'Once bitten and twice shy, I keep my distance but you still catch my eye.'
- Wham!
I laughed, I cried, and I fell in love in a way I didn't think I would.
On Friday I saw 'Last Christmas' in cinema, my most anticipated film for the end of this year. Going into it the main thing I knew is it looked like a Christmas movie with an amazing cast and a cute Christmas spirit. That's pretty much what the trailer indicates, click here if you want to check out the trailer. However, watching the film I found something different from what I expected, but I think 'Last Christmas' proves that sometimes different means better.
I expected a Christmas romcom. I didn't get what I expected, at least not packaged how I expected. I got something a hundred times more precious. 'Last Christmas' gave me the gift of acceptance, love, happiness, the search for self, kindness, the impact of helping others, the power we all have to make a difference, family, hope, and most of all a love story that didn't focus on a romantic relationship, but rather on a woman falling in love with who she is when she helps to put joy into the world.
But to be more specific, why do I think 'Last Christmas' is a Christmas film that not only everyone should see, but that should last the ages:
London
The fact that it's set in London, the place in my mind that I most associate with Christmas and the feeling of euphoric freedom to exist, means 'Last Christmas' was always going to take a small part of my heart. But, more than that, London is the perfect example of a place where everyone is rushing around, but everyone should take a moment to appreciate what's around them and to help those, even in a small way, who may not have as much as them, or anything at all.
Disastrous doesn't mean a disaster
Our protagonist, Kate, is probably the definition of disastrous event after disastrous event. But she is also so alive, and electric, and we watch as this woman steers her life away from becoming a disaster and towards hope. Hope that she can be, even in part, the person she's always defined herself to be: a singer, but she also finds out that she cares deeply for the people around her no matter how much she's been pretending that she doesn't.
The Christmas Shop
It's official. I wish to work in a Christmas shop, especially if it comes with as cute an elf outfit as Kate wears in this film. However, I'm not sure if in reality I would quite like to work somewhere with as many weird decorations, but the charm of it in the film shines through. Santa is a character with amazing one liners with great delivering and timing, and the relationship between Santa and Kate in magnificent. Truly some of the funniest scenes, as well as where a lot of Kate's character growth can be seen.
Family is family
There is a clear message in this film, even if it isn't that main focus. Family are the people that will always be there for you, who care even if their caring feels suffocating, and who accept you and are who you shouldn't have to hide from.
The joy of others is our own
If nothing else, Kate's work with the homeless throughout this film, and her growing dedication and passion for people, is what drives this movie. It is the factor, throughout, that not only brings Kate back to who she always saw herself as, but it brings a new charisma and air of welcome about her that truly makes Kate shine. Emilia Clarke did a magnificent job in portraying the development of Kate, and the joy she finds in helping to bring joy to others.
Fate works in mysterious way
Kate and Tom's relationship is not what I expected going into this film, but it makes the film all the better for it. We learn different things from people at points in our lives when we need them most, and the fact is, at Christmas is usually when we all need to be reminded of who we are, but especially who we all want to be. Tom reminds Kate of that, shows her the best parts of herself, and introduces her to ways that she can make herself the best version of Kate that she can. Not to mention, the twist between Tom and Kate made my heart enter my throat, and tears stream down my cheeks.
What I learned from 'Last Christmas' is that, sometimes, the most beautiful things come from pain. And sometimes our pain lingers long enough to convince us we've made a new life living alongside it, rather than trying to achieve living as who we are independent of it. But, we can never give up on doing and being better, and we never really lose sight of where we're going. Sometimes, we just need someone to help us to find our way back onto the path that can lead us there.
'Last Christmas' came out in cinemas on Friday 15th November, and I strongly encourage everyone to go and see this film. I promise you, even those who don't like Christmas films will enjoy this one.
Your stage is waiting.
Hollie
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