The Holiday

Nancy Meyers 2006 romance, ‘The Holiday’ is the sweet story of two women each at different crises in their lives. Iris Simpskins, played by Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet is a talented journalist who is still at the emotional mercy of her ex boyfriend, Jasper Bloom (Rufus Sewell). Characteristically embarrassing, she’s asked by the papers editor to do an exclusive on an upcoming internal marriage – no doubt her ex boyfriend and the woman he was cheating with. On the other side of a long flight to LA, Cameron Diaz’s character Amanda Woods is an independent woman who works in film advertising and is unable to cry. Her unloved boyfriend, also cheats – there is a distinct thread of male infidelity going through this plot – and is mercilessly kicked out of the house as Diaz promptly decides she needs a vacation. As the two women swap houses for the Christmas  Holiday, they no doubt find out the meaning of love, and find that special someone, each growing in their own way.

At first you expect it to play out to plan, and snuggle in for a fluffy story that makes you mildly pine for a boyfriend, but Meyers and her team of writers keep it interesting, and let it reach into that deeper part of you that evokes a soft moan. Winslet is a fabulous actress, not overplaying her role as she seeks to find ‘gumption’ and shows her kind spirit that in turn repays her as she befriends Arthur Abott, legendary Hollywood scriptwriter, and future friend. Jude Law back on home ground is also surprising in his role. Having not seen him act before, i wasn’t too impressed at the beginning. He plays a poor drunk, and moved far too quickly with Diaz’s character, i couldn’t help but let out a sigh of frustration. Yet the beautiful twist that Meyer’s gives Graham Simpkins, suddenly makes him a 3 dimensional character, that you wished lived down your street. Uncannily brown for winter, Law also managed to look gorgeously handsome, adjectives i had yet to associate him with.

Although both sides of the story are played out well, and the women’s characters developed and strengthened, it is Jack Black and Kate Winslet who steal the show.  Black plays the honest ‘one -woman-at-a-time-kinda-guy’ which is a welcome relief, and his crazy eyebrows, and fearless singing in public have you smiling and hoping, just a shadow of that persona might be found in a man you know. The characters healing journey is uplifting in the most subtle and delicate of ways, and brings out the inner fighter in you, as female and male audiences undoubtably fall in love with Jack Black and veteran Eli Wallach (Arthur Abbot).  Although both actresses are captivating, it’s Winslet and Black’s story that really seals the deal.

 

A movie worth cuddling up to and one that leaves you glowing with a smile that transcends your facial muscles. You’ll definitely have that inner gumption to wake up and be the leading lady in your own life.

Advertisement