Cast
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Queen Latifah
as Georgia Byrd
LL Cool J
as Sean Matthews
Timothy Hutton
as Matthew Kragen
Alicia Witt
as Ms. Burns
Giancarlo Esposito
as Senator Dillings
Michael Nouri
as Congressman Stewart
Gérard Depardieu
as Chef Didier
Jane Adams
as Rochelle
Michel Estime
as Marlon
Susan Kellermann
as Gunther
Jascha Washington
as Darius
Matt Ross
as Adamian
Ranjit Chowdhry
as Dr. R. Gupta
Jaqueline Fleming
as Tanya
Kendall Mosby
as Anton
Crew
Director
- Wayne Wang
Producer
- Jack Rapke
- Laurence Mark
Reviews
RalphRahal
Rewatching Last Holiday reminded me why it’s such a gem, not just a holiday movie but a wake-up call wrapped in charm. Queen Latifah shines as Georgia Byrd, a sweet, timid woman who’s spent her life playing it safe. When she’s hit with life-altering news, she throws caution to the wind and starts living the life she’s always dreamed of.
Georgia’s “Book of Possibilities” really struck a chord with me. It’s a quiet reminder that so many of us have our own “books,” filled with dreams we shelve for “someday.” Queen Latifah’s transformation in the movie is so much fun to watch. Add Gérard Depardieu as a quirky chef, stunning European backdrops, and mouthwatering food, and it’s the perfect mix of heart and humor.
The message is simple but timeless: take risks, cherish the now, and live fully. Watching it again makes me want my own “Book of Realities,” a little nudge to embrace life with Georgia’s boldness.
Dec 21, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Last Holiday examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Wayne Wang brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2006, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Last Holiday took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $45.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 112 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 160 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1780 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2006, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Last Holiday shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Four Rooms, which focuses more on action than character development, Last Holiday offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Forrest Gump and Ma Belle, My Beauty explore similar territory, Last Holiday stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 13, 2006
- Runtime: 1h 52m
- Budget: $45,000,000
- Revenue: $38,399,961
Where to Watch
