Directed by Mike Newell, the 1994 British romantic comedy Four Weddings and a Funeral became an instant classic, marking the first major screenplay by Richard Curtis and kickstarting his successful partnership with the film's charming lead, Hugh Grant. Despite being filmed in a mere 36 days on a shoestring budget of around £3million, the cast and crew managed to create a film that didn't skimp on the glamour, as Andie MacDowell, the leading lady, reminisced to the Guardian in 2019: "We had a small budget but it didn't look cheap. Things actually felt luxurious and the locations were beautiful. We didn't do a lot of takes because we didn't have much time: the entire film was shot in just 36 days." Richard Curtis, when chatting with Deadline, revealed the quirky origins of the film: "I didn't think of Four Weddings as a romantic comedy at the time. It was inspired by a real incident when I met a very attractive girl at a wedding and failed to follow up on it, and also by the fact I had been to about 72 friends' weddings in recent years." The film follows the lovable Charles (played by Grant) and his eclectic group of mates (John Hannah, Simon Callow, Kristin Scott Thomas, Charlotte Coleman, and David Bower) through a series of social gatherings - precisely four weddings and a funeral - where they experience the full spectrum of love. The rom-com bagged BAFTAs for Best Film, Best Direction, and Best Actress in a Supporting Role (for Kristin Scott Thomas), catapulting Grant to stardom, especially stateside, reports the Express. In 2019, hearts melted when the cast reunited on Red Nose Day for a cheeky short sequel titled One Red Nose Day and a Wedding. If you fancy a cosy night in with this classic, it's currently streaming for free on BBC iPlayer, but be quick - it's only available until July 8. Critics have lavished praise on the film, which boasts a smashing 92 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. One reviewer gushed, "This is a glorious, entertaining, fast-moving, hilarious comedy, packed with great jokes, scattered like confetti and delivered by a cast who act their socks off." Another critic raved about its depth: "It is smart and ironic, perceptive and observant, witty and poignant, moving and sad, all at the same time. This is more than an accomplishment for a romantic comedy. This is a small miracle." Meanwhile, a third critic cheerfully noted: "This gem generates the kind of afterglow which puts you in a good mood just thinking about it (or writing about it)." Audiences have been captivated too, with viewers lauding it as the epitome of charm. One besotted fan wrote: "I loved this movie! It made me laugh so much, and even cry!". While another simply declared, "Few movies are as charming as this one. An all time classic." You can catch Four Weddings and a Funeral on BBC iPlayer for free right up until its July 8 cut-off date.