The Last Christmas Party

I loved this film. On the surface, it explores the relationships of 3 couples nearing the end of their college years in New York. The intelligent script and fantastic acting however add more layers to the issues. With that comes ambiguity, humour and emotional engagement. This is proof that small budget films can charm and entertain.

If you want a cheery, feel good, Christmas movie then this is not for you. If you are open-minded and willing to sit back without prejudice and enjoy a film then you could be pleasantly surprised. Watching people flirting with indecision as they are about to embark on the next stage of life brought back memories. This was both funny and poignant.

"The Last Christmas Party" is a thoroughly engaging and surprisingly emotional portrayal of imminently graduating university students negotiating the complexities of the impending changes in their lives. The film addresses this primarily through the relationships of three couples. The interweaving collage of youth flirting with commitment is brilliantly acted. Their issues are explored in such a believable manner that I found myself increasingly emotionally involved in the various plots. The direction, editing and pacing of the film ensures that a measure of frivolity does not detract from the existential dilemmas of characters floundering on the edge of responsibility to others and themselves. The issues are brilliantly enhanced by some subtle understatement. For example, Jun's forthrightness is refined by shades of emotions that suggest a warm persona whilst Ed's nuanced performance is punctuated with laughter on two occasions that hints at perspectives that are not openly articulated. The mood and texture of the film is augmented by brilliant use of original music.

I loved it great work from the cast and crew nad everyone one who participated in the making

A Christmas party. Three couples about to be separated for semester break. Three different angles to the same party and events that transpire over the evening. Lots of emotions shared, bared and talked about during the same evening. if you are looking for happy endings or happy, jolly Christmas fare then I would avoid this. If you like movies with raw emotions and ambiguity then you will probably like this film.