Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Diane Kruger | ... | Anna Sörensen (as Diane Krüger) | |
Natalie Dessay | ... | Anna Sörensen (singing voice) | |
Benno Fürmann | ... | Nikolaus Sprink | |
Rolando Villazón | ... | Nikolaus Sprink (singing voice) (as Rolando Villazon) | |
Guillaume Canet | ... | Le lieutenant Audebert | |
Gary Lewis | ... | le pasteur Palmer | |
Dany Boon | ... | Ponchel | |
Daniel Brühl | ... | le lieutenant Horstmayer | |
Lucas Belvaux | ... | Gueusselin | |
Alex Ferns | ... | Le lieutenant Gordon | |
Steven Robertson | ... | Jonathan | |
Frank Witter | ... | Jörg - un soldat allemand | |
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Bernard Le Coq | ... | Le général Audebert |
Ian Richardson | ... | L'évêque anglais | |
Thomas Schmauser | ... | Le Kronprinz |
In 1914, World War I, the bloodiest war ever at that time in human history, was well under way. However on Christmas Eve, numerous sections of the Western Front called an informal, and unauthorized, truce where the various front-line soldiers of the conflict peacefully met each other in No Man's Land to share a precious pause in the carnage with a fleeting brotherhood. This film dramatizes one such section as the French, Scottish and German sides partake in the unique event, even though they are aware that their superiors will not tolerate its occurrence. Written by Kenneth Chisholm (kchishol@rogers.com)
I have always had an interest in WW1 and when I discovered that a film about that conflict was being released, I knew I'd have to see it as soon as possible. This is a very special movie. Telling the story of the extraordinary Christmas truce between waring soldiers in the trenches at Christmas 1914, it demonstrates just how ludicrous war really is and how the human spirit can overcome blind hatred. Performances, cinematography and direction don't really matter in this film. Though all these elements are of a high quality. What's important about this film is its message. It is a "feel good movie" with a difference. The difference is that the plot is based on a true event.
It is sure to become a fixture on Christmas T.V. listings over the coming years. But go and see it now. Particularly if, like me, your beginning to get cynical about this time of the year.