Bed and Breakfast Inns

Synopsis: On the convergence of the thick troops of the First World War, Germans, French and Scots in a fierce battle on the Western Front fatal. The only thing separating their respective trenches several meters open field, called "No Man's Land", where there are tens of soldiers killed in the previous skirmishes.

As Christmas approaches Nikolaus Sprink (Benno FÃ ¼ Schürmann), an enlisted private basis and recognized in Germany, is called away to perform for a group of officers in an occupied region far from the front lines. There he meets his wife Anna (Diane Kra ¼ ger), a famous soprano.

Committed to their peers, Sprink is given permission to take Anna to the front for a night to sing for his fellow weary with the hope that it can forget the war for a short time.

But their efforts have had a greater effect as both Scottish and French troops are delighted by the sound of their voices. Soon the frontline commanders of the three areas to leave their trenches and meet face to face.

After German lieutenant Horstmayer (Daniel Brà ¼ hl), Scottish Lt. Gordon (Alex Ferns) and French Lieutenant Audebert (Guillaume Canet) organizing an unauthorized truce, soldiers from all sides to put aside their differences and share a moment of peace to celebrate the festival together.

But soon the top of the three countries to learn of the illegal and threaten ceasefire serious consequences for all. Does the link between the newly formed friendships with past enemies, or that soldiers are forced to take up arms against again?

The Good: Foreign films often have a certain style and depth to which we do not often found in Hollywood, and this is no exception.

Inspired by documented facts that actually occurred in the front trenches in December 1914, Merry Christmas is a poignant film but instructive about the best and worst of humanity during the war.

Instead of jumping on the anti-war chariot and tired of platitudinous directed to a specific country (like ours), director Christian Carion, without political grandstanding, it remains focused on the nature of war in general and the depths of human compassion and hatred.

Are also subtle references to the mentality that would eventually lead to World War II and the dangers of underestimated, and denial, of the many complexities of armed conflict.

Powerful in its imagery, actions and messages, Merry Christmas is a true jewel of cinema.

The Bad: Although the scenes in which Diane Kra ger and Benno FÃ ¼ Schürmann sing are very good, their voices are dubbed by professional singers (Natalie Dessay and Rolando Villazon, respectively). The lip synchronization is significantly outside the area, and although not sufficient to make you think of old Kung Fu movies that made me feel sorry for the editor.

Who wants this movie: Nominated for an Oscar in 2005, I would recommend this film to anyone who appreciates foreign mature, solid storytelling. Merry Christmas is a fitting tribute, and memorable moving to the soldiers, who, lest we forget, hate war more than anyone.

(3 and 1 / 2 of 4 stars)

Director: Christian Carion

Cast: Guillaume Canet, Diane Kra ¼ ger, Benno Fà ¼ Schürmann, Dany Boon, Gary Lewis, Daniel Brà ¼ hl, Alex Ferns

Year: 2005

Joe Yang is a freelance film reviewer specializing in foreign films. You can find more of his reviews at his new website: http://www.foreign-films-for-you.com

The site is often updated- please visit often!