Cast
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Crew
Director
- Diego Araujo
Producer
- Felicitas Raffo
- Hanne-Lovise Skartveit
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Unfortunately, the economically volatile setting of Ecuador at the start of the new millennium doesn't really provide enough substance for this otherwise rather ordinary depiction of infatuation. It all centres around "Juan Pablo" (Juan Arregui) being sent to live with his aunt and uncle after his father lost the savings of hundreds of his local community. One night, he encounters the young "Juano" (Diego Andrés Paredes) getting a severe beating in the woods. He manages to help rescue him and after a while, the two become friends and... At this point it loses it's way. The rite-of-passage stuff we have seen hundreds of time before, and neither actor here really seem to have much skin in the game. It's well shot, some lovely photography, but the audio needs boosting and the story just lacks for originality. The potential to explore more the characterisations and/or the political situation is largely ignored and the whole thing is pretty undercooked.
Apr 4, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, 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 Diego Araujo 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 2014, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Holiday took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 82 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 135 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 285 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 64 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2014, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While 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 Coming of Age: Vol. 1, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Holiday subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Coming of Age: Vol. 2 and Coming of Age: Vol. 3 explore similar territory, Holiday stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 1, 2014
- Runtime: 1h 22m
