Joyeux Noel

                   In the cold of the winter night all was still. The year was 1914. For the first time in our history the world was at war. Every day blood stained the ground, men cried out like children in pain and the sounds of gunshots were never ceasing. But tonight there was only silence.

Of course this was not just any night. This was Christmas Eve.

Peace on earth, good will to men. 

This was a night that, sadly, few remember.

Joyeux Noel is the heartwarming story of the unofficial ceasefires that occurred along the western front in 1914. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, soldiers from the German side and the French and Scottish ranks journeyed into No Man's Land where they celebrated Christmas with honest friendship and joy. This foreign film is one that you most likely have not heard of (which to me is a serious crime). As most foreign films it jumps between a couple of languages (French, English and German) but by doing so it makes you feel the truth and power that this movie brings. The cast is does a wonderful job at being believable and honest in their portrayal of these special men and women who set aside the war to pay tribute to the most special time of the year. The film does a excellent job of making sure that you see these men as humans even though the causes they go to war may be for a reason that we would never support. 

Lieutenant Auderbert (played by Guillaume Canet) is particularly wonderful to watch as he struggles to stay strong while yearning to be with his pregnant wife while trying to please his father. 

Another touch that this film adds is just small glimpses of the terrible war that follows World War 1. When the commander of the German forces (Daniel Bruhl) lets the audience know that he is part Jewish, you feel an ache in your chest knowing what terrible things will follow him in the next few years. That's the beauty of this film though. You believe every moment that these are real people. 

Their struggles are our struggles. Their fears are our fears. As the enemy forces lay down their weapons and share a Christmas Eve Mass together we begin to understand that. 

 Most importantly this film conveys the message that, although we come from different places and speak in different tongues, we are truly all the same underneath. 

Love your enemies and do good to those who persecute you.

Joyeux Noel shows us the miracle and unending joy this commandment can bring us.