The Holiday, starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black, is a festive favourite with loyal viewers who say it’s a ‘classic’ that ‘never gets old’
If you’re not feeling the Christmas spirit yet, that’s about to change – as a festive film dubbed the “best ever” is hitting the TV tonight.
Premiered back in 2006, this “heartwarming” rom-com boasting an all-star cast of A-listers will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year. Yet, viewers continue to shower it with praise, labelling it as “timeless”, a “classic” and something that “never gets old”. The film in question is none other than The Holiday, which, it’s fair to say, has been more warmly received by audiences than by the grinch-like critics whose lack of Christmas cheer clearly rivalled Ebeneezer Scrooge pre-ghostly visits.
It tells the tale of two women, an American (Cameron Diaz) and a Brit (Kate Winslet), who on a whim decide to swap homes over the Christmas period following bitter breakups with their respective boyfriends.
Both end up finding love in their temporary locales. In the idyllic English countryside, Diaz’s character encounters her home swapper’s brother (Jude Law), while across the pond, Winslet’s character falls for a kind-hearted Hollywood film composer (Jack Black), reports the Mirror.
As if that isn’t charming enough, the film also features an elderly legendary Hollywood screenwriter (Eli Wallach) who befriends Winslet’s character after she moves in next door.
Encapsulating the dilemma of every holiday romance, when it’s time to return home, the four smitten individuals each face a heart-wrenching decision – should they stay or should they go?
Overall, The Holiday remains a massive Christmas favourite amongst audiences, both longstanding fans and newcomers alike.
Despite receiving a rather lukewarm 51% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, viewers reckon the experts have got this one completely wrong. One fan gushed: “My most absolute favourite Christmas movie! Best cast, great story line. Sweet and heartwarming. Never gets old any year I watch it!”
Another enthused: “It’s one of the best Romantic Christmas movies. I loved the cast and just watching Jude Law it’s worth your time.”
Someone else declared: “It’s absolutely one of the best movies ever made and I say that every time I see it. And I watch A LOT of movies.”
Penned and helmed by Nancy Meyers, The Holiday proved a massive box office triumph, raking in over $205 million globally.
The film was especially successful in the UK, where its appeal continues to endure.
“Very cute romantic holiday movie,” praised one delighted viewer.
“It’s held up well over time. A classic.”
Another observed: “It’s my go-to movie at the holidays. It’s entertaining, great casting and acting, and who wouldn’t want to be in either place – Surrey and LA –at Christmas time. The two little girls in the film are charming.”
One devotee penned: “One of my all time favourite movies! ! ! Great acting wonderful super happy feel good movie.”
Someone else stated, quite simply: “An absolute must each December.”
However, not all viewers were impressed. One disgruntled film-goer commented: “I accidentally saw this movie this weekend. Who in the world thought this was a good movie to make after reading the awful script? A step above a Hallmark movie only because of slightly better acting.”
Echoing this sentiment, another viewer added: “I found this to be a particularly mediocre movie, surprising given the quality of the cast. It really was just boring and there are plenty of better Christmas drama / romance movies out there.”
The Holiday will be broadcast on BBC3 at 9.05pm on Saturday November 22. It’s also available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
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