essential christmas movie: love actually

We have all seen this movie. I saw it on a plane and it was edited and I STILL thought it was strange. Then sometime in adulthood I developed a love for it. It's full of Britain's best, so lets break them down. It's the only way to fully understand why this is their greatest cinematic achievement.



Alan Rickman - Harry
What else he's from: Die Hard, all of the Harry Potter movies, Galaxy Quest and that one King of the Hill episode when they go to the Renaissance Faire.
Why this is his best role: He's kind of a dick in this, but he is also kind of a dick in Die Hard and Harry Potter (well, until the end SPOILER). He is amazing in this movie if for no other reason than his facial expressions. He also has a willingness to help people in his office, but not help his wife.
And he says: "Are you going to dip it in yogurt? Cover it in chocolate buttoms?"

Emma Thompson - Karen
What else she's from: Sense and Sensibility, lots of the Harry Potters, Nanny McPhee, Saving Mr. Banks.
Why this is her best role: It's just sad to see how her brother is always putting her on the back burner being the Prime Minister and all, and her friend's wife just dying and then her husband is hitting on the office wench. And she keeps it all together and makes the papier mache lobster that is needed for the Christmas play.
And she says: "Now which doll should we give Daisy's little friend Emily, the one that looks like a transvestite or the one that looks like a dominatrix?"



Liam Neeson - Daniel
What else he's from: Taken and Taken 2 and all future Taken sequels, Schindler's List, Batman Begins, Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace.
Why this is his best role: There isn't a terrible sequel? The way he plays the sweetest step-dad in the entire world to Sam, letting him watch Titanic all the time and supporting his new lot in life playing drums, and also honoring his late wife's wishes of the Bay City Rollers sending her off at her funeral. That's love.
And he says: "We need Kate and we need Leo and we need them now."

Thomas Sangster - Sam
What else he's from: Phineas and Ferb, Game of Thrones and the upcoming The Maze Runner.
Why this is his best role: Super adorable, and he loves love. He's really mature for his age and isn't afraid to say things like "shit" in front of his step-dad because he means business.
And he says: Not exactly a quote, but the sign hanging on his bedroom door while he practices the drums reads "Rhythm is Life" and it's a good motto I would like to adopt.



Hugh Grant - Prime Minister David
What else he's from: Every rom-com you can think of (Notting Hill, Music & Lyrics, About a Boy, Bridget Jones's Diary).
Why this is his best role: He is kind of a doofus until he shows President Billy Bob Thorton who is boss. First off, in what world is Billy Bob a President, seriously? Secondly, he forgot Doctor Who when he mentioned cool heroes of Britain and third, he can love a girl with thighs the size of tree trunks (obviously I am kidding) and he isn't afraid to squish in with her and an octopus on the way to the Christmas play.
And he says: "Who do you have to screw around here to get a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit?" Oh, and he dances.



Bill Nighy - Billy Mack
What else he's from: A few Harry Potter movies, an episode of Doctor Who, The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy.
Why this is his best role: Besides having one of the most beloved Christmas songs since it's release, he isn't afraid to be real and in the end realizes his fat manager Joe is all he needs.
And he says: "Don't buy drugs...become a pop star and they give you them for free!"



Colin Firth - Jamie
What else he's from: Every British period pieces and rom-coms (Pride and Prejudice, Bridget Jones's Diary, The King's Speech).
Why this is his best role: He goes out of his way to learn a new language for the woman he loves. And does a really terrible job, but think about it, girl was cheating on him with his brother!
And he says: Well he doesn't say but his family says, "WE HATE UNCLE JAMIE."



Kiera Knightley - Juliet
What else she's from: Bend It Like Beckham, Pirates of the Caribbean, Pride and Prejudice.
Why this is her best role: She seems quite real in this and really wants her husbands bff to like her. Turns out he likes her. He's in love with her. And you know what? She kissed him after he declared his love and some may say that's wrong but I think it's perfect.
And she says: "All I need is one shot of me in a wedding gown that isn't bright turquoise."

Andrew Lincoln - Mark
What else he's from: He's a southerner on The Walking Dead!
Why this is his best role: He isn't fighting zombies and seeing ghosts. He's crippled by being in love with his bff's woman. That's tougher than zombies, man.
And he says: "To me you are perfect."



Laura Linney - Sarah
What else she's from: The Big C, The Truman Show.
Why this is her best role: She spends the moving pining after a dude she's lusted after for years (as pointed out by her boss) and once she gets him she ditches him for her mentally ill brother. I get it, it's family but girl you can have both.
And she says: "Do you love him?"



Martin Freeman - John
What else he's from: The Hobbit, Sherlock.
Why this is his best role: PORN.
And he says: "Total gridlock."



Kris Marshall - Colin Frissel
What else he's from: Death at a Funeral
Why this is his best role: Because he is Colin, God of Sex. And he has some balls to go to to American on his own and hook up with hot ladies.
And he says: "...to a fantastic place called Wisconsin."