Criterion collectors/watchers, help needed; any holiday films?
#1
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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?
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?
#2
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Originally Posted by starecase
Life of Brian - Christ and Brian's Birthday
Brazil - Christmas
Brazil - Christmas
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?
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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.
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Originally Posted by EEz28
Metropolitan looks to take place during Christmas from the pic on Criterion's website
#9
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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!
Thanks for the help so far though!
#13
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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.
Metropolitan takes place mainly over an extended Christmas break, it's not really Christmasy but it's the right time of year.
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.
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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.
#15
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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.
I've been meaning to expand my Criterion collection anyway, so I'll pick up Metropolitan.
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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.
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.
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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.
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!
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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.
And Another big thumbs up to Brazil and Fanny and Alexander.
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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.
It wouldn't be too much of a stretch - my local theater just screened it during their holiday series.