Classics: A Very Merry Holiday TV Review By Lauren Ennis

The holiday rush is nearly over, but in the midst of all of the season’s hustle and bustle it can be all too easy to lose sight of just what it is that we’re celebrating. With all of the time spent preparing for the holidays we often miss out on the very thing that we should be celebrating; time with those closest to us. This year, take a break with your nearest and dearest for a crash course in the true meaning of the holidays courtesy of three holiday specials that are sure to entertain and enlighten the whole family.

Keep tissues handy for this one...

Hey Arnold-Arnold’s Christmas: This Nickelodeon series ran for five seasons but only featured one holiday episode. Thankfully, what this single episode lacks in quantity it more than makes up for in quality. Recalling holiday classics while relating a refreshingly unique and entirely heartwarming tale 1996’s “Arnold’s Christmas” is ideal holiday viewing for the young and young at heart. The episode cleverly juxtaposes idealist Arnold’s and bully Helga’s very different attempts to create the perfect Christmas. Unsurprisingly, materialistic Helga, who describes Christmas as an excuse to ‘shop like a barbarian’ and ‘get yours before the other guy gets his’ is fixated upon obtaining this year’s must have gift, a pair of Nancy Spumoni snow boots. Meanwhile, Arnold struggles to think of a gift to give neighbor Mr. Hyunh for the boarding house’s annual Secret Santa. While trying to coax ideas out of Mr. Hyunh, Arnold is shocked to learn that what his neighbor wants most is to be reunited with the daughter he sent to America in an effort to protect her during the fall of Saigon. After learning Mr. Hyunh’s wrenching backstory Arnold becomes determined to make a Christmas miracle come true and reunite Mr. Hyunh with his now grown daughter, Mai. Through a series of misadventures Arnold and Helga’s holidays intersect just in time to ensure that the Hyunh’s receive the ultimate gift. Through its equal parts mature and original approach “Arnold’s Christmas” stands apart from the myriad of derivative and surgery specials that are aired each holiday season. Although the episode reaches a happy conclusion it refuses to shy away from such harsh realities as war and loss and even takes pause to reflect upon the ways in which the holidays can be painful and lonely for many. In this way, the episode shows the true range of Christmas experiences along with the expected true meaning of Christmas. Even the episode’s depiction of the requisite humbugs contains nuance as Helga and private investigator Mr. Bailey are shown to be not villains but instead average people who find themselves caught up in the consumerism and stress of the season. Helga’s redemption at the end of the episode proves almost as rewarding as the Hyunh’s reunion as she learns that the most cherished gifts are those that don’t come in boxes and it is truly better to give than receive, even when it means giving without trying to receive any credit for it. For viewing that is guaranteed to warm your heart no matter how cold the winter winds blow tune in to Hey Arnold’s “Arnold’s Christmas”.

Please tell me these decorators are available for hire...

A Charlie Brown Christmas: The holiday season hasn't really started until this 1965 classic has aired. In the nearly fifty-five years since it first premiered this deceptively simple tale of lovable loser Charlie Brown and his unusual choice of a Christmas tree has worked its magic on several generations. The story follows the Peanuts gang as they eagerly prepare for Christmas. While his friends focus upon finding the most expensive presents and elaborate decorations Charlie Brown finds himself unable to muster much enthusiasm for what he sees as the commercialization of Christmas. When Lucy offers to let him direct their class' Christmas pageant he's thrilled at the opportunity and sets about creating an authentic nativity play. Unfortunately, his friends have other plans and he soon finds his 'by the book' production peppered with everything from pop culture references to randomly placed musical interludes that have nothing to do with the nativity. At the urging of his friends he reluctantly hands over his directorial duties to Lucy and resigns himself to his limited role of picking the pageant tree. Much to the rest of the gang's disappointment he passes over the elaborate aluminum trees and instead picks the smallest and least impressive tree that he can find. When he returns with his tree his friends laugh at the supposed failure. Frustrated, he demands to know if any of them knows or cares about the true meaning of Christmas, to which Linus famously replies by quoting the story of the nativity from the Gospel of Luke. The story functions as a series of character studies rather than an action packed plot of the sort that today's viewers are accustomed to. The animation was considered crude even upon the special's release in the early days of color television. The score seems more at home in a jazz club than in a holiday special. Even the amateur voice performances made up of a cast of untrained child actors seem out of place among today's polished and edited productions. So what then is it about this holiday special, which even its creators were certain would be a sure flop, that makes it so special? The answer is that the very quality which executives were certain would guarantee the special's failure, its unpretentious unassuming simplicity, is the very thing that continues to endear it to viewers and critics alike. Through its refusal to rely upon glossy production values, elaborate plots, or holiday tropes the special personifies its own message to embrace the true meaning of Christmas. In this way the special aptly reminds us to see flash of the mass marketing sensation that Christmas has become and take a closer look at just what it is that we're celebrating. While its focus upon the holiday's religious aspects tempted controversy even upon its 1965, release it is this emphasis that lends the film its emotional core as it hearkens back to the holy day's message of peace on earth and good will. Get your season started in classic fashion with the Peanuts gang in A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Eloise at Christmastime: Adapted from Kay Thompson's popular children's book, this 2004 made for TV movie follows that endearing scamp, Eloise, as she embarks upon a series of heart warming shenanigans during the holidays. Fortunately for parents, Eloise uses her mischievous tendencies for good as she does her best to brighten the holidays for everyone at the Plaza Hotel. Her main mission involves playing matchmaker to Plaza owner Mr. Peabody's recently engaged daughter, Rachel, and  Plaza waiter, Bill. Despite Rachel's pending nuptials to the seemingly perfect Brooks, Eloise is certain that Rachel's former flame, Bill, is the right man for Rachel and sets out to reunite the two in time for the holidays. Along the way, she exposes a con-artist, prevents her neighbor's eviction, and makes sure that everyone at the Plaza has something to smile and sing about. The film makes a striking departure from most holiday specials by refusing to idealize its characters, particularly its impish heroine. By keeping Eloise's famous flaws intact the film not only ensures that she is relateable, but also sends the message that all of us, however flawed, are capable of making the season a little brighter. The film also serves as an apt reminder of the importance of looking beyond appearances as curmudgeonly Mrs. Thornton, picture perfect Brooks, and even Eloise herself prove themselves to be more than they appear. In fact, Eloise is infused with such depth that she is able to transcend the somewhat cartoonish persona she is relegated to in the original books as she copes with difficult neighbors, longs for her absent mother, and struggles to make her voice heard in a world ruled by adults. The love story at the center of the plot is a winning touch that sweet without being saccharine as Rachel and Bill build a relationship based upon friendship and trust rather than a fairy tale instant attraction, and face plenty of real life obstacles along the way.  Even as the film serves up plenty of positive messages, however, it never loses sight of its audience and makes sure to include Thompson's signature wit and Eloise's infamous impish charm every step of the way. For charmed holiday be sure to book a stay at the Plaza Hotel and join Eloise at Christmastime.

