Love Actually (2003)
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63% of critics liked it
(188 reviews) -
71% of users liked it
(30,179,616 ratings)
All of London is in love -- or longing to be -- in Four Weddings and a Funeral writer Richard Curtis' first directorial effort. Billed as "the ultimate romantic comedy," Love Actually involves more than a dozen main characters, each weaving his or her way into another's heart over the course of one… More All of London is in love -- or longing to be -- in Four Weddings and a Funeral writer Richard Curtis' first directorial effort. Billed as "the ultimate romantic comedy," Love Actually involves more than a dozen main characters, each weaving his or her way into another's heart over the course of one particularly eventful Christmas. The seemingly perfect wedding of Juliet (Keira Knightley) and Peter (Chiwetel Ejiofor) brings many of the principals together, including heartsick best man Mark (Andrew Lincoln), who harbors a very unrequited crush on Juliet. There's also recent widower Daniel (Liam Neeson), trying to help his lonely stepson Sam (Thomas Sangster) express his true feelings to a classmate. Across town, devoted working mother Karen (Emma Thompson) tries to rekindle the passion of her husband, Harry (Alan Rickman), who secretly pines for a young colleague of his. In the same office, the lonely Sarah (Laura Linney) not-so-secretly pines for a man just a few desks away (Rodrigo Santoro), who returns her affections but may not be able to dissuade her neuroses. Providing the unofficial soundtrack for all of the couples is an aging rocker (Bill Nighy) who just wants to cash in and get laid -- but even he might find a meaningful relationship in the most unlikely of places. A working print of Love Actually premiered at the 2003 Toronto International Film Festival. ~ Michael Hastings, Rovi
- Rating, Runtime
- R, 2 hr. 15 min.
- Directed By
- Richard Curtis
- Written By
- Richard Curtis
- Genres
- Comedy, Romance
- In Theaters
- Nov 7, 2003 Wide
- On DVD
- Apr 27, 2004
- Studio
- Universal Pictures
Critic Reviews
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J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader
This is cloying, deceitful, and more or less irresistible.
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Peter Rainer, New York Magazine
A highly engineered puffball.
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Andrew Sarris, New York Observer
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie until, in the end, it went somewhat bonkers with what amounted to a communal love fest on Christmas Eve.
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Stanley Kauffmann, New Republic
Whatever the actors are given to do they make so delightful -- or so delightfully moving -- that Love Actually wins out over its wobbles.
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Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper
... a terrific film.
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David Edelstein, Slate
It's terrific fun for an hour, but by the last of its 129 minutes you might find yourself going into insulin shock.
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Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Romantic and entertaining -- for older teens.
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Brian Orndorf, DVDTalk.com
Bombastic audience-hooting moments aside, Curtis has written his most accomplished film, finding the energy to direct the hell out of it as well. And it's even gloriously R-rated to boot.
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Felix Vasquez Jr., Cinema Crazed
Despite it's naivety, this is one of the most beautiful and heart warming movies to come around in years...
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Urban Cinefile Critics, Urban Cinefile
Loads of fun as long as your expectations aren't overly raised by the hype, the cast and the taglines.
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Thomas Peyser, Style Weekly (Richmond, VA)
Transfixed by the taboos of the...British class system, Curtis seems to think that nothing could be more erotic than the subordinate who fetches tea or dusts the crockery.
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Garth Franklin, Dark Horizons
For the cuddlers out there who like things a little too light and fluffy.
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Philip French, Observer [UK]
Disconcertingly lubricious.
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Kam Williams, Princeton Town Topics
Without ever sounding a false note, this endearing ensemble holiday flick manages to be nuttier than Notting Hill, more satisfying than Bridget Jones' Diary, and even more intricate than Four Weddings and a Funeral.
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Caroline Westbrook, Empire Magazine
It's a perfectly respectable debut for Curtis.
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Wesley Lovell, Oscar Guy
Plenty of entertainment in this well acted ensemble comedy that Robert Altman could easily have put his name on.
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, Time Out
This is an embarrassment, an overdrawn rom-com gone very wrong.
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Stina Chyn, Film Threat
The film lives up to its hype.
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Rebecca Murray, About.com
Curtis has created a joyful, entertaining date movie that'll leave you with a smile on your face and an almost irresistible urge to hug somebody.
