Wham!: Last Christmas Unwrapped (2024)
This special documentary celebrates the 40th anniversary of Wham!’s iconic song, “Last Christmas,” chronicling its conception by George Michael and its enduring global appeal. Andrew Ridgeley, Shirlie Kemp, and other close friends revisit the Saas-Fee, Switzerland, location of the original music video. Through new interviews and archival footage, the movie honors the power of the song and the deep bond between the band members.
Length: 0h59m
Genre: Documentary, Music
This Title is: A celebratory retrospective on pop music history and friendship
Cast
Andrew Ridgeley, Shirlie Kemp, Pepsi DeMacque, George Michael, Mary J. Blige
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: N/A – Contains archival footage and discussions about music history.
FAQ
- Is Wham!: Last Christmas Unwrapped Based on a True Story?: Yes, it is a documentary chronicling the real history of the song “Last Christmas” and the band Wham!
- Where was Wham!: Last Christmas Unwrapped filmed?: Saas-Fee, Switzerland, and London, UK.
- Who Wrote the Soundtrack?: George Michael
Filmmaker Profile
The documentary is directed by Nigel Cole, known for feature movies like *Calendar Girls* and *Made in Dagenham*. Cole brings a warm, sentimental, and character-focused touch to this special, expertly weaving together emotional archival footage with personal reflections from those closest to George Michael and the Wham! story.
Why It’s Worth Watching
This documentary is a joyful experience, perfect for the holiday season. It stands out for its deep focus on the personal friendships at the heart of Wham! and the making of a global anthem. The production offers a moving, detailed look at George Michael’s genius and features engaging contributions from both bandmates and contemporary artists, making it a genuinely heartfelt tribute.
Main Character Deep Dive
The main focus is the profound emotional journey of Andrew Ridgeley and the collective memory of George Michael (Yog). Ridgeley’s return to Saas-Fee with old friends is deeply moving, reflecting on loss and the shared triumph of creating a timeless hit. The quality of the central personal reflections is exceptional, capturing the honest essence of lasting friendship against the backdrop of massive pop success.
Unforgettable Quote
“Christmas was a special time for George, and Christmas songs were a special type of song for him too.”
Trivia
- The special marks the 40th anniversary of the song “Last Christmas,” which was originally released in 1984.
- The song finally reached the UK Official Christmas Number 1 spot 39 years after its initial release.
- The documentary revisits the ski resort of Saas-Fee in Switzerland, the location used for the iconic music video.
Trailer
Stream Wham!: Last Christmas Unwrapped (2024) on:
Our Review
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I was absolutely captivated by this celebratory look at one of pop music’s most enduring achievements. This presentation manages to feel both deeply personal and universally appealing. I loved seeing Andrew Ridgeley, Shirlie Kemp, and Pepsi DeMacque recount their memories, especially their return to the Swiss setting of the music video. The structure expertly chronicles the track’s history, showcasing George Michael’s remarkable gifts as a writer and producer. The way the movie handled the emotional impact of their journey, focusing on their bond, was incredibly moving. The contributions from current artists, offering perspective on the song’s reach across generations, added wonderful context. It’s a beautifully crafted picture that radiates warmth and holiday cheer while serving as a touching tribute to a great artist and a great tune. This is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a well-told story about creation and lasting legacy.
Who Should Watch This?
Stream it if you cherish the song “Last Christmas,” enjoy deeply personal music histories, and want a heartfelt, feel-good movie about friendship and artistic success.
