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Criterion collectors/watchers, help needed; any holiday films?

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Criterion collectors/watchers, help needed; any holiday films?

Old 12-13-07, 08:19 PM
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Criterion collectors/watchers, help needed; any holiday films?

In the DVDtalk holiday challenge, we have a checklist item of "watch a Criterion holiday movie."

Besides the old laser disc of It's a Wonderful Life, we haven't been able to come up with a film they've put out that happens during or prominently features Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's.

I've done some google searches and searched the Criterion catalog and can't find anything obvious. I figured that there are a lot of Criterion collectors and watchers here, so does anyone have any advice for us?
Old 12-13-07, 08:29 PM
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Originally Posted by starecase
Life of Brian - Christ and Brian's Birthday

Brazil - Christmas
Good answers.

I believe the rules are that roughly at least 70% of the film has to take place during the holidays. So Life of Brian won't count; but maybe Brazil?
Old 12-13-07, 08:31 PM
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Metropolitan looks to take place during Christmas from the pic on Criterion's website
Old 12-13-07, 08:32 PM
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Fanny & Alexander-The beginning of the film revolves around a family Christmas celebration. I recall reading about it on a "Christmas Movies" list a few years ago, and the description interested me enough to purchase the DVD.
Old 12-13-07, 08:32 PM
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Grand Illusion?
Old 12-13-07, 08:47 PM
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Salo
Old 12-13-07, 08:52 PM
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Originally Posted by EEz28
Metropolitan looks to take place during Christmas from the pic on Criterion's website
That's the one I was thinking of. Great movie.
Old 12-13-07, 08:54 PM
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King of Kings, if you really want to stretch it.
Old 12-13-07, 09:04 PM
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I haven't seen any of those yet, and some review searching doesn't make me confident that any of them would qualify under the 70% rule.

Thanks for the help so far though!
Old 12-13-07, 09:07 PM
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You could think of The Last Temptation of Christ as a Christmas prequel...

or wait, sequel? Whatever.
Old 12-13-07, 09:16 PM
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Originally Posted by joefrog91
That's the one I was thinking of. Great movie.
Do you remember if most of it takes place during the holidays?
Old 12-13-07, 09:32 PM
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Metropolitan takes place mainly over an extended Christmas break, it's not really Christmasy but it's the right time of year.
Old 12-13-07, 09:37 PM
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Originally Posted by domino harvey
Fanny and Alexander and Metropolitan are the correct answers-- though neither takes place 70% over Christmas (what a peculiar rule).

Metropolitan takes place mainly over an extended Christmas break, it's not really Christmasy but it's the right time of year.
Here is the exact rule: Although the movie or TV show doesn't have to be holiday oriented, the movie or TV show must take place during the holiday season for at least 75% of the movie. No movies or TV shows that place during the holiday season for one scene.

So any movie set between Thanksgiving and New Years would qualify.

I'd prefer one that at least has some holiday moments in the film.

So if Metropolitan is set almost entirely during December, it would count.

I'm buying it if you give me the go ahead Domino, so think of my $30 before you answer.
Old 12-13-07, 10:46 PM
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Even though this is the craziest thing I've ever heard, it takes place entirely over the holiday break. There are Christmas trees, lights, wreaths, and a scene set on Christmas Eve day.
Old 12-13-07, 10:56 PM
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Originally Posted by domino harvey
Even though this is the craziest thing I've ever heard, it takes place entirely over the holiday break. There are Christmas trees, lights, wreaths, and a scene set on Christmas Eve day.
Thanks dh, I appreciate it.

I've been meaning to expand my Criterion collection anyway, so I'll pick up Metropolitan.
Old 12-13-07, 11:24 PM
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I'll put in another vote for Fanny and Alexander. While it clearly does not take place 75% at Christmas time, the film is bookended by the Christmas season. I find that my urge to watch it always kicks up around this time of year. The moments of pure, bubbling joy in the film are all Christmas and family.

It is true, however, that few would call it a "holiday film." But then, neither is a film about bored pseudo-intellectuals, even though it takes place exclusively at Christmas.
Old 12-14-07, 12:28 AM
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Originally Posted by cgray
I'll put in another vote for Fanny and Alexander. While it clearly does not take place 75% at Christmas time, the film is bookended by the Christmas season. I find that my urge to watch it always kicks up around this time of year. The moments of pure, bubbling joy in the film are all Christmas and family.

It is true, however, that few would call it a "holiday film." But then, neither is a film about bored pseudo-intellectuals, even though it takes place exclusively at Christmas.

I myself just watched the TV-version and now I'm going thru all-the extra's.
It's an amazing flim a pure joy to watch!
Old 12-14-07, 10:57 AM
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I find I like to watch all 3 Wes Anderson Criterions around Christmas time. I don't know why but his movies just feel extremely Christmas-y to me.
And Another big thumbs up to Brazil and Fanny and Alexander.
Old 12-14-07, 05:26 PM
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Maybe for next years holiday challenge you can watch this one:
Old 12-15-07, 01:50 AM
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All That Heaven Allows - the last good chunk of the movie is during the Christmas season, and Rock Hudson's character grows Christmas trees for a living. It's so colorful.

It wouldn't be too much of a stretch - my local theater just screened it during their holiday series.
Old 12-15-07, 12:20 PM
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Criterion's upcoming JINGLE ALL THE WAY, a true Arnold classic.
Old 12-15-07, 12:51 PM
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The 400 Blows qualifies if I remember correctly.

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