One of the first things I did when I got home for winter break was make myself a giant cup of hot chocolate, snuggle on the couch in front of my Christmas tree and watch the wonderful movie that is “Love Actually.” Despite the numerous critiques it has received, I still call this movie one of my favorites to watch during the holidays. It’s all about love and Christmas -- what’s so wrong about that? Here are the best scenes we all actually love.
1. Beginning -- and ending -- at Heathrow Airport
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The opening lines of “Love Actually” narrated by Hugh Grant include one of the best quotes: “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.” It coincides with real footage of families and loved ones reuniting at the airport, and honestly, what’s sweeter than that?
2. Sam calling his stepdad “Dad”
Sam’s story is the only one that has made me cry every time I watch this movie. When he feels accomplished after finding out his crush knows his name, and then gets an innocent kiss on the cheek from said crush, we all feel that rush of young love. His stepdad, Daniel, is supportive throughout Sam’s quest to get the girl, so at the end, when Sam calls him “Dad,” the tears are streaming down my face.
3. Karen’s handling of her husband’s affair
This is definitely the most heartbreaking situation, but in public, Karen manages to preserve her dignity in such a way that’s quite admirable. She keeps her family together for the sake of her children, despite being heartbroken because of her cheating husband. Ugh, who would want to marry Snape anyway?
4. Natalie, in general
I’m calling Natalie my favorite character because every scene she’s in is absolutely perfect. Her humor, quirkiness, and wrong timing with using curse words makes her so lovable. Even more perfect is the idea that “the fat girl” ends up with the prime minister. You go, girl!
5. Billy confessing his appreciation for his manager
From the beginning, Billy is known for his provocative sense of humor. His story is more focused on his love of being number one as opposed to having an actual relationship with anyone- besides the many women he sleeps with. When Billy chooses to leave a party to spend Christmas with his manager, he says it’s because he loves him. His realization to spend time with his good friend as opposed to getting drunk like he normally would is the most adorable moment between the two old friends.
6. THAT scene everyone talks about.
OK, this needs an explanation. Because this isn’t as terrible of a scene as everyone claims it to be. Mark does make an elaborate gesture in announcing his feelings to Juliet, but LISTEN: he has it written on the cards, “without hope or agenda.” And once he leaves, he says to himself, “Enough. Enough now.” It’s not creepy! He had no intentions of stealing Juliet from his best friend; he simply found a way to move on.
“Love Actually” is -- and always will be -- one of my favorites. Its theme of universal love is a celebration that everyone should enjoy watching. So now, make yourself a nice cup of hot chocolate and experience every scene of this great holiday movie.
