Sunday, December 25, 2011

Joyeux Noël (2005)

Joyeux Noël (2005)
Joyeux Noël (2005)

Genre: Drama
Director: Christian Carion
Starring: Diane Kruger, Benno Fürmann, Guillaume Canet, Gary Lewis, Dany Boon
Language: French, German, English, Latin
Duration: 116 min.
Rating: 7.5  

Summary:
The year is 1914, and as The Great War continues to rage across the European countryside, four individuals stuck on the front lines find themselves changed forever by a momentous event.



Joyeux Noël is a film written and directed by Christian Carion, based on actual events that occurred during the First World War.  It premiered out of competition at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival, and was later nominated for the Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Dramatizing a small moving moment of humanity amidst a cold and brutal war, It is told through the points of view of characters from three sides stationed in the trenches of the front line.  Lead by a German opera singer (Benno Fürmann) involved romantically with a Danish soprano (Diane Kruger), a young French officer (Guillaume Canet) whose father is a high ranking commander, and a Scottish priest (Gary Lewis) who volunteers to join his local boys. 

Despite being a tad overly sentimental, messily developed, and a watered down retelling of the war.  It has a wonderful international cast, solid visuals, and that deeply touching magical charm that all successful Christmas movies possess.  In the end, Joyeux Noël is a worthy entertaining choice to watch during the holidays.

Bonjour Tristesse

Joyeux Noël (2005)

Joyeux Noël (2005)

Joyeux Noël (2005)

Joyeux Noël (2005)

Joyeux Noël (2005)

Joyeux Noël (2005)

Joyeux Noël (2005)

Joyeux Noël (2005)

12 comments:

Bonjour Tristesse said...

It's a fine choice if you are looking for something different to watch during the holidays.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

They are great, even though they are lip synched.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

A fascinating event.  Thanks for taking time out on Christmas to visit!

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Same to you!

Bonjour Tristesse said...

 I think Christmas movies get a free pass for being sentimental.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

 Maybe consider it for next holiday season.  Thanks for stopping by Ruth!

CastorTroy said...

Oh wow, I heard good things about this movie but then forgot all about it. I will definitely check this out.

The Reel Foto said...

An awesome film. The songs are some of my favorite scenes. :D

My 2 Pesos said...

Merry Christmas!

Hoi-Ming Ng said...

Ah, I've known about this event for a long time.

d_4 said...

It sounds like it tries to be touching. I give those a chance sometimes, we'll see!

Ruth Richards said...

This has long been on my 'need to watch' list. It has always sounded quite beautiful to me. Great review and Merry Christmas to you!

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