Warning! Spoiler

Rating: 7/10 (17 September 2012)

Every girl knows what it is like to go through relationship problems. The film The Holiday is an epic example of precisely that. This film is about two women from very different backgrounds whom which end up going through similar relationship troubles simultaneously. Both are intrigued with the typical idea of "running away" from their problems in order to regroup and catch a break. The two women end up switching homes which are located in different countries, and end up meeting local guys they fall head over heels in love with despite their better efforts not to. The main characters include Cameron Diaz (Amanda Woods), Kate Winslet (Iris Simpkins), Jude Law (Graham), and Jack Black (Miles). The film was released in 2006, and directed by Nancy Meyers.
A film's theme is important. A theme is the central concern around which literary work or film is structured, its unifying focus. Basically, the film The Holiday has a common theme seen in a lot of so-called "chick-flicks" the usual love debacle. The film focuses on the idea that instead of giving up on love, sometimes you have to look in different places and branch out. The film helps communicate the life experience of broken hearts and falling in love. Both Iris and Amanda experienced a broken heart that left them hopeless and almost ruined. Also alike, both Iris and Amanda ended up falling in love again ironically with men of different qualities of their ex-boyfriends. Graham, who ends up with Amanda and Miles, who ends up with Iris. This film can be closely related to other "chick-flicks" such as Valentine's Day. The film Valentine's Day also displays a number of women who struggle with men and love, and ends up showing the viewer that things do not always end up so bad.
Many filming techniques were used throughout the film. One of the best used techniques was the use of lighting during the filming scenes in Iris's cottage. When Amanda first arrived to the cottage she was unsure of it. Coming from a large, bright lighted, rigid mansion the dim cottage was unfamiliar. However, as Amanda continued her stay at Iris's cottage, the coziness grew upon her. Another technique used throughout the film was the ability to create an emotional atmosphere. The director utilized the setting of various scenes to create deep emotion felt by the broken hearted girls. Overall, the thematic elements of The Holiday truly portrayed the truest form of a love story displayed through film and acting.