Info
Director: Paul Feig
Producers:
- Paul Feig
- Jessie Henderson
- David Livingstone
- Emma Thompson
Screenplay by:
- Emma Thompson
- Bryony Kimmings
Based on: Last Christmas by George Michael
Starring:
- Emilia Clarke
- Henry Golding
- Michelle Yeoh
- Emma Thompson
- Lydia Leonard
- Boris Isaković
Music by:
- Theodore Shapiro (scores)
- George Michael / Wham! (songs)
Edit by: Brent White
Production Companies:
- Feigco Entertainment
- Perfect World Pictures
- Calamity Films
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Release date:
- 8 November 2019 (United States)
- 15 November 2019 (United Kingdom)
Running time: 103 minutes
Country:
- United Kingdom
- United States
Language: English
IMDb rating: 6.5 / 10
My rating: 7 / 10
Movie Summary
Katarina Andrich is a young aspiring singer who works a dead-end job as an elf at a year-round Christmas shop in Central shop. After her roomate kicks her out of their shared house she is forced to move in with another friend and then back to her family home.
Her parents, Petra and Ivan, are Croatian immigrants who lead a quiet lifestyle while their other daughter Marta is a successful lawyer.
While working Katarina sees a man outside staring upwards who introduces himself as Tom.
Katarina’s life takes a drastic turn which to her seems too good to be true…
Character Development
Katarina is not the typical protagonist. Having suffered from a serious medical problem which required a heart transplant she is no longer the person she used to be and openly disregards her physical and mental health. Her friendship with Tom is the push she needs in order to take life seriously and make changes in herself and the way she acts around others.
Tom is a wonderful person with a loving heart and an open mind who sees things and situations in a different light than others see them. His observations and advice helps Katarina change her life for the better while also coping with the trauma of her medical situation .
Themes
Physical and mental health issues are one of the most central messages of the film which are emphasized by Katarina’s past medical condition as well as her mother’s battle with depression.
Kindness and compassion for others less fortunate than ourselves is another important topic showed through Tom and Katarina’s volunteer work at the homeless shelter.
Last but definetely not least unexpected love is something that can literally change one’s life and motivate him or her to overcome difficulties of any sorts.
My Thoughts
Last Christmas was a truly unique film. An unconventional heroine who takes bad decisions regarding herself, while struggling with her own demons and then slowly learning to be her true self is a very relatable role model and it encourages us to take our lives into our hands and create something beautiful.
