Festive Flicks
In a special seasonal edition of his series, lm critic Mark Kermode celebrates one of the most perennial of all genres: the Christmas movie. He unwraps a glittering selection of Christmas cinematic treats, from muchloved classics to hidden gems, Hollywood blockbusters and international lms. Mark reveals the lm-making techniques and storytelling secrets that make them so successful. He shows how, as with all great genres, the key to the success of the Christmas movie lies in its
adaptability. Christmas cinema embraces a remarkable range of styles and themes, from fairytale fantasy to high-octane action, family drama and horror. But a great Christmas movie always captures something magical – the Christmas spirit. Which of the traditional festive classics – It’s a Wonderful Life, e Wizard of Oz, Miracle on 34th Street – will get the thumbs up from Mr Kermode?