What do the movies Die Hard and Love Actually have in common? Well, they both star the late great Alan Rickman, and they are both Christmas movies. However, unlike Die Hard, this movie will leave you with a warm feeling after watching it (unless, of course, Die Hard does that sort of thing for you). The film was released in 2003 and was written and directed by Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill). Starring an ensemble cast consisting of, among others, Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, and Colin Firth, this wonderfully delightful comedy will tug at your heartstrings and become your new holiday favourite, just as it has become mine. 

This holiday movie takes place over the five weeks leading up to Christmas and consists of 10 stories that are somehow connected in various ways, telling different tales of love. These multiple tales of love consist of the different types of love and the impact the holiday season has on them. While it is a Christmas movie, it should be noted that it is not suitable for children as it indulges in adult themes.

The film begins with a narration by Hugh Grant (who portrays the Prime Minister of the U.K. in the film). He talks about the times where he feels gloomy about the state of the world and explains what he thinks of to cheer himself up. This beautiful anecdote is told over a montage of people arriving at Heathrow Airport. Viewers are then introduced to the hilarious Billy Mack (Bill Nighy), a legendary rock and roll musician who is attempting to create a Christmas version of the famous song Love is all Around by The Troggs.

From that point on, the movie introduces various characters that are each dealing with the themes of love and the holidays in their own unique stories. Throughout the film, viewers are shown how some of the characters from one story might have a connection with characters from another. The various characters in the movie are wonderfully portrayed by the numerous performers who each manage to bring their character to life. Some characters you will love, some you might end up hating. But in the end, you will laugh, cry, and cheer for the various characters and the stories they are participating in.

The following video is a clip to show just how much fun can be had by watching this wonderful film.

What makes this the perfect Christmas movie is that its various stories can fill the needs of several viewers at once with these beautiful and different stories. But, of course, what makes this ideal movie even more entertaining, is a fun cameo with the appearance of none other than Mr. Bean himself, Rowan Atkinson as a salesman who loves to go the extra mile for his clients. This movie will also give you the intriguing revelation that at the birth of Jesus, there was not one, but at least two lobsters who showed up. So, if you’re looking for a good Christmas movie to enjoy this holiday season, either by yourself, your loved ones or even with a few friends, then I highly recommend this delightful holiday treat to keep you warm on a cold winter’s night.

If you’ve already seen the movie, and want to know what happened to some of the characters, here is a short film called Red Nose Day Actually. The short film was once again written and directed by Richard Curtis and shows the return of some of the cast. It was released as part of the Red Nose Day 2017 fundraiser.

Philippe MacDonald

Philippe MacDonald is a second-year Professional Writing student. He enjoys food (both cooking and eating), watching movies and television, reading, spending time with his friends and family and gets easily distrac… ooh, red ball…ted.

Quotes about Philippe

Mother: “He’s my favourite son.”
Complete stranger: “Who?”
Annie the cat: just stares blankly