“The Holiday”, 2006
Director: Nancy Meyers
In this romantic comedy directed by Nancy Meyers, two women, played by Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, swap homes in Los Angeles and England, respectively, for the Christmas holiday, leading to unexpected romances and life-changing revelations.
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black, Eli Wallach, Edward Burns, Rufus Sewell, Miffy Englefield, Emma Pritchard, Sarah Parish;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 136 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “The Holiday” on the website imdb.com
“Eat Pray Love”, 2010
Director: Ryan Murphy
Based on Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir and directed by Ryan Murphy, Julia Roberts stars as a newly divorced woman embarking on a journey to Italy, India, and Bali to discover food, spirituality, and love.
Starring: Julia Roberts, Javier Bardem, Billy Crudup, Viola Davis, Mike O'Malley, James Franco, Richard Jenkins, Christine Hakim, Sophie Thompson, Hadi Subiyanto;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 134 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,8;
More information about the film “Eat Pray Love” on the website imdb.com
“Under the Tuscan Sun”, 2003
Director: Audrey Wells
This romantic comedy-drama, directed by Audrey Wells, features Diane Lane as a recently divorced writer who buys a villa in Tuscany on a whim, seeking a fresh start and finds unexpected adventures and friendships.
Starring: Diane Lane, Sandra Oh, Lindsay Duncan, Raoul Bova, Vincent Riotta, Mario Monicelli, Roberto Nobile, Anita Zagaria, Evelina Gori, Giulia Louise Steigerwalt;
Production year: 2003;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 113 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Under the Tuscan Sun” on the website imdb.com
“EuroTrip”, 2004
Director: Jeff Schaffer, Alec Berg, David Mandel
A teen comedy directed by Jeff Schaffer, where a recent high school graduate and his friends embark on a wild journey through Europe to find his German pen pal. The film is known for its humorous take on cultural stereotypes and misadventures abroad.
Starring: Scott Mechlowicz, Jacob Pitts, Michelle Trachtenberg, Travis Wester, Jessica Boehrs, Vinnie Jones, Lucy Lawless, Kristin Kreuk, Matt Damon, Diedrich Bader;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “EuroTrip” on the website imdb.com
“Mamma Mia!”, 2008
Director: Phyllida Lloyd
Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, this jukebox musical romantic comedy, set on a picturesque Greek island, follows a young bride-to-be who invites three of her mother's former lovers in a quest to discover her father's identity, all set to the hit songs of ABBA.
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgård, Colin Firth, Julie Walters, Christine Baranski, Rachel McDowall, Ashley Lilley, Dominic Cooper;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: musical, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 108 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
More information about the film “Mamma Mia!” on the website imdb.com
“Forgetting Sarah Marshall”, 2008
Director: Nicholas Stoller
This romantic comedy directed by Nicholas Stoller features Jason Segel as a heartbroken man who takes a Hawaiian vacation in order to deal with his break-up with his TV star girlfriend, only to find she's staying at the same resort.
Starring: Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, Russell Brand, Bill Hader, Liz Cackowski, Maria Thayer, Jack McBrayer, Jonah Hill, Paul Rudd;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 111 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” on the website imdb.com
“Out of Africa”, 1985
Director: Sydney Pollack
Directed by Sydney Pollack, this romantic drama based on the life of Karen Blixen (played by Meryl Streep), tells the story of her life in Kenya during the early 20th century, which began as a simple holiday but turned into a transformative experience.
Starring: Meryl Streep, Robert Redford, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Michael Kitchen, Malick Bowens, Joseph Thiaka, Stephen Kinyanjui, Michael Gough, Suzanna Hamilton, Rachel Kempson;
Production year: 1985;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 161 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Out of Africa” on the website imdb.com
These films, each in their own way, capture the essence of going on a holiday, showcasing the potential for adventure, self-discovery, romance, and the unforgettable memories that can come from exploring new horizons.
In conclusion, films about going on holiday encapsulate a wide spectrum of the human experience, effortlessly blending escapism with profound explorations of personal growth, relationships, and self-discovery. Whether through the comedic mishaps of a family vacation gone awry or the poignant journey of a solo traveler seeking solace in unknown territories, these films resonate deeply with audiences. They remind us of the transformative power of stepping out of our comfort zones and the unforgettable memories created amidst the backdrop of new landscapes. Beyond offering mere entertainment, these narratives serve as poignant reminders of the beauty in exploration, the bonds forged with fellow travelers, and the intrinsic value of experiencing the world beyond our doorsteps. Thus, films about going on holiday are not just stories about destinations, but rather heartwarming invitations to reflect on our own journeys and the endless possibilities that lie in saying “yes” to adventure.