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Ethan Alter, NYC Film Critic
This is definitely a case of a writer-turned-director that is too in love with his own script to make hard choices about what to keep and what to cut.
Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
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John M
An amazing ensemble pulls of a movie that if it were anyone else I prob would not like. I am a sucker for a good funny romantic movie and this one had everything. Incredible acting makes this a winner. -
familiar s
This multi-storied rom-com-drama isn't constructed well enough for thorough entertainment. Tolerable enough, there's not much to savor in this drag of a flick to recommend it. Skip Factually. -
Sophie B
A christmas time staple that may not be perfect but is a fantastic and enjoyable British film with many laughs from its all star cast. -
Everett J
"Love Actually" is my second favorite movie of all time. I absolutely adore this film. It's the perfect romantic comedy. It's funny, sad, raunchy, romantic,fun, it's everything you could want in a movie really. The cast is amazing! Liam Neeson, Kiera… More
"Love Actually" is my second favorite movie of all time. I absolutely adore this film. It's the perfect romantic comedy. It's funny, sad, raunchy, romantic,fun, it's everything you could want in a movie really. The cast is amazing! Liam Neeson, Kiera Knightly, Bill Nighy, Andrew Lincoln, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Alan Rickman, and many more. It's about several people in England and how love affects them leading up to Christmas. A best man in love with the bride, a woman who's husband is cheating, a man left with his step son after his wife dies. Hell even the new prime minister finds love. There are many different stories, and I love how they all weave together. Plus Billy Mack may be the coolest character ever in a movie. I'm also convinced that Colin Frissell is based off of me(only British), because I'm a god of sex:-p If you have never seen this movie, RUN and get a copy. It's a perfect Christmas movie for adults(lots of cussing and some nudity, so not for the kiddos). I try to watch this every year around Christmas time, and I love it more and more each passing year. -
moon r
Chock full of popular songs here is a a Christmas card from England to us all ... or at least it feels like that. And it feels good. And so, in time for the season and lest I forget, a very Merry Christmas to everyone. God bless us all ... everyone. -
Cassie H
Just a fantastic and wonderful movie. The bonds and connections between characters were just great! A great love story :) Another one of my absolute favorite movie to watch at Christmas :) :) :) :) :) :) Love the various story lines! (: -
Drake T
An irresistibly sweet and charming series of formulaic love stories in a mosaic of storytelling. There's nothing particularly outstanding about the writing or the romances but I guess that's not the point. The point is, it's overwhelmingly warm and fuzzy despite how… More
An irresistibly sweet and charming series of formulaic love stories in a mosaic of storytelling. There's nothing particularly outstanding about the writing or the romances but I guess that's not the point. The point is, it's overwhelmingly warm and fuzzy despite how often falls into a pit of contrive direction. That and there's one major saving grace, the cast! Absolutely brilliant, so much enthusiasm and passion thrown into this that it's really not worth the trouble to criticize :/ -
Adam M
Hugh Grant, as the new British Prime Minister, plays a stereotypically American spirit. Billy Bob Thornton is given the role of a U.S. President who is very like a satanic Brit and a politician from the pre-Victorian era. The American-British relationship has never been at a lower… More
Hugh Grant, as the new British Prime Minister, plays a stereotypically American spirit. Billy Bob Thornton is given the role of a U.S. President who is very like a satanic Brit and a politician from the pre-Victorian era. The American-British relationship has never been at a lower level, if the British people can fall head over heels for this. It's OK, don't worry: America gets fully appreciated for its sexy tarts. And English girls are represented by the beauty-virtue of Keira Knightley, whose wedding video looks like an audition tape to be the next Noxzema girl. Most of this movie could earn the title "Love Counterfactually," so don't let anyone say that the Brits can't outdo Hollywood. Of all the story lines in this wish-fufillment fantasia, Liam Neeson's is the worst, for using Liam throughout the whole spectrum of emotional manipulations, from righteous widowhood to perfect stepfather to Claudia-Schiffer fucker. As a Brit paean to love, it doesn't get much better than greeting-card poetasty. But the structure is an interesting, successful experiment with the big-budget ensemble picture, and there are a few good performances in addition to some good lines. Hugh Grant and Bill Nigby are funny and Colin Firth is endearing, actually. -
