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Diane Kruger, Benno Fürmann, Guillaume Canet, Gary Lewis, Dany Boon ... see more see more... , Daniel Brühl , Alex Ferns , Steven Robertson , Lucas Belvaux , Bernard Le Coq , Ian Richardson , Frank Witter , Thomas Schmauser , Joachim Bissemeyer , Robin Laing , Suzanne Flon , Michel Serrault

The year is 1914, and as World War I continues to rage across the European countryside, four individuals stuck on the front lines find themselves faced with the unthinkable in director Christian Cario... read more read more...n's Academy Award-nominated account of the true-life wartime event that would offer hope for peace in mankind's darkest hour. 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 of a much needed cigarette or a treasured piece of chocolate, and to put their differences aside long enough to wish their brothers a sincere "Merry Christmas!" ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Flixster Users

81% liked it

44,510 ratings

Critics

76% liked it

91 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 56 min.

Directed by: Christian Carion

Release Date: March 3, 2006

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DVD Release Date: November 14, 2006

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Stats: 1,534 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (1,534)

  • SarahG1988
    December 31, 2010
    SarahG1988
    An incredibly thought provoking depiction of the WW1 Christmas ceasefire between the Germans, French and the Scottish. The uniting of each of the countries is especially moving and we get to see each solider as an ordinary human being, without the trails and tribulations of war o... read moren their mind. Interestingly, the meeting of German and French soldiers on some occasions is at times funny to watch, as both try to understand one another.

    One of the highlights of the film is the brilliant soundtrack. We see Opera singer Sprink sing to all soldiers in quite a poignant moment, which leaves all 3 sets of soldiers incredibly touched. What is so great about that, is that this relates to all occasions of war and that's why it feels more real that we are witnessing.The film has all the best European actors from; Daniel Bruhl, Diane Kruger, to Guillaume Canet to Gary Lewis. This just goes to show just how brilliant European filming really can be.

    This may very well be one of my top 5 favourite war films. Highly recommended.
  • itsjustme2004
    November 27, 2010
    itsjustme2004
    Inspired by true events during WWI. ......Touching and poignant, this is a powerfully good Christmas movie. Well acted, well directed, well filmed. You see and feel the difficulty of war, the suffering of the men, the bitter cold of a Belgian winter, and the redemptive power of C... read morehristmas even through the darkest of times and events. We also get a good sense of the hypocrisy of the various leaders as they frantically thrash about trying to contain the news of a small outbreak of peace on the Belgian front. Highly recommended.
  • danperry17
    January 4, 2010
    danperry17
    Saw about half of this a year or two ago, and while very good it was very late at night... I fell asleep. [Real rating pending.]
  • ironclad1609
    December 25, 2008
    ironclad1609
    This is the true, although probably adjusted, story of a ceasefire near the French-German border in 1914, where soldiers of three nations stopped shooting to celebrate Christmas together. Being entirely neutral, the movie equally shares the three point of views from German, Frenc... read moreh and Scottish characters, giving short glimpses at the terror of war in the beginning, but then concentrating on this incredible story of fragile friendship and peace amidst the chaos. The first steps of trust and agreement not to attack each other are very exciting and touching to witness. Thankfully the movie spares us most of the surely ugly aftermaths or an unnecessarily violent ending, which probably would have ruined the message of people searching for a way to get along even in the most unlikely situations. The fact that the commands of all three nations kept these happenings a secret for many years says enough, though. Good cinematography, great acting and a nice soundtrack together with a message of humanity make this one of the better Christmas movies, though.
  • TheMachinist
    October 10, 2008
    TheMachinist
    "Joyeux Noel" is truly an inspirational movie about war. Three different camps, two sides fighting against each other lay down their weapons during Christmas to celebrate the holiday.

    The men are trying to forget the war but unfortunately the war will not forget them. The way t... read morehe nations "friendship" is set is heartwarming but in the end it feels kinda unrealistic.

