Joyeux Noel (2005) Reviews
- Starring:
- Diane Kruger, Benno Fürmann, (more)
- Director(s):
- Christian Carion
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- PG13
- Category:
- War
Member Rating
My RatingAverage Ratings
10 out of 10 people found this review helpful Do not be frightened by the French title and the promise of subtitles. The story revolves around Scottish, German, and French soldiers, so there are going to be subtitles for the French and German ... Read More Do not be frightened by the French title and the promise of subtitles. The story revolves around Scottish, German, and French soldiers, so there are going to be subtitles for the French and German dialogue. But this movie is well worth the "hassle" of reading. The main actors give brilliant performances. Guillaume Canet is terrific as the French leader. He does a good job portraying his character as conflicted; torn between his duty as an officer, and his duty as a human being. Daniel Bruhl leads the German side as a compassionate man who tries to be a tough officer. The Scottish are...well...the Scottish.
The acting is terrific, and the cinematography captures the essence of being a WWI soldier in the trenches. If you pass on this movie, you will be doing yourself a great injustice. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful This is loosely based on historical events; I say loosely because the movie basically put several incidents into one movie theme, which really didn't detract from the effectiveness of the movie. ... Read More This is loosely based on historical events; I say loosely because the movie basically put several incidents into one movie theme, which really didn't detract from the effectiveness of the movie. I've read about these events occurring in both WWI and WWII. It was nice to see it played out in a movie. Well done, well scripted. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful One of the best Christmas movies of all time....it should be up there with "It's A Wonderful Life" and "Gift of the Magi".
"Joyeux Noel" is one of only a few movies that deliver a ... Read More One of the best Christmas movies of all time....it should be up there with "It's A Wonderful Life" and "Gift of the Magi".
"Joyeux Noel" is one of only a few movies that deliver a universal holiday theme of "Peace On Earth, Goodwill
Towards Men". The singing is wonderful, the comradery is touching and the scenery (ie. Diane Kruger) breathtaking.
A Must have for your DVD library! Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful I don't like war movies, but I loved this film. It's message of humanity, love and hope is timeless. It's anti-war message is needed right now. It's portrayal of faith is mixed. The priest in the ... Read More I don't like war movies, but I loved this film. It's message of humanity, love and hope is timeless. It's anti-war message is needed right now. It's portrayal of faith is mixed. The priest in the film shows a strong faith and humanity, whereas the church authorities show a chilling support of the war and killing. This movie's themes are as applicable now as they were then. Seeing this film will become a tradition at our house around the holidays, but the kids will need to be a bit older before they can join in. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful This is more of political statement movie based on the true story. My 10 and 12 year old were bummed at the conclusion saying, "What a depressing ending. All the good guys get punished. The bad ... Read More This is more of political statement movie based on the true story. My 10 and 12 year old were bummed at the conclusion saying, "What a depressing ending. All the good guys get punished. The bad priest replaces the good priest, the good germans get sent to the Russian front, our favorite character is killed by the crazy guy. " We finally made up an ending that we thought should have happened of the german leader coming to the french leader's cafe in 1955, both now old men, they reunite and have the drink they talked about having together in 1914. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful I rented this movie thinking it was a lite holiday flick. But I was wrong. It is a very touching story that shows basic human nature. I won't give away the story line - but I will say that you ... Read More I rented this movie thinking it was a lite holiday flick. But I was wrong. It is a very touching story that shows basic human nature. I won't give away the story line - but I will say that you won't be disappointed. It is a war movie - there is some graphic scenes that would not be good for small children. The sad part of this movie only makes the beautiful parts shine all the more. It was a good contrast - the ugly of war with the beauty of Christmas. The fact that it is a true story only makes this movie more heart warming. Give this little movie a chance. You won't be disappointed. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful A Christmas during the first World War on the front lines. A true event of history and a good Christmas film. I'd like to recommend for family viewing, but there is a scene or two with content not ... Read More A Christmas during the first World War on the front lines. A true event of history and a good Christmas film. I'd like to recommend for family viewing, but there is a scene or two with content not acceptable for children - I feel that's a shame as those particular scenes were really not needed. Perhaps it will find it's way to TV without them so that a family can watch this together to learn of real history that had a rare positive moment admist war. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful I guess you have to classify this movie as a "foreign film" due to 2/3 of it being either in German or French. (Even the English is bit difficult to understand, since those speaking it are ... Read More I guess you have to classify this movie as a "foreign film" due to 2/3 of it being either in German or French. (Even the English is bit difficult to understand, since those speaking it are Scottish.) However,
English subtitles throughout make it seamless. Eventually you will forget they are even there. More importantly, the story is great, and it's based on a real event. Hard to believe, but true. My wife and I really enjoyed it. Our only complaint was that it can be a bit bloody at times, but having said that, when
you watch a movie about war, you have to expect it. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No |
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