'I rewatched The Holiday for first time in 10 years – it brought tears to my eyes'

The lead-up to Christmas is the time to overindulge in those gushy festive films we all know and can’t help but love. One classic that has continued to be a huge hit since it was released back in 2006 is The Holiday – and I rewatched it 10 years on.

First of all, don’t ask me why it took a whopping 10 years to rewatch the hit festive film. I loved it before and still love it, so I really have no excuse when it comes to missing out on seeing Jude Law take on his ‘Mr Napkin’ impression and Cameron Diaz’s iconic running through the snow scene.

Cameron Diaz and Jude Law in The Holiday
(Image: 2006 Columbia Pictures Industries)

But here I was, settling in on the sofa with my mulled wine watching The Holiday as I brace myself to enter my 30th year, and with it came a whole new perspective.

The movie brought some unexpected emotions and I even found myself welling up at a scene I never paid too much attention to before.

It’s super cheesy, but I love it

Despite having gone through the rollercoaster of emotions of dating during your twenties, because let’s face it, it’s not easy, I found myself a real sucker for the gushy and super cheesy scenes. It’s easy to dismiss all these lovey-dovey moments but actually, it’s what makes it great.

From Amanda Woods (Cameron Diaz) running through the snow with a change of heart to make a go of things with Graham (Jude Law) as they’re reunited with a heartwarming hug, to Miles (Jack Black) telling Iris (Kate Winslet) ‘Don’t blow away’ and sweetly composing together.

Kate Winslet and Jack Black in The Holiday

Not to mention Amanda meeting Graham’s two adorable daughters at his home before the four of them lie down in their homemade bedroom tent. I found myself fully engrossed in every romantic gesture like never before.

Unexpected tears

One scene that really took me by surprise and brought tears to my eyes, despite having watched the film before, was when the reclusive neighbour of Amanda Woods, Arthur, attended his night of recognition. Arthur, who is played by Eli Wallach, attended the evening with Iris to celebrate his work as a famous Hollywood screenwriter.

This scene with Irish and Arthur brought tears to my eyes
(Image: Screengrab)

As the doors flung open, Arthur was amazed to see so many people attend and applaud him – this seriously pulled on my heartstrings. It made me think about just how important it is to have those special people in your life that will support you and give you a little nudge to bring you out of your shell when it’s needed – just how Iris did with Arthur after they became friends during her stay in LA.

‘Leading lady’

Arthur really made an impression on me as another scene of his stuck with me when I watched the film this time around. While out for dinner, Arthur and Iris discussed her feelings for someone at work, who is engaged to someone else.

In a bid for Iris to see sense, he tells her: “Iris, in the movies, we have leading ladies and we have the best friend. You, I can tell, are a leading lady. But for some reason, you’re behaving like the best friend.” This led Iris to reply: “You’re supposed to be the leading lady of your own life!”

“The leading lady of your own life!”
(Image: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock)

At that moment I thought YES, we should be the “leading lady” of our own life – it felt like a full women empowerment moment and a nod to remember to love ourselves.

Cottage escape, yes please!

Back in my twenties I never would have thought about escaping for Christmas, away from traditions, family and what we know, but as I get older I think, why not!? Why can’t me and my partner book a cosy cottage in a snow-covered village away from the stress of heading to the supermarket at 6am for the ‘big shop’ and away from the pressure of hosting?