A wonderful story of dignity and human kindness set against the savagery of war. Set in the trenches of WW1, it narrates the true events which saw groups of soldiers from opposing sides fraternise on Christmas Eve 1914, calling a brief but meaningful ceasefire, exchanging gifts, playing football and celebrating Christmas together as well as being allowed to bury their respective dead who had fallen between opposing lines in No Man's Land... It is beautifully filmed and the acting is faultless throughout. It also has some very humorous moments. It is a timely reminder that the things that make us human are the small and seemingly unimportant moments and actions of our lives. A wonderful depiction of our shared humanity, it is poignant, moving and, yes - even sentimental. As it should be.
Sentimentality, which is nowadays always seen as a weakness, can also be a strength; without sentiments and feelings we are after all nothing but empty soul-less shells... Joyeux Noel is not mawkish or maudlin, it is a cinematographic ode to the generosity of the human spirit and its resilience amongst the horrors of war. In a very quiet unassuming way this movie shows us the best of human behaviour within the worst of its creation - war. A short optimistic interlude which should never be forgotten or relegated to some dusty stack. Lest we forget.
Sentimentality, which is nowadays always seen as a weakness, can also be a strength; without sentiments and feelings we are after all nothing but empty soul-less shells... Joyeux Noel is not mawkish or maudlin, it is a cinematographic ode to the generosity of the human spirit and its resilience amongst the horrors of war. In a very quiet unassuming way this movie shows us the best of human behaviour within the worst of its creation - war. A short optimistic interlude which should never be forgotten or relegated to some dusty stack. Lest we forget.