Why was Four Weddings and a Funeral so popular?

[NeverendingR]

I saw this film only about 4 years ago and fair enough I absolutely loved it!! But I am doing an essay on why is was the most successful British movie on the American market. Does anyone know what made this film so popular or have any ideas or opinions? Any answered very much appreciated! :-)

[devilwoman]

i watched it on dvd that i borrowed from a friend and loved it so much i bought my own copy and have watched it dozens of time since, the reason for me is the gorgous hugh grant, he's so sexy, and very funny, especially when he says bugger and ****, i also have

mickley blues eyes

about a boy

nine months

love actually

both bridget jones

and notting hill

[Booldawg]

Hugh Grant is a bit of a one-trick pony as an actor. He always plays the awkward english upper-class fop and says 'gosh' far too much. OK, he's good at what he does but not very versatile as an actor. 4 weddings was a very 'twee' film and no doubt fitted the stereotype that most americans have of the english way of life.

[stoo_pid]

Booldawg has pretty well summed it up. In addition it was actually funny, it was very well marketed & it had an American in it.

[Pippa68]

And the first word uttered was 'F**K' !

I agree with Booldawg. It is packed with stereotypes..Hugh Grant played Hugh Grant tremendously ;o) but yes, it is a great film & I can watch it over & over.

[gleaveyweave]

For me, it's because it has a bit of everything, humour, romance, action and sadness (John Hannah's delivery of that poem at his partners funeral is sooooo moving!). I love the film and have also watched it many times, it's a non-thinky film, you can watch it anytime, you can go and make a cuppa without needing to pause it and still catch up easily and it doesn't give you a headache trying to work out whats going on!
Shame about the last line though "is it raining? I hadn't noticed" toooooo cheesy, bloody yanks lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Pippa68]

Andie McDowell was the worst thing about that film, IMO!

[stoo_pid]

That line "Is it raining? I hadn't noticed" still gives me nightmares. The single worst moment in cinema history. Andie MacDowell actually somehow managed to make a terrible line of dialogue even worse!

[unruliejulie]

Its just so typically british (in americas eyes) so thats probably the appeal I prefered it, as i do many of the British films, with each viewing. Didn't like it the first time round, same as The full monty.

[mike b]

Apparently, in Hungary, where they enjoy being depressive, it was billed as 'Four weddings and a FUNERAL!'...

[NeverendingR]

hahaha Pippa68 loved that. Hugh Grant did indeed play himself pretty well. hehe