Bethany M
One of my all time favourite films. A brilliant cast and a truly remarkable love story. The sense of humour and hilarity is also what makes this film so beautiful. -
Summer W
I adore this film. It shows the many different aspects of love, and not every scenario has a happy ending. Touching and fun. -
Lucas M
Love Actually, almost is just more one boring and sentimental romantic comedy by Richard Curtis. This changes, and with the time, the audience start to see a sweet film that brings a lot of good storys of love and a flew laughs with the comic cast. -
Emily A
*sigh* What the hell is wrong with everyone? Why am I the only one who doesn't mistake this movie for something charming and genuine? Call me a cynic, but this movie is not a story of love; it's a series of vignettes about infatuation, all of which are most likely doomed to… More
*sigh* What the hell is wrong with everyone? Why am I the only one who doesn't mistake this movie for something charming and genuine? Call me a cynic, but this movie is not a story of love; it's a series of vignettes about infatuation, all of which are most likely doomed to failure. You know, I wanted to like this movie, I really did. My boyfriend described it to me, it sounded engaging and I really did give it a chance. It was about 40 minutes before I realized that there was no chance of me enjoying this movie at all. After an hour, I had broken up with my boyfriend three times in my mind. There are two love stories in this film that I connected with in even the most cursory way: Bill Nighy's lonely rock star and the two body double actors who met on a movie set. These are the two exchanges that are given the least amount of screen time. Apart from that, I wouldn't have cared if everyone at the Christmas pageant had died of a carbon monoxide leak in the building. Everyone is petty, nobody understands each other and every character seems to drift through this movie alone and miserable. Everyone is so distant that I would never even have realized that Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman were supposed to be a married couple if I hadn't asked. Can people just not talk to each other in England? Is there something I'm missing? What's worse is that it's all underscored by an insipidly emotionally manipulative score that I resent to no end. I don't mind movies that make me cry, but why are you TRYING to make me cry in such a transparent, cynical and hackneyed way? Fuck you, Love, Actually. And fuck you for succeeding. If you're tying to be fluffy escapist drivel, you have to at least complete the fantasy by hooking up the characters that most deserve it. No dice. Ugh, this movie is so bad, it made me angry. -
Cassandra M
This was a most intriguing film. There are of course other reviews of it here, but the one common theme that seems to exist in all reviews is the simple fact that you can never please all the people all of the time. For myself I loved the film and the way that all the stories were… More
This was a most intriguing film. There are of course other reviews of it here, but the one common theme that seems to exist in all reviews is the simple fact that you can never please all the people all of the time. For myself I loved the film and the way that all the stories were intertwined. You could spend ages just trying to work out where the various connections between the story lines actually were. But there were two very special moments for me in this film. One was where Mark (Andrew Lincoln) finally told Juliet(Keira Knightley ) how he REALLY felt about her, through the medium of the messages on the cards, (surely many of us have experienced that sort of unrequited love), the other was the brilliant brief speech given by the Prime Minister (Hugh Grant) to the press conference at which the American President was present. (Both of these appear as quotes elsewhere on this site.) I felt that it was a very brave move on the part of the writer (Richard Curtis) to allow the Prime Minister in the film to state what so many ordinary British people are feeling about America and its politics right now. I also feel that we, the British, are finally beginning to move away from under the Hollywood shadow, and are starting once again to produce some really excellent films of our own. And for me, this film just underlines this fact. May this trend continue. -
