One Magic Christmas (1985)

A mother who lacks the Christmas spirit gets a visit from an angel who teaches her the meaning of this season.

Seeing Mary Steenburgen in Elf (2003), I remembered One Magic Christmas. You see, I may not like Elf that much, but this is a different kettle of fish. Director Philip Borsos invests in both story and character development, and if you are watching it for the first time, you won’t know what to expect or, at least, when to expect it. It takes forty-five minutes for the inciting incident to happen, but until then, poverty, especially during the festive days, comes to the foreground, which can be a film on its own. Countless families were struggling then as much as they do now. They have been ripped apart while the vast minority is laughing. Destitution sucks the joy out of everything and replaces it with misery and downright cynicism. Working from paycheck to paycheck, not being able to afford a decent meal – much less to dream… Can love be enough?

Well, that’s what the film is about. We all have the right to laugh, and we all need hope. And Steenburgen, even though her reactions are watered down due to the nature of the film, is absolutely thrilling. You might be watching a Disney film, but don’t underestimate the harsh realities it dares to show. Do you know when you are watching a good film? When it is full of plotholes, it makes little sense but still sucks you into it and evokes the emotions it was meant to.

Hey, it’s Christmas season, so turn a blind eye to the horrible reality out there and remember how you used to feel this time of year as a kid. It will make a lot more sense then.

Stay safe!

P.S. Film debut of the amazing Sarah Polley.

P.P.S. Despite his ongoing battle with leukaemia, Philip Borsos kept directing until his last breath at 41.

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Solidarity for all the innocent lives who suffer the atrocities of war!

Stay safe!