After doing some recent research on WWI, for a history course, I came across a certain movie that represents a concept far away from what defined this war. This movie by the name of Joyeux Noel is French for Merry Christmas. It is based on an event that is not taught in the textbooks we read in school. Matter of fact, before seeing this movie I did not believe that events like this were even possible. Rather than this movie being consumed with the violence and devastation of World War I, this movie is revolved around the events that took place in the trenches during the season of Christmas. In my evaluation I will include the overall plot, as well as my opinion on certain scenes from the movie. Just like World War I, Joyeux Noel involves soldiers representing the Central Powers: Germany and Prussia, as well as the Allied Powers: France, England, and Switzerland. Even though these Powers were supposed to be enemies, they came to a realization on Christmas Eve. They realized it was not exactly appropriate to allow acts of war during this day known to represent, peace, love, and joy. On a quiet and still Christmas Eve night, a German soldier began to sing 'Stille Nacht', the German translation of 'Silent Night', soon each group of soldiers joins in on the song and before you know it the men are all assembled together out in the open land unarmed. They share champagne with one another, stories about their families, songs, and possessions. The soldiers, generals, and all decided Christmas would be the one day for them to put their differences aside and celebrate together. Prepare yourself, because this entire movie is not entirely spoken in English, the characters speak in French, German, and Latin as well. I love that the directors chose to do this because it allows the movie to be a true representation of the people involved in this event along with the languages that they spoke. I am someone who is actually quite fond of foreign movies as well as TV shows, so I don't mind the subtitles much. There's not too much action in this movie, so I believe that the subtitles don't take away from the visual aspect of the movie. Like every movie, there were things I thought the makers could have improved upon. In the beginning of the movie, when they introduced the countries that were represented in the war, I was not entirely clear on which uniforms and emblems belonged to which country. Some of the uniforms as well as characters looked pretty similar, so it was not until the men came together that I was able to differentiate the groups. Another thing, that I was most disappointed about, was how the story concluded. I loved the story line very much, but I believe that there was a better way to sum up the plot altogether. The movie ended in a way that made me think, was there just not enough information provided to be able to come up with a more complex ending? Right after we were given the chance to see this wonderful reunion and celebration between these ferocious enemies, the movie transitioned right into the ending scene where each group of soldiers left on a train to go their separate ways. That was it. Once the credits began to roll up on the screen, I was slightly confused because just like any movie viewer, I had gotten to know these characters and wanted to know what the rest of their lives consisted of. I would have been just fine with a few descriptions about the main characters and the lives they lived throughout the rest of the war. I believe that these were very minor issues and as a whole I thought the movie was depicted well and left me with a hopeful feeling. My favorite scene from the movie is the moment where the soldiers are together laughing and celebrating with each other. This particular scene is what I believe to be the director's proudest moment. I was given a completely different perspective on World War I. I relate this event, which happened over one hundred years ago, to the many unfortunate situations we have faced in the world since then. Even though many devastating events continue to happen on a daily basis, Joyeux Noel's Christmas scene made me hopeful for humanity, because even in the darkest moments of war, people were still able to recognize the joy and peace of this blessed day. This particular movie regarding World War I was probably the best one for me to see. I typically have a hard time watching war movies, mainly because I disagree with the violence that comes with war, but this story did its best to stray away from the typical violence in your average war movie. Joyeux Noel was an excellent movie. I would give this movie nine out of ten stars. I thought it was cast well and every component involved did a job well done when it came to tugging at the heartstrings.

1. A truly powerful and must see film about the futility of war.2. It depicts that whatever those in power would have us believe there are more similarities between various nationalities than differences.3. Wonderful performances by many little known actors.4. First class cinematography and other production values.5. Illustrates that there can be no war if if if you have no enemy. It is impossible to kill a man with whom you have shared drinks and stories and grown to like6. Wonderful music and singing as those who have suffered and fought each other in the trenches slowly gather to mark Christmas Eve by drinking and talking with each other, swapping addresses, singing Christmas carols common to all three nations (Germany, France and Scotland), burying frozen corpses and playing soccer together.7. Not perfectly historically accurate but very close to an actual incident, A vivid illustration of the foolishness of war. While some have laid the blame at the feet it is clear that the primary blame lays with those who order others to go to war while safely enjoying the better of things far from the trenches

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!