Director
Richard Curtis
Leading Actors/Actresses
Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Bill Nighy
Supporting Actors/Actresses
Liam Neeson, Laura Linney, Alan Rickman
Genre
Romance/Comedy
Language
English
Awards
BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Bill Nighy
Date of Release
November 21, 2003
Producer
Tim Bevan, Duncan Kenworthy, Eric Fellner, Debra Hayward, Liza Chasin
Setting and Context
England/France/Portugal/USA
Narrator and Point of View
In the film we see many points of view, as it is a compilation of different stories
Tone and Mood
The tone of the film is very light-hearted and romantic, set in the holiday season where everyone is happy and jolly. It is also sentimental and somber at moments.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Major Conflict
The major conflict is that all of the characters are seeking connection in the holiday season, some with more ease than others.
Climax
At the end of the film, Sam runs to tell Joanna that he loves her at the airport.
Foreshadowing
Harry's flirting with Mia foreshadows their potential affair.
Understatement
Mark's confession of love is somewhat understated, as is the fact that Natalie gets sexually harassed by the American president.
Innovations in Filming or Lighting or Camera Techniques
Allusions
Allusions to Joni Mitchell's career and to the nativity.
Paradox
Parallelism
Parallels are drawn within nearly every plot in the film. Each character is trying to achieve something romantically, whether it is finding someone new or confessing their love to someone. All the plots are interpolated with one another.
