Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

User Rating:

7.1/10   

Director:

Mike Newell

Writer:

Richard Curtis (written by)

Release Date:

9 March 1994 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Romance | Drama

Tagline:

He's quite engaging. She's otherwise engaged.

Plot:

Comedy-drama about a group of British friends... the title says the rest.

Plot Keywords:

Friend | Wedding | Funeral | Hiding In Closet | Aristocracy

Awards:

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 23 wins & 14 nominations

Cast

Hugh Grant	...	Charles
James Fleet	...	Tom
Simon Callow	...	Gareth
John Hannah	...	Matthew
Kristin Scott Thomas	...	Fiona
David Bower	...	David
Charlotte Coleman	...	Scarlett
Andie MacDowell	...	Carrie
Timothy Walker	...	Angus the Groom - Wedding One
Sara Crowe	...	Laura the Bride - Wedding One
Ronald Herdman	...	Vicar - Wedding One
Elspet Gray	...	Laura's Mother - Wedding One
Philip Voss	...	Laura's Father - Wedding One
Rupert Vansittart	...	George the Boor at The Boatman - Wedding One
Nicola Walker	...	Frightful Folk Duo - Wedding One

MPAA:

Rated R for language, and for some sexuality.

Runtime:

117 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English | British Sign Language

Colour:

Colour (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Netherlands:6 | Canada:14 (Nova Scotia) | Canada:AA (Ontario) | Canada:G (Quebec) | Canada:PG (Manitoba) | Iceland:L | Brazil:14 | South Korea:15 | Singapore:NC-16 (re-rating) | Singapore:PG (original rating) (cut) | New Zealand:PG | Norway:11 (TV rating) | Argentina:16 | Australia:M | Chile:18 | Finland:K-10 | Germany:6 | Norway:10 | Peru:14 | Spain:13 | Sweden:7 | UK:15 | USA:R | France:U | Portugal:M/12 (original rating) | Portugal:M/6 (DVD rating)

Filming Locations:

Albury Park, Guildford, Surrey, England, UK

Company:

PolyGram Filmed Entertainment

Trivia:

Filming only took place during approx 35 days.

Goofs:

Continuity: The alarm clock rings at 9:15 but its face shows it is set to 9:45.

Quotes:

Carrie: I think we both missed a great opportunity here.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Ricky Gervais Live: Animals (2003) (V)

Soundtrack:

CHAPEL OF LOVE

Droll romantic comedy showcases Hugh Grant in his best role.

Richard Curtis, author of Rowan Atkinson's sublime Blackadder TV series, here contributes a romantic comedy screenplay which is actually romantic AND actually funny. American hacks should take note: it's possible to write comedy based on the battle of the sexes that doesn't rely on misogyny and gross-out humor.

Hugh Grant at his most charming leads a talented ensemble cast in this warm-hearted tale of unrequited and requited love that so impressed stodgy Academy voters it actually got a Best Picture nomination. I won't quibble with those who say it was undeserving -- although some of the other user comments are ridiculously hostile to such a lightweight romp -- but I will defend its makers for crafting a genuine crowd-pleaser that relies on story, character and witty dialogue for its appeal.

The essence of good romantic comedy is what Curtis and director Mike Newell capture particularly well in this film (more effectively than Curtis' other Grant hit, NOTTING HILL) and it's this: love makes us do stupid things. We err in choice, we blunder in execution, we make utter fools of ourselves, and yet we don't give up. We still strive. We still search for that perfect someone. And the glory is -- sometimes we get lucky.

Going along on this quest with Grant and friends is as enjoyable an entertainment as you're lucky to find in your local DVD section.