Manu G
Saw it again!!! Great Movie!!! Loved the stories in each equal way and the phrase "To me you're perfect" will forever be imprinted with me. Everywhere you look, love is causing chaos. From the bachelor Prime Minister of the United Kingdom who on his first day at 10… More
Saw it again!!! Great Movie!!! Loved the stories in each equal way and the phrase "To me you're perfect" will forever be imprinted with me. Everywhere you look, love is causing chaos. From the bachelor Prime Minister of the United Kingdom who on his first day at 10 Downing Street, falls in love with the girl who brings him his tea, to a hopeless sandwich delivery guy who doesn't think he has a chance with the girls in the U.K., so he heads for Wisconsin. From aging rock stars, to a stony headmistress, to a monolingual Portuguese housemaid love arrives in many forms, shapes and sizes. Here, ten separate but intertwining stories of love all lead up to a big climax on Christmas Eve, proving that love is the driving force in all of these people's lives. -
Richard C
This is the very definition of a cliche, predictable romantic comedy. I'm really suprised by all the good reviews by people and by critics. This movie sucks. I called everything that happened which is normal for these kind of movies. I hate romantic comedies and this is no… More
This is the very definition of a cliche, predictable romantic comedy. I'm really suprised by all the good reviews by people and by critics. This movie sucks. I called everything that happened which is normal for these kind of movies. I hate romantic comedies and this is no exeception. I actually was starting to enjoy the movie about half way through but then the last 20 minutes just ruined it. If you want a good romantic comedy, watch 500 Days of Summer. Grade: C- -
Fernando Rafael Q
Although its plot is clichéd and often preposterous, Love Actually is such enjoyable holiday fare that what we would normally see as flaws, actually make the experience a little more fun. Unbelievably charming, expectedly funny and surprisingly touching, Love Actually is a great… More
Although its plot is clichéd and often preposterous, Love Actually is such enjoyable holiday fare that what we would normally see as flaws, actually make the experience a little more fun. Unbelievably charming, expectedly funny and surprisingly touching, Love Actually is a great romantic comedy that just happens to be set during the holidays. The eclectic soundtrack blends traditional Christmas songs and British hits, both of which go perfect with the film's predominantly light tone. The ensemble cast is a "who's who" of Britain's stars, where Emma Thompson, Martine McCutcheon, Liam Neeson, Thomas Sangster, Bill Nighy and (American) Laura Linney stand out. -
Spencer S
''Hiya kids. Here is an important message from your Uncle Bill. Don't buy drugs. Become a pop star, and they give you them for free." Some really great performances from the UKs premier actors, but it was very sappy. One can only deal with so much fluff before… More
''Hiya kids. Here is an important message from your Uncle Bill. Don't buy drugs. Become a pop star, and they give you them for free." Some really great performances from the UKs premier actors, but it was very sappy. One can only deal with so much fluff before it becomes another chick flick. -
erika b
there was too much going on -
Dead A
Watching Professor Snape falling for a young woman is something right? <a href='http://www.thescubasite.com' title='http://www.thescubasite.com'><img src='http://forum.thescubasite.com/animated/anim_64.gif'… More
Watching Professor Snape falling for a young woman is something right? <a href='http://www.thescubasite.com' title='http://www.thescubasite.com'><img src='http://forum.thescubasite.com/animated/anim_64.gif' alt='http://www.thescubasite.com' border='0'></a> Speaking of reality, this is what life is. It reflects people's life so well. The starting was boring. I thought I just got another movie to inspire myself to die. But I was pleasantly wrong. This movie was absolutely heart touching. I've never thought or noticed what happens in the airport. There was some good laughs in it. And also eye watering moments. Life can be weird and complicated. So is love. -
Jennifer D
Was forced to watch this sappy thing. Not overly sappy, but hey. It's a Christmas romance movie, what can you expect?
