Lost Christmas

This is one of my personal favorite Christmas films. Emotional and poignant, it deals with themes of grief, redemption, and kindness. It's not really a children's movie, but definitely a family film. Adults, especially will appreciate the deeper meaning of a story that draws from the familiar and still feels fresh. This film harmonizes reality with magic in a way that feels believable, if only in spirit. I also love the musical score.

This has become a holiday classic for my family. Also, my all time favorite performance of Eddie Izzard who not only stars, but is also an executive producer of the film.

First of all this is a "must see" Christmas movie, and that is because been a tale it becomes personal, and here you have a potentially really good movie. The story is the strongest point, it gives scattered hints or pieces of a puzzle that all come together at the end, and that is by far the best thing of this movie. Unfortunately, I think that everything else fell short, and was treated as a B-movie, from photography to editing down to the actors, that at the end, I feel ,did not performed at the level I would have expected. I really think that the ambiance of a movie is as important as the story itself, and probably taking this story back in time, in a more charming looking atmosphere, (like "The Extraordinary Adventures Of Adele Blanc"),adding a voice in the back that gives you more information about all the characters you meet, and definitely having a better editing and photography would have made this an all time "Classic Christmas Movie". But again watch it, it deserves it.

There are big-budget films, ensemble cast films, epic stories told with vast artistic teams, and so on. Then there are films that tell the small stories of a small group or individual. Yes, perhaps their screenplays aren't as epic as the Old Testament, Dostoevsky, Shakespeare, or other literary giants, and their purpose isn't to change the world. But they settle into the viewer's heart and gently transform a multitude of little things within.

I purchased the DVD of this film in London, and upon my first arrival in Istanbul, I watched it before even unpacking my bags. It had "Christmas" in the title, starred Jason Flemyng and Eddie Izzard-that was enough for me. Besides, nobody knew about this film, so it would be my secret treasure.

After watching it, I fell in love with all the actors, even those in minor roles, the small stories it told, the Oscar Wilde references, and the music. Ever since, whenever I find myself in a period of boredom or ennui, I turn to this film.

I reached out to the film's writer, David Logan, and director, John Hay. John even connected me with David, as they were both delighted that their film had made such an impact on someone's life. I still cherish our iMessage and email exchanges. I also had the pleasure of conversing with Debbie Wiseman, the composer of the film's music.

I wish I had the chance to reach Larry Mills as well...

Why am I bringing all this up? Because such heartwarming films (and no, I'm not talking about the "feel-good" category, these are special films) are made by such special people.

In short, don't be fooled by the word "Christmas" in the title. This film is so much more. It's a testament to the power of small stories, the magic of human connection, and the enduring appeal of films that touch the heart. It's a reminder that even in the midst of life's chaos, there's always room for a little bit of warmth and wonder.

Lost Christmas is a sad, melancholy and twisted tale of damaged and seemingly unconnected people in the city of Manchester.

'Goose' is a 10 year old boy who on Christmas Eve hides his dad's car keys in the hope that he will not go to work at Christmas. His dad is a fireman.

However his mum drives him to work and both are killed in a car accident.

A year later, Goose is no longer the bright ten year old kid but a feral streetwise kid who is supporting his grandmother through petty crime.

A mysterious man appears out of nowhere. He calls himself Anthony, he has no recollection of who he is or where he came from. He can find things that are lost.

It sounds like a bleak tale for Christmas, particularly one aimed at families but it is a story about redemption and second chances.

Like a ripple on a pond cause by the throwing of a pebble, you find that the various tragedies that befalls the different characters are somehow interconnected.

Maybe Anthony can find some sort of solace for the lost people around him but can he turn back time?

It may lack the usual Christmas sentimentality that these types of films usually have but it also lacks the cynicism. Lost Christmas is realistic enough to connect with today's kids.

There will be those who are critical of the over simplified message of this film, those who feel that Eddie Izzard was not the right person to play the key role but I think that they are over complicating this.

A seasonal film that has you laughing, crying and puzzled in equal measure until the ending glues it all back together. So many threads that in the end all make sense and the parts played by Eddie Izzard, Jason Flemyng and Geoffrey Palmer are stand out for me. The young lad who plays Goose either is a natural, or took direction superbly.

There is only one section that is not researched well, and you will know it when you see it, but that is forgivable to an extent because the rest of the film is so good.

Deserves awards and should become a Christmas Classic every year from now on.

Enjoy it with a glass of wine, cuddled up on the couch with the kids and a box of tissues. Children over the age of 12 will understand all the themes, children under that age will still understand the main theme of the film.