably the best cast available in the UK at the time. I don't know anything better to set the Christmas mood. I always enjoy watching it because of its incredibly positive atmosphere. All the mini stories are so well-written. But let’s face of it, nothing will ever top Andrew Lincoln's "To me, you are perfect". (25/07/2012)