This romantic comedy film is set in Notting Hill, London. The premise is pure fantasy and the charm of humor and wit has been entertainingly woven together to create the magic of love. The film has witty and intelligent dialogues, delivered by easy to like and glowing actors. It is a funny and touching story about love against all odds with endearing moments and memorable characters performing with grace and style and an effortless rapport.

In a role perfectly suiting his relaxed persona, Hugh Grant plays William Thacker who owns a travel book shop in Notting Hill. As luck could have it, he is visited by America’s most established and famous actress Anna Scott, while at work, and gets successful in striking a friendship with her which eventually grows into something deeper. Anna, played by Julia Roberts, is struck by his easy going and unfazed behavior towards her and develops admiration towards him. The film then moves to the narration of success of their falling in love against all odds.

The film successfully brings two entirely different personalities together. Anna plays the aggressive, sophisticated, agile and direct character as against the wary, shy, clumsy and understated character of William. Apart from the central ones, the peripheral characters have also delivered memorable comic performances. One of the interesting creations is that of the goofy character of Spike, William’s roommate. The characters of his sister and his friends are very interesting, especially the touching portrayal of love by the married couple.

There are many funny and mischievous sequences in the film including the dinner scene which displays the idiocy people exhibit in the presence of a celebrity. Another situation where William is mistaken for a member of the press and is made to take a series of interviews with funny and irrelevant spontaneous questions has been scripted smartly. A magical sequence has also been filmed with perfection where William walks down a Notting Hill street and the seasons change behind him from summer to rain to snow and eventually spring. The film also features one of the best songs by Ronan Keating “When you say nothing at all”.

The end seems slightly inconveniencing but the magical rapport between the actors effortlessly endears the audience and the spell cast leaves no option for a better suited ending. Although predictable, the conclusion leaves the audience mesmerized and captivated by the magic of love and is thoroughly likeable.