Joyeux Noël (Merry Christmas)
Dir: Christian Carion
2005
*****
Every year during remembrance we hear the words 'Lest we forget' a phrase taken from the poem Recessional written by Rudyard Kipling. I often wonder if we already have, several times over. Indeed, the ceasefire that occurred one Christmas Eve in the trenches of World War I should be a message to all and how we should best remember those that fought, those that had no choice. The British, German and French sides sang, drank, ate and played Football together as well as exchange stories, photos and share mass. Joyeux Noël is a mix of true stories that happened up and down the front line and highlights the insanity of War and the good nature of mankind effortlessly, but then the film makers had one of the greatest stories of modern history at their disposal. Much like in real life, the film is a great example of team work with filmmakers and actors from each of the three countries coming together to tell the story. One of the greatest War films ever made and one of the best alternative Christmas films everyone should see.