There is no doubt, that in every single edition of Blogmas that you happen to come across, you will find one post dedicated to Christmas movies. It's kind of a universal tradition at this time of the year: Christmas is the best time to snuggle up on the sofa and watch lots of Christmassy movies. Maybe this is because it gets so cold outside, so watching movies is something that all the family can do at home. Maybe it's also because, whether we actually like them or not, good old Christmas movies come with the Christmas package - we just have to watch them again. Personally, I love Christmas movies because they all tend to be centered around the themes of love and magic, which are perfect for me! However, if, like me, you are perhaps getting a little tired of seeing the same Christmas movie suggestions come up over and over again, and are looking for something a bit different this year, this blog post will be perfect for you! There are only so many times we can realistically watch 'Home Alone' or 'Love Actually' before we've had enough of Christmas altogether. I've put together a list of suggestions for some alternative Christmas movies that you might not have already seen. They are still definitely Christmas movies, don't worry, but they are also independent and dig a little deeper - they're a little off the beaten movie track, as it were. I am a huge fan of indie and art house movies so I have included a few of these, but they are very 'watchable' and not at all 'high brow'. I've also put one or two classics in. So I really hope you will get some good ideas here and that this post will provide you with some great viewing this Christmas! 🎄 The Ref (1994) This is a comedy about a burglary gone wrong, with Kevin Spacey and Denis Leary at their finest! The movie touches on family dynamics at Christmas, the arguments that break out, and is definitely a very funny and enjoyable watch a Christmas time!
🎄 Christmas Again (2014) Such a gorgeous movie, very raw and original. It explores relationships, particularly around Christmas: romantic relationships, family relationships and relationships between strangers. I would say it is a very slow moving film, not a great deal really happens dramatically and there are not many characters to invest in, so if you don't like that style of movie this probably won't be your cup of tea. I find the film very natural; the director, Charles Poekel, described how for one scene he just left the cameras rolling on the two main actors, so everything that takes place is totally real!
🎄 Fanny and Alexander (1982, Swedish) This is a beautiful movie from Ingmar Bergman, who gives us Christmas from the point of view of a child. The movie is all about family (the good and bad sides), traditions, love and is just a really gorgeous watch. If you are looking for something much less commercial and much more arty and old-school, this is definitely the one. It also has a great soundtrack!
🎄 Carol (2015) I included this movie in my list because it is set at Christmas time and is all about love and passion and sexuality, so it's a really wonderful watch. I find the acting absolutely superb, for that alone the movie is commendable, but it is also very emotional and such a feast of ideas. This movie really makes you think, which is always good!
🎄 Metropolitan (1989) Here is a movie that is glamourous and glitzy! It's about the rich, young Manhattan socialites; their relationships, their parties and, of course, how they spend Christmas. This is definitely a more light-hearted flick and very enjoyable.
🎄 Joyeux Noël (2005, French and English)
This is a wartime movie which tells the story of the ceasefire that happened on Christmas Eve of 1914, during World War 1. But this is more than just a film about war; it's about the sense of goodwill and peace that Christmas holds, love and brotherhood. It's a really great watch and I highly recommend it this Christmas.
🎄 Pride and Prejudice (1995)
Because I just COULDN'T leave this one out. By the way, I am talking about the beautiful, old version - the one with Colin Firth and the wet shirt. Yep, that one. Although incredibly long, it's a classic and the perfect way to spend an entire day in my opinion! It's gorgeous in every way and it will stay with you. Number one movie recommendation!