Recently, I watched a movie called Notting Hill.
I must say that I am very picky when it comes to movies in general. Sometimes, it’s quite hard to find a movie that I truly enjoy. I thought to myself, why not give Notting Hill a try?
Previously, I watched La La Land to see what the fuss was all about. It immediately became one of my favourite movies – despite the musical genre being my least favourite.
Notting Hill, a movie that came out in 1999, is a romantic comedy. The two main characters are William and Anna, played by Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, respectively.
This movie tells the story of William, a British bookseller, who meets and falls in love with Anna, a high-profile American actress.
However, their relationship goes through many problems due to their different social status. The movie starts by introducing William, who works at a bookstore in Notting Hill, in West London, England.
The bookstore doesn’t get that many customers as it only sells travel books and not novels. One day, William goes to work thinking it will be just like any other day. But, it’s a day that will change his life forever.
He meets a girl named Anna. Later, he accidentally spills coffee on her. He brings her back to his place to let her change her clothes.
In one particular scene, before she leaves, William says: “It was nice to meet you; surreal but nice.” I find that cute.
Three days later, William meets Anna at her hotel. It is a short meeting, as she has several interviews lined up with journalists. Nonetheless, William is happy that he got to see her.
One of the most memorable scenes and settings in the movie is when William takes Anna to his friend’s house for dinner.
The script and direction of this scene allow the viewers to empathise with William – letting viewers experience what it would be like for one to bring a celebrity to a ‘personal’ event.
I believe it is this that allows viewers to relate to William’s experience better and is the reason why so many love this movie.
My other favourite scene is when William finds out that Anna has a boyfriend. They separate for several months but William still loves her.
I like this scene because it shows how one can be selfless in the name of love. It is about realising there’s someone out there who still cares for you, even if you don’t think of that person.
Is Notting Hill worth the hype? Yes!
I’m really blessed to be able to watch a movie like this. I can’t think of anyone else who could play the leads as well as Roberts and Grant.
I may be younger than the movie, but it’s one I highly recommend.
This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of Twentytwo13.
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