    "Joyeux Noel" is almost a perfect Christmas movie. Don't expect any mind blowing war scenes ala "Saving Private Ryan".
  • RossCollinsUK
    March 10, 2008
    RossCollinsUK
    A Christmas like any other but this is 1914, and it's the first of the Great War for the soldiers serving in the trenches of the Western front. This an amusing, touching, true story of the spontaneous cease-fire on Christmas Eve where the French, Scottish and German sides put the... read more war behind them to celebrate Christmas, even playing a game of football. A great cross-cultural tale that focuses on the characters setting aside their national differences rather than being a typical war movie.
  • bbcfloridabound
    November 12, 2007
    bbcfloridabound
    The very best movie I have seen in a long time, I would Recommend this for any WWII Vetern. Also for those who still enjoy War Movies.
  • dhetteix
    November 5, 2007
    dhetteix
    Well acted, brilliantly portrayed. It keeps its individuality despite what could have been an oppressive number of characters, as well as remarkable amounts of character depth and development despite everyone getting relatively little screen time.

    Subdued but precise cinematogra... read morephy captures the characters moods and perspective, keeping us firmly "in the trenches." On top of the mere cinematic qualities, this movie lovingly and rigorously handles its plot, raising it to a level of storytelling as opposed to entertainment.

    All in all, it is difficult for a war film to break the boundaries of its genre, but Joyeux Noel manages to do just that, combining a touching and dramatic story with a well-crafted piece of cinema.
  • fb100000440772572
    December 3, 2011
    fb100000440772572
    It's one of the most amazing war stories ever told, and demonstrates the awe-inspiring power of Christmas. Joyeux Noel is an exceptional film that tells the true story of the spontaneous 1914 Christmas truce of World War I. The film does an exquisite job at bringing the charact... read moreers to life and drawing the audience into story. Rarely has a film depicted the life of the World War I soldier and the complexity of war so well. Joyeux Noel is a loving tribute to the soldiers who found the Christmas spirit during the madness of war.
  • gator681
    July 11, 2007
    gator681
    [font=Century Gothic]Inspired by real events, "Joyeux Noel" is about the 1914 Christmas truce initiated by French, Scottish and German soldiers fighting in the trenches in World War I. The movie takes too long setting up the story and introducing the various characters.(Of all th... read moree storylines, the one involving the opera singers is by far the weakest.) So much so, that the conclusion feels abrupt by comparison. What does eventually emerge is a devastating indictment of the absurdity of war. Once the soldiers get to know each other, play soccer and cards, then the propaganda that has been drilled into their heads becomes useless. Religion unites the men in an impromptu Christmas Mass but remember that even the devil can quote scripture.[/font]

View All Joyeux Noël (Merry Christmas) Reviews

Critic Reviews

Jonathan Rosenbaum
November 27, 2007
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader

Some might castigate its unabashed sentimentality, but I found myself moved, especially when I recalled that this was supposedly the war to end all wars. Full Review

Richard Nilsen
June 22, 2006
Richard Nilsen, Arizona Republic

Well-photographed and acted, Joyeux Noël suffers most from the inevitable comparison with its betters, such films as Paths of Glory or All Quiet on the Western Front. Full Review

Roger Moore
April 21, 2006
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel

It's a marvelously entertaining history lesson -- glossy, emotional and touching. Full Review

Terry Lawson
March 31, 2006
Terry Lawson, Detroit Free Press

Its noble intentions do not negate its lumpy ordinariness. Full Review

Carrie Rickey
March 30, 2006
Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer

A poignant and rousing carol for peace.

Eleanor Ringel Gillespie
March 30, 2006
Eleanor Ringel Gillespie, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Lovely and moving. Full Review

Ann Hornaday
March 23, 2006
Ann Hornaday, Washington Post

The film ends with a moving and surprisingly sophisticated meditation on the definition of moral duty. Full Review

Jeff Strickler
March 23, 2006
Jeff Strickler, Minneapolis Star Tribune

The story's factual weight compensates for the film's schmaltzy telling. We might grimace at some of the movie's machinations, but it's hard not to be moved by the humanity it depicts. Full Review

Peter Howell
March 17, 2006
Peter Howell, Toronto Star

A beautifully lensed and acted European co-production that blends historical fact with sentimental drama to forge a powerful anti-war statement. Full Review

James Berardinelli
March 14, 2006
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

It makes for a fascinating exploration of the human experience. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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