Joyeux Noel captures a rare moment of grace from one of the worst wars in the history of mankind, World War I. On Christmas Eve, 1914, as German, French, and Scottish regiments face each other from their respective trenches, a musical call-and-response turns into an impromptu cease-fire, trading chocolates and champagne, playing soccer, and comparing pictures of their wives. But when Christmas ends, the war returns...Joyeux Noel has been justly accused of sentimentality, but if any subject warrants such an earnest and hopeful treatment, it's the horrors of trench warfare. The largely unknown cast--the more familiar faces include Diane Kruger (Troy), Daniel Bruhl (Good Bye Lenin!), Benno Furmann (The Princess and the Warrior), and Gary Lewis (Billy Elliot)--deliver low-key but effective performances as the movie dwells on the everyday elements of life in the face of war. Based on a true incident (though considerably fictionalized). --Bret Fetzer

The DVD arrived new - still in the packaging - excellent condition. It also arrived very quickly.

Wonderful story, moving and human.

For those who remain sceptical about the truth of these events, do some researches, read the books of Maurice Genevoix (who fought in this war and took part in these fraternizations). I can tell you (but it is your choice to believe it or not) that my great-grand father who fought in this war, told his family when he came back (because he indeed survived) about these fraternizations during 1914 X-mas Eve. And I am sure that some french, english, german or belgian families still have in their private letters some proofs of that.

This a very good, very authentic feeling film with strong performances. Novel in the way that it involves English, German and French speaking characters, it's a film that helps remind you of the true meaning of Christmas, peace on earth.

It also has a great soundtrack with some beautiful pieces.

I am astounded at some of the negative reviews this film got, I think it is an excellent movie, and a very moving story of what could happen should enemies stop shooting for a moment and start seeing each other as fellow human beings. I don't think there's any sentimentality in that. Given the human race is what it is, the message of this film, so beautifully conveyed, will remain valid till the end of time.

I watched this film over the Xmas period and thought today that I so enjoyed it that I would buy it. I place it squarely in the "Wonderful Life" vein of films. Wonderful for Xmas but questionable if it was set at say Easter.

It is a very sentimental type of film, wanting to remind us that even at times of war we are all human, we all have the same fears and dreams. It also seeks to question our attitudes at times of war, where we are often told that our enemies are very different and alien to us.

Yes, it is inaccurate about what happened during that period, yes it is overly sentimental. However, it has a message about how alike we really are and about the spirit of Xmas. I particularly enjoyed the way that the film considered the views of the French, German and Scottish combatants.

So, if you enjoy the latest blow 'em all to hell film, and hate all that 'touchy feely crap' then it is plainly obvious that this film is not for you. If however, you take time to wander what Xmas is really all about, then this one is probably for you.