Joyeux Noel (2006)

Set during the Christmas truce in the early stages of WWI, Joyeux Noel presents humanity to the extent of sentimentality, revealed as a fragile entity which should never horrifically suffer. Despite its dire setting in battle trenches Joyeux Noel focused upon the personal events intertwining the characters emotions and relationships at a time ironically defined as the most wonderful time of the year.The use of juxtapositions is a recurring device which brings to attention both extremes of humanity. Still images of the life's wonders such as a merry gathering and relaxing by a lakeside become quickly distorted with the eloquent technique of using children to speak destructive words. "We must exterminate that race" was a response from an English boy, his expression and our acknowledgment of history during the last century was clearly meant to horrify us as a foreboding to humanity's cynical actions as witnessed during the emotional distance soldiers place against their enemies and to some extent their own companions.Yet the juxtapositions strike an emotive chord for the unity of humanity. Joyeux Noel's exceptional inclusion of tenor singing, a remarkable talent which one can only respond in appreciation, is skilfully used to portray the remnants of human beauty left from the onslaught of war. The striking manner of the tenor's voice sets off a mutual respect from all sides of the battlefield as he walks along no man's land as a symbol of unity through music which all humans enjoy. Although sentimentally it can be seen as overblown it is nevertheless effective in its intentions and makes for great drama in the latter stages as the attempt to regain humanity with one another is tragically halted.The humanity theme is also enhanced by the acting's sincerity. All principle actors offer truthfulness to their characters particularly in the earnest relationship between Nikolaus (Benno Furmann) and Anne (Diane Kruger) as the war halts their companionship and Gary Lewis as Father Palmer, a Priest struggling with his faith in the horrors of war. Such complications are worn out clichés in cinema but each actor invests their emotions in making Joyeux Noel heartfelt and worthy of dignity.

Joyeux Noel captures a rare moment of grace from one of the worst wars in the history of mankind.This is a movie about the World War I Christmas truce of December 1914, depicted through the eyes of French, Scottish and German soldiers.It stars Benno Fürmann,Guillaume Canet,Daniel Brühl,Diane Kruger,Gary Lewis and Alex Ferns; and it was written and directed by Christian Carion.When the war machines began rolling in the summer of 1914, the devastation that it waged upon German, British, and French troops was palpable. As the winter winds began to blow and the soldiers sat huddled in their trenches awaiting the generous Christmas care packages sent by the families, the sounds of warfare took a momentary backseat to the yearning for brotherhood among all of mankind. It is here that the fate of a French lieutenant, a Scottish priest, a German tenor, and a Danish soprano's lives were about to be changed forever. On Christmas Eve of that year, the lonely souls of the front lines abandoned their arms to reach out to their enemies on the battlefield and greet them with not anger or hostility, but with the simple, kindly gesture by trading chocolates and champagne, playing soccer, and comparing pictures of their wives and to put their differences aside long enough to wish each other as brothers a sincere Christmas greetings to one another.But when Christmas ends, the war returns.The movie captures a rare moment of grace from one of the worst wars in the history of mankind, World War I.Although it has been justly accused of sentimentality and manipulation, but if any subject warrants such an earnest and hopeful treatment, it's the horrors of trench warfare. The cast delivers low-key but effective performances as the movie dwells on the everyday elements of life in the face of war.In the end,this is one film that is a marvelously entertaining history lesson that is glossy, emotional and touching that a viewer should not miss.

'Joyeux Noel' is really a wonderful film. It is true in its historiography of the Christmas Truce of 1914 that happened in Ypres, Belgium; an event that revealed that friendship, music, and humanity really do mute the belligerent sentiments of war.I had little idea of the plot before I saw 'Joyeux Noel.' I thought it might have been yet another World War I epic. For the most part I was right; it is a marvelous WWI epic, but it is dissimilar to all the others. The military ideal of patriotism that is so often saluted in war epics, is belittled in front of the incredible humanity and comradeship that the soldiers showed. I was simply enthralled at what I was seeing: soldiers from three different trenches were sharing champagne, playing soccer, and attending the same Christmas Mass. They were collectively committing high treason, while celebrating a friendship that had no geopolitical borders.Christian Carion's "Joyeux Noel" has enlightened audiences across the globe. This is a marvelous ode to the brave soldiers of WWI who chose to toast together and break bread in a Christmas truce, rather than obey the warmongering orders of high command. It makes us understand the universality of our human experiences, despite wartime propaganda and nationalist sentiments.The acting was superb by the German, French and Scottish actors, and the music was beautifully executed in the spirit of the times. Congratulations to those involved in making this inspiring film a reality. This visually and sonically captivating picture will make you think, make you laugh, and will make you cry.If you have yet to see "Joyeux Noel," definitely consider renting this astounding epic. Seeing it will make you a better person.Enjoy!

*Spoiler/plot- 2005, Christmas Eve 1914 on a WW1 battlefield a momentous event changed the lives of soldiers from France, Germany, and England (Scotland). An Oscar nominated film tells the true-life story of the spontaneous Christmas Eve truce declared by Scottish, French, and German trench troops in WW1. The enemies leave their weapons behind for one night as they band together in brotherhood and forget about the brutalities and military discipline of war.*Special Stars- Diana Kruger, Daniel Bruht, Benno Furmann *Theme- Hollywood film business is a crazy impressionable system.*Trivia/location/goofs- The History Channel did an extensive documentary on this mystical event. This fictional narrative adds more attractive trivia to the real event. The voice singing of the two German characters is stunning; were they dubbed or not? They were DUBBED.*Emotion- An enjoyable film. A must see and powerful film of a real startling wartime event commemorated even today yearly in Belgium on the very spot it occurred.