Movie Review The Holiday (2006)

 

The Holiday | 2006 | 2h 16m
Genre: Romantic Comedy | Country: US
Director: Nancy Meyers | Writers: Nancy Meyers
Cast: Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, etc.
IMDB: 7.0
My Rate: 9/10

Amanda and Iris decide to swap homes to heal their broken hearts caused by their respective partners, unaware that this decision will lead them to true love.

Warnings: 

Contains sensual scenes, sex, strong language, and alcohol.

 
Synopsis:

Iris (Kate Winslet) works as a columnist for a magazine and is in a relationship with Jasper, her colleague at the magazine. They had previously been in a relationship, but it ended with Jasper's betrayal. However, Iris seems unable to let go of those feelings and believes that Jasper still feels the same way. Until the important announcement of Jasper's engagement truly breaks her heart.

Amanda (Cameron Diaz), the owner of a Trailer Film company in LA, also experiences betrayal by her boyfriend. Amanda decides to end her relationship with her boyfriend. He argues that Amanda is "emotionless," making it difficult for him to be in a relationship with her. Amanda has trauma from the past that makes her seem "numb" and she never cries.

Amanda, who is actually hurt, feels frustrated because she can't express her feelings properly. Amanda then looks for another way and thinks that going on vacation to a faraway place will help her calm down a bit. Amanda accidentally sees a post about Iris's house on a vacation website.

Iris, who is spending her night crying and even trying to kill herself by inhaling gas, is surprised by a message she receives from Amanda. Iris advertises her house to be used as a vacation spot with the condition of a home swap. So Amanda will stay at Iris's house and vice versa. They agree to do so.

Iris is very happy staying at Amanda's huge and modern house. While Amanda finds it a bit difficult with Iris's house, which is very different from her comfortable home. When Amanda wants to decide to return to LA sooner, she meets Graham (Jude Law), Iris's brother, who makes her stay longer. Meanwhile, Iris also meets new people who make her life more colorful, like her neighbor who is a former film director and Miles (Jack Black), a film music composer.

 Will they be able to heal each other's wounds?

 

Review:

The Holiday has a pretty interesting story idea. It's just that swapping houses might not be something that's familiar to do. If this is just an imaginary story, then there are a few things that don't make sense.

Swapping houses carries a lot of risks, especially with security. Amanda and Iris, who have never met before in the handover of the house, become something that doesn't make sense. How did Amanda and Iris each get the key to enter the house? They don't even have an agreement about what they can and can't do and use in the house.

Another illogical thing is when Amanda, who just met Graham for the first time, easily lets Graham in. She doesn't confirm with Iris about Graham's status. Similarly, when Iris doesn't confirm about Miles to Amanda. Although Iris does confirm - which is not shown in the scene - to Amanda's employee.

Viewers also find a 'coincidence' that feels like it's only found in a movie, that is, when all the characters accidentally work in almost similar fields. It seems like God's plan is so perfect.

The advantage of this film is that the characters have their own unique stories. The story is presented systematically with good storytelling and character background building. This makes the story foundation quite strong. Viewers also become easy to understand the storyline.

Conflict building is also done quite well. Viewers can see the character development of each character. The resolution is also done very well, although some critics say that the story is easy to guess from the beginning. However, the storytelling remains interesting.

Unfortunately, the resolution still leaves a few question marks and unresolved problems. Regarding the problem of 'distance' that hinders their story. It seems to be ignored and unanswered, even though it becomes a problem that is brought to the surface near the end. Especially becoming a problem in the relationship between Amanda and Graham.

Overall, this film is quite light and suitable for those who like unique romantic stories.

 

Memorable Scene:

Amanda, who just met Graham's children, immediately has a unique connection. They spend time together in the tent in the children's room. With various heartwarming conversations.

 

Memorable Dialogue:

 "Maybe the best ever"

 
Ending:

Happy ending

 

Rekomendasi:

Must Watch

 

(Aluna)