Ironically: what movies are watched on holidays in other countries
We have a tradition of chopping olivier every year to Eldar Ryazanov's The Irony of Fate. Once Andrei Myagkov, who played Zhenya Lukashin, even expressed his displeasure at this, saying that there should still be a sense of proportion. But people's love knows no measure. Of course, not only in Russia there is a film that has become an obligatory attribute of the favorite winter holiday. On what pictures are watched on New Year's Eve and Christmas in different countries - in the material "Izvestia".
USA
In the states on Christmas Eve traditionally revisit the 1946 black-and-white movie "It's a Wonderful Life" directed by Frank Capra. The plot of the picture is not cheerful, but it is certainly naive and touching.
An exemplary family man, businessman George Bailey because of debts falls into depression and on Christmas Eve contemplates suicide. But he is saved by an angel of the Second Order. Unselfishly - the celestial honestly admits that he will get wings if he manages to dissuade Bailey from settling the score with life. Together they travel back in time to find out how George's loved ones would have fared if he had been gone.
Great Britain
The British also love "It's a Wonderful Life" - Capra's cult film is shown on several TV channels. But also the inhabitants of the United Kingdom adore "Real Love" directed by Richard Curtis - an optimistic movie with a star-studded cast, starring Colin Firth, Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Bill Nye.
This movie features nine short stories that happen to different people on Christmas Eve. Famous rock musician Billy behaves disgustingly with his manager and best friend. Jamie, a writer, discovers a girl cheating on him with her own brother. Peter hides his love for his best friend's wife. Daniel tries to mend his relationship with his stepson after his wife's death. Impeccable family man Harry has a crush on secretary Mia. Sex scene doubles John and Judy suddenly fall in love with each other. The new Prime Minister causes the sacking of secretary Natalie and wants to make amends. Colleagues Sarah and Carl hide their feelings for each other. The loser Colin goes to the United States in search of love adventures. At the end all the characters have a happy ending and meet at Heathrow Airport.
Italy
In this country there is even a special term - cinepanettone. This is how they call light Italian comedies released at Christmas. The special word appeared in 1983, when the first movie "Christmas Vacation" directed by Carlo Vanzina was released. This is an analog, rather, not "The Irony of Fate", but our "Christmas Trees " - every year a new very anticipated picture.
The plot is as follows: for the holiday, two feuding families find themselves neighbors at a ski resort. They have to constantly face each other and get into absurd ridiculous situations.
Romania
The inhabitants of this country also have their own version of "Christmas Trees" - the movie "Ho Ho Ho" directed by Jesus del Cerro. The comedy is about a boy, who recently left the family father in the guise of Romanian Santa for the first time did not give a gift for Christmas. The mother wants to hide the truth from her son and takes him to a shopping center, where the boy finds himself in a gang of gypsy robbers in Santa suits.
France
The favorite New Year's picture of the inhabitants of this country appeared not so long ago - this is "A Christmas Tale", filmed in 2008 by director Arnaud Deplechene. The movie participated in the main competition of the Cannes Film Festival.
The plot is gloomy. Elderly spouses Juno and Abel are waiting for the holiday of their children, with whom they will see for the first time in six years. Between brothers and sisters uneasy relations, so the celebration turns into squabbles and scandals. The eldest daughter Elizabeth arrives with her withdrawn child Paul. Henri brings his mistress to his parents. Ivan arrives with his wife Sylvia and their two children. The parents have also prepared an unpleasant surprise for everyone - Juno has been diagnosed with leukemia, so this Christmas may be her last. In the end, the family manages to work things out and come to an agreement.
Germany
Germans traditionally revisit for the winter holidays the 18-minute 1963 short film "Ninetieth Birthday, or Dinner for One" directed by Heinz Dunkhase. The movie made it into the Guinness Book of World Records in 2003 as the most frequently shown movie. Interestingly, the first time it was shown in the summer. The audience liked the picture very much, and it was included in the New Year's program.
In 1999, the film was colored, but the Germans were outraged, so TV channels are again showing the black-and-white version.
The plot centers on an elderly lady who is celebrating an anniversary. But her friends and friends have long since died, so the celebration turned out sad. Only footman James tries to please the mistress. He chose an unconventional way -to portray acquaintances of the birthday girl. He does it very funny.
Austria
In this country on Christmas Eve, the movie "The Trapp Family" from 1956 is playing. It is based on a true story, in which an Austrian nun in the 30s is employed as a nanny in the family of the widower Baron von Trapp. At first, the aristocrat doesn't like her because she encourages the antics of his children. But then Trapp falls in love with the nanny. True, their happiness is hindered by the Nazi regime. The same plot of the famous American musical "The Sound of Music" with Julie Andrews. But Austrians do not like it, believing that strangers could not convey all the feelings and characters of the heroes. Nor did the sequel "The Trapp Family in America" become popular. Patriotic Austrians were not interested in the picture, the action of which takes place not in their homeland.
Spain
Spaniards traditionally watch for winter holidays the movie "Placido", filmed by Luis Garcia Berlanga in 1961.
Several elderly wealthy aristocratic ladies throw a "Feed a Poor Man at Your Table" charity event for the holiday. The ladies invite a poor motorcyclist named Placido. His family lives in a public restroom since there is no money to rent an apartment. And he himself needs until midnight to make a payment for the motorcycle with which he earns money. It is a comedy with elements of social drama.
Finland
In the country where Lapland is located - the residence of the classic Santa Claus - for the winter holidays they spin "A Christmas Story" directed by Juha Vuolioki - one of the highest-grossing films in Finland. The 2007 film tells the story of an orphan boy, Nicholas, who decides to become Santa in order to give the villagers, where he was so supported after the death of his parents, a holiday and gifts. This light fantasy comedy is actually intended for children, but under the New Year it is gladly reviewed by adults as well.