Things I Used to Love: Love Actually

My Love Actually poster. I got it when I worked at a video store in college and it's graced every home I've had since.

Since there's one Thursday left before Christmas, I have a final holiday throwback for you: Love Actually. I have to say, right out of the gate, that I still absolutely love this movie. I'm not really a fan of most traditional romantic movies: they're unrealistic, or they reinforce gender stereotypes I don't agree with (I submit Exhibit A for your consideration). And don't get me started on movies based on Nicholas Sparks books. But not only is Love Actually one of my favorite Christmas movies, it's one of my favorite movies OF ALL TIME. Top three, for sure. Something about it really struck a chord with me, so it’s easy for me to overlook any rom-com cheesiness involved.

The voiceover that opens the movie really sets the tone for the whole film. I loved the quote so much, I printed it on all of my Valentines the following February (I used to be BIG into Valentine's Day, but that's a story for another time):

"Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there – fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge – they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspicion that you'll find love actually is all around."

The movie follows the lives of several Londoners in the weeks leading up to Christmas. We have the more traditional, grand-gesture love stories: The Prime Minister (Hugh Grant), who develops a crush on his catering manager, Natalie (Martine McCutcheon). Jamie (Colin Firth), who harbors strong feelings for his housekeeper (Lucia Moniz) despite a language barrier. Or Mark (Andrew Lincoln), who has a complicated relationship with his best friend's new wife (Keira Knightley). But I really enjoy the quieter, everyday relationships: Jack (Martin Freeman) and Judy (Joanna Page), who start dating after working as (naked) stand-ins on a movie together. Or the aging rock star (Bill Nighy), who comes to realize the important role his manager (Gregor Fisher) has played in his life. I also like the familial relationships, particularly between Daniel (Liam Neeson) and his stepson, Sam (Thomas Brodie-Sangster), who charter a new course after losing their wife/mother.

I first saw Love Actually in December 2003 (a decade ago?!? Eesh). I had just finished my first semester at CU and decided to treat myself to a solo movie to relax after finals. I have a clear memory of driving home afterward: it was around midnight, snow was falling, and the world looked so peaceful. I felt revitalized and inspired to tell/show people how important they were to me. Since then, I make a point to watch it at least once a year, particularly around the holidays, and it always has the same heart-melting effect. Thus, I feel it more than earns its tagline of "the ultimate romantic comedy," particularly given that one definition of romantic is "inclined toward or suggestive of the feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love." It's not just about the guy getting the girl in the end, it's about being excited about possibility and investing in the important relationships in your life.

The film is not for everyone. I'll never forget sitting at Christmas Eve dinner and listening to my grandma call it "the best porn [she's] ever seen." I was horrified and tried to argue its virtues to her to no avail. And when a girl in my journalism classed called it a trainwreck, my only retort was: “But love ACTUALLY IS all around!” I don’t think I changed her mind, either. There's also plenty of online backlash, but I know better than to argue via online comments so I will just say haters gonna hate and let that one go. But in my eyes, Love Actually is about embracing love in all of its forms, and I really can't find fault with that.