Film4 is set to air the beloved romantic comedy Notting Hill on Christmas Day, a film often hailed as the blueprint for all rom-coms. Directed by Richard Curtis and starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, the 1999 classic tells the story of an unlikely romance between a British bookshop owner and a world-famous American actress.
The film features a stellar supporting cast including Rhys Ifans, Hugh Bonneville, Emma Chambers, Tim McInnerny and Gina McKee. It remains a favourite for its feel-good factor, nostalgia, and unforgettable quotes, such as the iconic line: 'I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love me.'
Notting Hill was a massive box office success, earning £31 million in the UK alone and becoming the highest-grossing British film at the time. It also won a BRIT Award for its soundtrack, which includes hits like Ronan Keating's 'When You Say Nothing At All', Elvis Costello's 'She', and Bill Withers' 'Ain't No Sunshine'.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an impressive 84% rating. Critics have praised its charm, humour, and the natural chemistry between Grant and Roberts. One reviewer described it as 'charming, feel-good romantic comedy that still holds up', while another called it 'expertly written and brilliantly directed', suggesting it should serve as a model for all love stories.
