“Forced” Movie #10 – Joyeux Noel (2005)

This is the tenth of 12 films that I was “forced” to watch by my fellow bloggers who participated in my Blogiversary Contest last month.  This movie was the 3rd one chosen by the winner SG.  Tnx for the suggestion.  Let’s see what I thought of it….

–
“We were talking about a cease fire, for Christmas Eve. What do you think? The outcome of this war wont be decided tonight. I don’t think anyone would criticize us for laying down our riffles on Christmas Eve. ” – Gordon

Number of Times Seen – 1 (18 May 2016)

Brief Synopsis – On Christmas Eve during the fighting of WWI, a truce is made between the warring parties that will changes everything for the soldiers fighting the war.

My Take on it – This choice was slightly out of my comfort zone, because 2/3 of the movie is in French and German and even the Scottish English was helped by subtitles. 🙂

As you all know by now, I’m not a fan of foreign language films and this film needs subtitles to understand everything going on.

I quite enjoyed this films anti-war message and we get a clear and somewhat balanced account of all three sides depicted here during this battle.

The idea that men are all the same, but only differ by the “colors” they wear rings very true and is an idea that resonates throughout the centuries when it comes to war.

This is the kind of anti-war movie that can be enjoyed and absorbed by just about anyone because it isn’t overly violent but rather deals with the similarities between the various fighting sides instead of their differences.

Bottom Line – A bit out of my comfort zone, but still a very good film. Liked the way that they gave us a clear picture of all 3 sides of the battle (British, French and German) and moved between each of them fluidly.  We get to understand men during war and see that nationality has little to do with it, but how everyone is similar besides their “colors”.  A very good anti-war movie that can resonate with just about anyone. Recommended!

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – Towards the end of the film Major General Audebert says “i’ve been ordered to arrest a cat for treason”, A cat portrayed in the film as Felix/Nestor, was actually arrested and shot for espionage after it arrived in French lines wearing a new collar and bearing a note (in french) which read “which regiment are you from?”. The general in charge decided just to follow the letter of the law, the cat was shot for spying.  (From IMDB)

Rating – Globe Worthy

_______________________________________

Check out my *updated* movie stats here

To see my reviews of Oscar Winning Performances check out this link

To see my reviews of all Oscar Best Picture Winners click here (now complete)

Here is a link to my movie index A-Z