The Holiday (2006)

Two women troubled with guy-problems swap homes in each other's countries, where they each meet a local guy and fall in love.

Director:

Nancy Meyers

Writer:

Nancy Meyers

Stars:

Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law

2 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Cameron Diaz	...	Amanda
Kate Winslet	...	Iris
Jude Law	...	Graham
Jack Black	...	Miles
Eli Wallach	...	Arthur
Edward Burns	...	Ethan
Rufus Sewell	...	Jasper
Miffy Englefield	...	Sophie
Emma Pritchard	...	Olivia
Sarah Parish	...	Hannah
Shannyn Sossamon	...	Maggie
Bill Macy	...	Ernie
Shelley Berman	...	Norman
Kathryn Hahn	...	Bristol
John Krasinski	...	Ben

Storyline

In London, Iris Simpkins writes a wedding column in a newspaper and nurtures an unrequited love for her colleague Jasper Bloom. Near Christmas, she is informed that Jasper is engaged to marry another colleague, and her life turns upside down. In Los Angeles, the movie-trailers maker Amanda Woods has just split with her unfaithful boyfriend Ethan and wants to forget him. Through a house exchange website, Amanda impulsively swaps her mansion for Iris' cottage in Surrey for the holidays. While in Surrey, Amanda meets Iris' brother and book editor Graham and they fall in love with each other. Meanwhile, Iris meets her new next door neighbor the ninety year old screenplay writer Arthur, who helps her retrieve her self-esteem, and the film composer Miles, with whom she falls in love.

---

Plot Keywords:

christmas tree | bra | white bra | woman wearing bra | kiss | 

---

Genres:

Comedy | Romance

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for sexual content and some strong language

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [UK] United International Pictures [Germany]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 December 2006 (USA)

Also Known As:

Holiday

Filming Locations:

1883 Orlando Road, San Marino, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$85,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$12,778,913, 10 December 2006

Gross USA:

$63,224,849, 28 January 2007

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$205,135,324

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation,Universal Pictures,Relativity Media

Technical Specs

Runtime:

138 min

Sound Mix:

DTS SDDS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The example Arthur (Eli Wallach) uses to explain a "Meet Cute" was used in Bluebeard's Eighth Wife (1938). Strangers Claudette Colbert and Gary Cooper meet while shopping. She buys the bottoms and he buys the tops of the same suit of pajamas.

---

Goofs

When talking with Graham at his home, after his daughters have gone to bed, Amanda's earrings change length (position) throughout the conversation with him. The earrings are a gold chain that slides through the ear lobe.

---

Quotes

Arthur Abbott: Iris, in the movies, we have leading ladies and we have the best friend. You, I can tell, are a leading lady, but for some reason, you're behaving like the best friend.

---

Connections

References El crimen del Padre Amaro (2002)

---

Soundtracks

Flight of the Foo Birds
(1957)
Written by Neal Hefti
Performed by Count Basie and His Orchestra (as Count Basie & His Orchestra)
Courtesy of EMI Records Ltd.
Under license from EMI Film & Television Music

User Reviews

Fluffy Fun for a Winter Evening!

If you are expecting an epic cinematic masterpiece, then "The Holiday" is not for you. However, if you are looking for a light, entertaining movie, I would definitely recommend this film. While the previews were intriguing, I was thrilled to find that not every plot element was revealed before I even entered the theater. I completely enjoyed Kate Winslet as hopelessly devoted Iris. She was neurotic, a bit spineless, and absolutely winning. Although I do wish that her story had been developed more thoroughly. I felt a bit like her relationship was rushed through and the film spent a majority of the time focusing on Amanda (Diaz), Graham (Law), and their developing relationship. Despite the fact that I am not a huge Cameron Diaz or Jude Law fan, I was pleasantly surprised with their part of the story! Jack Black kept his character to an energetic hum rather than an explosion of crazy antics. You've just got to love that eyebrow! The scenery was beautiful! The supporting cast was hugely entertaining. I laughed out loud. The ending is fairly predictable. This is a romantic comedy after all. However, "The Holiday" is a great film for those of us who would like to suspend reality for a while and just enjoy. Go see it!