- Film Review
- Reviewed By David Parkinson
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5 out of 5
No one could have foreseen that this glorified sitcom would change the nature of British screen comedy. The tale of a foppish bachelor, his eccentric friends and their romantic escapades is extremely funny, charming, poignant and never anything less than hugely enjoyable. But it also struck a chord with British viewers tiring of alternative stand-up and with global audiences, thanks to its unique sense of understated, self-deprecating wit. Neatly structured and full of genuine warmth for its characters, Richard Curtis's Oscar-nominated screenplay is superbly observed and well served by Mike Newell's deft direction. But more important to the film's enduring appeal is the individuality of the performances. Simon Callow and the Bafta-winning Kristin Scott Thomas are outstanding alongside star Hugh Grant, who became an overnight sensation as the tousled serial ditherer haplessly pursuing his star-crossed passion for enigmatic American Andie MacDowell.
Plot Summary
Comedy starring Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell. Together with a group of his friends, 30-something Charles is regularly invited to weddings, but he wonders if he will ever be ready to tie the knot himself. Then, at a country marriage, he meets the beautiful but elusive Carrie, who seduces him that night and leaves him utterly bemused when she returns to America the following day.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Charles
- Hugh Grant
- Carrie
- Andie MacDowell
- Fiona
- Kristin Scott Thomas
- Tom
- James Fleet
- Gareth
- Simon Callow
- Matthew
- John Hannah
- David
- David Bower
- Scarlett
- Charlotte Coleman
- Hamish
- Corin Redgrave
- Father Gerald
- Rowan Atkinson
- Henrietta
- Anna Chancellor
- Angus
- Timothy Walker
- Laura
- Sara Crowe
- Vicar
- Ronald Herdman
- Laura's mother
- Elspet Gray
- Laura's father
- Philip Voss
- George
- Rupert Vansittart
- Member of frightful folk duo
- Nicola Walker
- Member of frightful folk duo
- Paul Stacey
- John with unfaithful wife
- Simon Kunz
- Serena
- Robin McCaffrey
- Waiter
- Michael Mears
- Mad old man
- Kenneth Griffith
- Bernard
- David Haig
- Lydia
- Sophie Thompson
- Master of ceremonies
- Donald Weedon
- Tea-tasting Alistair
- Nigel Hastings
- Vomiting Veronica
- Emily Morgan
- Naughty Nicki
- Amanda Mealing
- Lord Hibbott
- Robert Lang
- Sir John Delaney
- Jeremy Kemp
- Mrs Beaumont
- Rosalie Crutchley
Crew
- Director
- Mike Newell
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