Joyeux Noel (2005)

Inspired by the true events of WWI, Joyeux Noel recounts Christmas Eve 1914 when French, German, and scottich soldiers found common ground in thoughts of home. Building up to the Eve, we follow a French Lieutenant, a drafted world-class tenor, a Catholic priest, and a pair of brothers. The French receive champagne to celebrate the holiday on the front lines. The Scottish receive bagpipes, the Germans miniture Christmas trees much to chargrin of their commandant. From each foxholes rises a celebration uniquely their own.

On the strains of Silent Night a truce is made. The harsh realities of war are forgotten if only for a day. The soldiers share drinks and pictures of home. They pause soccer games and singing to bury their dead. As friendships emerge, each man resolves himself as when morning breaks they are to become enemies once more.

Filmed in German, French,and English, Joyeux Noel is a rare foreign film that transcends agendas in part to writer/director Christian Carion.  He keeps from the sentimental and chooses to celebrate humanity and showcase the futility of war.  He is steadfast in finding the beauty among the ugly.

Joyeux Noel is a more than a holiday film.  It is a drama of significance, celebrating a unique brotherhood.