Classics: A Review of Memoirs of a Geisha By Lauren Ennis

What is it that allows some to triumph over tragedy while others succumb to it? How are some able to rise above adverse circumstances while others remain oppressed by them? These questions lie at the heart of the 2005 drama Memoirs of a Geisha. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of 20th century Japan the film follows an ordinary girl as she struggles to maneuver the by turns glamorous and treacherous life of a geisha in an era of extraordinary change. Adapted from the 1997 bestselling novel of the same name the film takes viewers on an unforgettable journey into the elusive world of Japan's geishas while relating a timeless tale of resilience and reinvention.

The story begins along the Japanese coast during the 1930's as nine year old Chiyo and her sister, Satsu, tend to their terminally ill mother. While bracing themselves for their mother's impending death, the girls are devastated to learn that their father has sold them in order to pay the family's debts. The siblings are then torn from everything that they've ever known, including each other, as they are taken to Kyoto where older, plainer, Satsu is sent to a brothel while prettier Chiyo enters a geisha house. Although she is spared the sexual abuse that Satsu is forced to endure Chiyo, suffers constant physical and psychological abuse at the geisha house, particularly at the hands of vindictive geisha Hatsumomo. After several failed attempts to reunite with her sister, all seems lost until fate intervenes and Chiyo is transformed into Sayuri, Kyoto's most celebrated geisha. She soon learns, however, that her success is not all that she had hoped for as she finds herself facing the pressures and constraints of life as a geisha. When World War II breaks out she is forced to reinvent herself once again as she struggles to find her voice and make her own way in a drastically changing world.

At first glance, Memoirs of a Geisha is a Japanese take on the familiar Cinderella story. As the story unfolds, however, the film evolves into a compelling exploration of resilience and self-discovery. While marketed as an exotic romance, the film's central focus is actually Sayuri's struggle to obtain her elusive goal; not to win a man's affections or earn status as a geisha, but to lead a life that is truly her own. It is this overarching desire that fuels her determination to make the most of the difficulties that life continually places within her path, and motivates her to forge ahead when others might accept defeat. Even when faced with the loss of her fortune, her career, or her loved ones she never loses her sense of self as she stubbornly presses on. Much like Scarlett O'Hara, Sayuri remains standing tall even as the world around her threatens to crumble in the rubble of war and reconstruction. Throughout her training she is told that the work of a geisha is an art. While she may succeed in all of the arts expected of a geisha her true art form is the art of survival as she rises from the devastation surrounding her again and again only to emerge stronger and more determined than when she started.  In this way, the story subverts audience expectations by providing its seemingly helpless heroine with an internal transformation that surpasses any make-over a fairy god-mother might provide. As a result, the film defies period piece tropes by relating an empowering and refreshingly modern story of  individuality and independence that will resonate in any culture or era.

While the film was subject to controversy due to its casting of several Chinese performers in Japanese roles, the cast bring Arthur Golden's novel to vivid life. Gong Li steals each scene in which she appears as the fiery Hatsumomo, expertly balancing seductive charm, cold cunning, and bitter desperation. Michelle Yeoh resonates warmth and maternal wisdom and makes for an excellent foil to Li's villain in her turn as Sayuri's mentor, celebrated geisha Mameha. Youki Kudoh is by turns endearing and heart breaking in her role as Sayuri's best-friend turned reluctant rival, Pumpkin. Ken Watanabe exudes charm in his role as Sayuri's love interest, while Koji Yakusho lends pathos and world-weariness to his role as her rejected suitor. Even in the midst of excellent supporting performances the film belongs to Suzuka Ohgo and Ziyi Zhang as they infuse their performances with an innocence, intelligence, and determination that brilliantly transfer Golden's complex heroine to the silver screen.

At the film's conclusion Sayuri describes her unconventional happy ending and reminds viewers that "these are not the memoirs of an empress, nor of a queen"; what they are are is something infinitely more moving and fascinating. At once a unique tale of a young woman coming of age in an era of cultural change and a universal story of resilience and redemption Memoirs of a Geisha is nothing short of inspiring. Through its intelligent script, enchanting visuals, and engaging performances the film not only transports viewers into the heart of the mysterious world of Japan's geishas, but also brings its alluring inhabitants to vibrant life. During her grueling training to become a geisha Mameha advises Sayuri that "to be a geisha is to be judged as a moving work of art", a task at which this film more than succeeds.

And as a bonus be sure to check out the skating program that inspired this review!