Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas)
Joyeux Noël (''Merry Christmas'') is a 2005 film based on the Christmas truce of December 1914, depicted through the eyes of French, Scottish, and German soldiers. It is a fictionalized account of an actual event that took place in December 1914, when Wilhelm, German Crown Prince, sent the lead singer of the Berlin Imperial Opera company on a solo visit to the front line. Singing by the tenor Walter Kirchhoff, led French soldiers in their trenches to stand up and applaud.
Why I recommend this movie: There aren’t many Christmas movies that capture the positive cultural impact that the observance of Christmas can have, and has had. This movie, based on actual events in WWI, illustrates the humanizing influence that expressions of peace and goodwill can have, even on your enemies. I found the movie to be emotionally gripping, the music rapturous, and the overall effect very inspiring. Please do not be put off by the fact that the characters are depicted speaking their native languages of French, German, and (Scottish) English. That adds to the realism, and subtitles are provided.