Joyeux Noël
July 18th, 2006 . by QuintonI’d wanted to see Joyeux Noël since it came out last year, but never had the chance and waited until it was released on DVD.
During December 1914 in France the German, Scottish, and French forces were fighting each other in trenches less than 50 metres from each other. The soldiers on all sides had grown weary and cold, so their Lieutenants decided to call a ‘cease fire’ for Christmas Eve. I suppose nobody really felt like fighting on Christmas, so the men started to meet one another and they even held a mass.
I thought is was so interesting and awkward how these soldiers and their officers started to speak and develop relationships with each other, despite coming from different backgrounds and languages. They knew some of the same songs and showed each other pictures of their wives and families.
It’s written and directed by Christian Carion and is meant to be based on many true stories of soldiers on the frontlines on Christmas Eve 1914. It stars Daniel Brühl of ‘The Edukators’ and Diane Kruger who played Helen in ‘Troy’.
I really enjoyed this movie and how it skipped languages from German, to English, to French. And Anna and I think the girl in it has pretty much the coolest hair style ever.
Quinton:
I heard a story like this on NPR awhile back. About two groups warring on a battlefield, that called a truce on Christmas Day and actually played Soccer together and shared some food and even visited a little.
I can’t wait to check this movie out.
We just watched Malena 2 nights ago. Thanks for the recommendation (even though we did already own it ; )
Jill:
That was this movie. I didn’t want to give away too much of what happens in the movie, but yeah, all that happens too. You should put it on the que.
I’m glad you liked Malena. I haven’t seen it since if first came out a few years ago. It’s such a crazy movie. I’ll never forget when the women of the town cut her hair and beat her up in the square. crazy.
Anna and I just got back from seeing another movie tonight, too. It’s called ‘Junebug’ and Yo La Tengo recorded some original tracks for the movie. Have you heard of it? Maybe I’ll write about it tomorrow.
Quinton:
That scene from Malena really stuck with me, too. I couldn’t get those images out of my head. Crazy mob of angry women.
Did you hear the story about a cab driver that hit a kid, and the angry mob that took the matter into their own hands? Crazy! http://www.gothamist.com/archives/2006/07/01/brooklyn_mob_at_1.php