The document summarizes the film Last Holiday and discusses its themes of living life to the fullest. It describes how the main character Georgia is diagnosed with a terminal illness and decides to take a dream vacation. Though later found to be misdiagnosed, she continues pursuing her dreams. The document argues we should appreciate our lives and loved ones, take chances to achieve goals, and not waste time, as shown through Georgia's experience and the author's own life lessons from loss.

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Alicia Hamrick
Professor Alicia Bolton
ENG 101
18 February 2013
Last Holiday: Enjoy Life
In the film Last Holiday, Georgia Byrd is portrayed by Queen Latifah. She is a
soft-spoken woman from Louisiana, who enjoys many things, including the idea of
becoming a chef, opening her own restaurant, and marrying her secret crush and co-
worker, Shawn Williams. She is too cautious and does not act upon any of her dreams.
Instead, she places photos and brochures of them into her Possibilities book. After
receiving the diagnosis of brain tumors, Georgia is told she has only has three weeks
to live. In the attempt to enjoy her remaining days, she liquidates all of her assets and
books a once in a lifetime vacation to the Grandhotel Pupp in the Czech Republic,
where she takes part in many extravagant activities. Once receiving several false
diagnoses of brain tumors in the same exact location as Georgia's, the doctor realizes
he has falsely diagnosed her, due to a default in the CAT-scan machine, and in all
actuality, she is perfectly healthy. Georgia rejoices once she is notified with the news
and continues living out her dreams, including marrying Shawn, and experiencing
everyday as if it were her last. Though most people can’t go on an extravagant
vacation on a whim, the film emphasizes that living life to the fullest can be an
invigorating experience. In my life, I have had many lessons in why I need to
appreciate everything and everyone, from the loss of loved ones to the inability to no
longer have children. I agree we should all enjoy all life has to offer and live it to the

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fullest, while trying to reach our goals and aspirations, because no one knows when
our time on Earth will end.
Some people, including myself, believe life is too short to not take chances and
we should enjoy even the simple things. In the beginning of the film, Georgia has the
same boring routine every day. How many of us live that life? In her case, she works
at a department store, where she is underpaid and far from appreciated. After being
diagnosed with brain tumors and being told her HMO won’t pay the $340,000 for
surgery that could save or prolong her life, Georgia does what many of us would: She
asks God, “…Why me?” After miscarrying in 2007, the day after Christmas, I too
asked Him, "Why?" It just doesn't seem fair to have something I love so much taken
from me and not have any control of the situation. But just as Georgia later learns in
the film, I have learned one of life's greatest lessons: life is too short to ask "Why?”
Instead we should be thankful for the time we have with loved ones and appreciate
every aspect of it.
Therefore, I understand life has its obstacles, but that should be more of a
motivation to try harder to reach set goals while enjoying the journey. Just as Grete
Hale, the author of Baker’s Daughter, who is 81-years-old, still volunteers for many
organizations including CANHAVE that provides care for orphans that have been
effected by HIV/AIDS. Hale came from humble beginnings yet she is has become a
successful business women and advisor (Marc). In the film, Georgia’s sister talks
about wanting to go to Nashville, Tennessee to become a country-western singer.
Georgia replies, “There is no such thing as a black country-western singer.” At the

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time the film was made, there were none. But since 2008, Darius Rucker, lead singer
of the rock group Hootie and the Blowfish, has had several songs make it to number
one on the country charts. He is also the first African-American to receive the New
Artist Award from the Country Music Association. I am sure Darius was nervous
going into the transition of country music since it isn’t common for someone of his
ethnicity to do so, but he took the chance against all odds. Individuals such as Darius,
whom go against the odds, are why I believe we should never stop trying to reach for
goals in life no matter the obstacles that may get in the way.
Furthermore, I believe that life is a gift that should be enjoyed with loved ones
while there is still time. For instance, in the film, Shawn locates Georgia to express
his feelings for her “I should’ve told you this a long time ago…I want to be with you,
whether it’s for five minutes…or fifty years.” After losing my step-father to
Emphysema in 2009, I’ve realized that time is too precious to waste. Although I knew
of his condition, I didn’t take the time I should have to spend with him and enjoy his
last few years. My youngest daughter was only 3 ½ months old when he passed;
unfortunately, he never got the opportunity to see her or my 17-month-old son. I talk
about him often with my children, and they know all about him and how much he
loves them from up in Heaven. His passing, although tragic, has pushed me to have a
relationship with my biologic father. Thus, I strongly agree that life is too short not to
be with loved ones, appreciate them, and enjoy every moment God has granted us.
Overall, I enjoyed Last Holiday as it emphasizes my beliefs that it’s never too late
to start living life to the fullest while trying to achieve our goals and dreams.

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Works Cited
Last Holiday. Dir. Wayne Wang. Perf. Queen Latifah, LL Cool J, Timothy Hutton,
Gerard Depardieu, Alicia Will, and Giancarlo Esposito. Paramount Pictures,
2006. Film.
Ellison, Marc. “Living Life to the Fullest.” Canadian Geographic Vol.131 Issue 3
(2011): 7. Academic Search Premier. Web. 14 Feb. 2013.