Cast
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Alan Rickmanas Harry -
Bill Nighyas Billy Mack -
Colin Firthas Jamie
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Emma Thompsonas Karen -
Hugh Grantas The Prime Minister -
Laura Linneyas Sarah
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Liam Neesonas Daniel -
Martine McCutcheonas Natalie -
Keira Knightleyas Juliet
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Rowan Atkinsonas Rufus -
Andrew Lincolnas Mark -
Billy Bob Thorntonas President of the United States of America
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Joanna Pageas Just Judy -
Kris Marshallas Colin Frissell -
Lúcia Monizas Aurelia
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Martin Freemanas John -
Thomas Sangsteras Sam -
Heike Makatschas Mia
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Chiwetel Ejioforas Peter -
Rodrigo Santoroas Karl -
Claudia Schifferas Carol
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Gregor Fisheras Joe -
Olivia Olsonas Joanna Anderson -
Abdul Salisas Tony
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Shannon Elizabethas Harriet The Sexy One -
Denise Richardsas Carla The Real Friendly One -
Sienna Guilloryas Jamie's Girlfriend
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Sheila Allenas Jamie's Mum -
Brian Bovellas Radio Watford DJ -
Edward Hardwickeas Sam's Grandfather
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Paul Heasmanas Airport Guard -
Peter Marinkeras US Expert -
Margery Masonas Harris Street Old Lady
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Arturo Venegasas Mr. Anderson -
Michael Parkinsonas Parky -
Bill Moodyas Natalie's Dad
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Elizabeth Margonias Eleonore -
Sarah Atkinsonas Billy's Video Vixen -
Gillian Bargeas Cabinet Minister
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Gemma Astonas Family Mourner -
Nicola McRoyas Cabinet Minister -
Elisha Cuthbertas Carol-Anne American Goddess
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Margus Tuulingas Billy's Video Vixen -
Ivana Milicevicas Stacey American Dreamgirl -
Caroline Johnas Sam's Grandmother
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January Jonesas Jeannie American Angel -
Colin Coullas PM's Bodyguard Gavin -
Declan Donnellyas Dec
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Ant McPartlinas Ant -
Jamie Edgellas Airport Guard -
Tony Luckenas Airport Guard
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Adam Godleyas Mr. Trench -
Emma Buckleyas Jamie's Sister -
Adrian Preateras Family Mourner
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Julia Davisas Nancy The Caterer -
Frank Mooreyas Terence Who's In Charge -
Nina Sosanyaas Annie
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Shaughan Seymouras Movie Cameraman -
John Sharianas Wisconsin Taxi Driver -
Raul Atalaiaas Restaurant Proprietor
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Joanna Baconas Natalie's Mum -
Katharine Baileyas Harris Street Little Girl -
Clare Bennettas Billy's Video Vixen
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Ines Boughanmias Language Student -
Tiffany Boysellas Her Friends -
Marcus Brigstockeas Mikey DJ Interviewer
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Wes Buttersas Radio 1 Chart Show DJ -
Billy Campbellas Natalie's Octopus Brother Keith -
Carol Careyas Natalie's Replacement
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Keir Charlesas Press Conference Reporter -
Glenn Conroyas Barman -
Helder Costaas Mr. Barros
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Patrick Delaneyas Tommy Carol's Son -
Catia Duarteas Language Student -
Dave Fisheras Airport Guard
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Georgia Flintas Her Friends -
Dan Fredenburghas Jamie's Bad Brother -
Jill Freudas Pat The Housekeeper
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Amanda Garwoodas Backing-Singer Teacher -
Kate Glover (III)as Cabinet Minister -
Lyndon David Hallas The Wedding Singer
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Matt Harveyas Family Mourner -
Tim Hatwellas Vicar -
Sarah Hollandas Billy's Video Vixen
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Stewart Howsonas Airport Gate Man -
Wyllie Longmoreas Jeremy -
Rory MacGregoras Engineer
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Sarah McDougallas Receptionist -
Vicki Murdochas Billy's Video Vixen -
Helen Murtonas Funeral Priest
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Ciaran O'Driscollas Hospital Patient -
Meredith Ostromas Billy's Video Vixen -
Lulu Popplewellas Daisy Her Daughter
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Katherine Poultonas Billy's Video Vixen -
Terry Reeceas PM's Chauffeur Terry -
Laura Reesas Record Company Executive
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Kate Bowes Rennaas Cabinet Minister -
Doraly Rosenas Press Conference Reporter -
Junior Simpsonas Wedding DJ
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Paul Slackas John's Brother -
Nancy Sorrellas Greta -
Joanna Thawas Family Mourner
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The Big Blueas Church Musicians -
Ruby Turneras Mrs. Jean Anderson -
Nat Udomas Language Student
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Igor Urdenkoas Language Student -
Carla Vasconcelosas Sophia Barros -
William Wadhamas Bernie Karen's Son
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Jo Whileyas Radio DJ -
Richard Wills-Cottonas Cabinet Minister -
Jont Wittingtomas Guitarist
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Yuk Sim Yauas Language Student -
Richard Hawleyas Alex Deputy Prime Minister -
Michael Fitzgeraldas Michael Sarah's Brother
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Alan Barnesas Movie Director -
Megan Owenas PM's Secretary



