Great Film: Love Actually
A deeply loving film rich in character
It has been a long time since I have seen a movie so rich in character
that I did not want it to end. Love Actually is not a love story, it is
a story about love. Love that reinvents itself, multiplies itself,
opens itself up, and even devastates.
I am sure the film has its critics who say it drips in buttery corn.
But when you are able to retreat inward and let it take you over, it is
impossible not to feel. It is a rare treat - a film that makes you
feel. During the process I was sad and happy and relieved. I was turned
on, turned off, dizzy and grounded.
I was in love one time and it reminded me of that. The power of cinema
can be that amazing, it can be that intense. The title of the movie is,
perhaps, meant to confuse. Yet I believe it is designed to ask. Love
Actually is ... what?
Is it lust? Or a deep appreciation of the past? Can it be conquered by
language or political barriers? Race? Infidelity? Age? Can it be all of
the above plus more? Maybe a mingling of several?
It is rare for a film of great acting to be married to a terrific
script. Yet it is something else for it to speak right to the audience;
not talk at them, not try to sell them a film. Let them experience the
film. Let it wash over them little by little until there is nothing
more of them left.
**** (A)
Cast
- Mia played by Heike Makatsch
- Peter played by Chiwetel Ejiofor
- Daniel played by Liam Neeson
- Just Judy played by Joanna Page
- Billy Mack played by Bill Nighy
- Joe played by Gregor Fisher
- Engineer played by Rory Macgregor
