The film was highly enjoyable and was laced with emotion, humour and tragedy in equal measure. The whole production was excellent.
The recollection of this event was one of those defining moments in history. To some historians, the 1914 truce was the last gasp of high civilization of Edwardian Europe. To some, it was soldiers along with Officers giving themselves an unofficial break from the war, as the soldiers were spending Xmas in the trenches, instead of at home, as they were promised by the Generals & politicians of their respective countries. To some, the episode conjures up romantic notions of idealism and the futility of war. The film, tried to give areas to all those notions and dreams. With no criticism attached to the actress and the writers, but allowing a woman at the Front, especially - most especially at that time, would never have been allowed to happen. Theirs artistic license, but this was overboard. A beautiful woman spending time with soldiers who have been in the trenches....not a good mix. It added, I suppose to the story-line and allowed a romantic interest...but it could've been omitted, in the name of authenticity.
The only other criticism or comment, is the ending. The soldiers/participants having their regiments mixed up, or being sent to different fields of operations, left a very sour taste in the mouth, especially for a film, that was made in the hopes and idealism of Xmas. It would've been a better ending, if we had seen, the German singers united together at the End of the War. But hey..I'm a romantic at heart. I would've liked to have seen a little bit more emphasis on the football game...as the Allies won that!!! Anyhow, a good film, with good performances..Ian Richardson gave a sermon, that a KKK meeting would've been proud of...brought home the hatred and fear, that usually blunders humanity into war..and of course, sustains that war. The Priest left his crucifix at the dressing station...but he was exposed to real Christianity...In the madness, hatred, strain and horror of war, he had witnessed men of numerous Nations come together and discover that they were and always will be fellow human beings, with all the same emotions, hopes and aspirations as each other. The nicest touch in the film, was the German Officer, making it known that he was Jewish...That captured a fleeting truth of the absurd notions of Nationalism in Germany, that was to inflict greater catastrophe further down the line. A special mention should be made, about the kindness and co-operation that soldiers of opposing sides did for each other. The German Officer returning the French Officer's wallet. The importance of mail and ensuring they were properly distributed. It all added to the humanity and niceties of mankind....That it is possible to do a kindness in the midst of conflict and savagery.
We remind ourselves of this humanity in the hope that we and our representatives will learn the lesson. Sadly, and always, we never do!
The recollection of this event was one of those defining moments in history. To some historians, the 1914 truce was the last gasp of high civilization of Edwardian Europe. To some, it was soldiers along with Officers giving themselves an unofficial break from the war, as the soldiers were spending Xmas in the trenches, instead of at home, as they were promised by the Generals & politicians of their respective countries. To some, the episode conjures up romantic notions of idealism and the futility of war. The film, tried to give areas to all those notions and dreams. With no criticism attached to the actress and the writers, but allowing a woman at the Front, especially - most especially at that time, would never have been allowed to happen. Theirs artistic license, but this was overboard. A beautiful woman spending time with soldiers who have been in the trenches....not a good mix. It added, I suppose to the story-line and allowed a romantic interest...but it could've been omitted, in the name of authenticity.
The only other criticism or comment, is the ending. The soldiers/participants having their regiments mixed up, or being sent to different fields of operations, left a very sour taste in the mouth, especially for a film, that was made in the hopes and idealism of Xmas. It would've been a better ending, if we had seen, the German singers united together at the End of the War. But hey..I'm a romantic at heart. I would've liked to have seen a little bit more emphasis on the football game...as the Allies won that!!! Anyhow, a good film, with good performances..Ian Richardson gave a sermon, that a KKK meeting would've been proud of...brought home the hatred and fear, that usually blunders humanity into war..and of course, sustains that war. The Priest left his crucifix at the dressing station...but he was exposed to real Christianity...In the madness, hatred, strain and horror of war, he had witnessed men of numerous Nations come together and discover that they were and always will be fellow human beings, with all the same emotions, hopes and aspirations as each other. The nicest touch in the film, was the German Officer, making it known that he was Jewish...That captured a fleeting truth of the absurd notions of Nationalism in Germany, that was to inflict greater catastrophe further down the line. A special mention should be made, about the kindness and co-operation that soldiers of opposing sides did for each other. The German Officer returning the French Officer's wallet. The importance of mail and ensuring they were properly distributed. It all added to the humanity and niceties of mankind....That it is possible to do a kindness in the midst of conflict and savagery.
We remind ourselves of this humanity in the hope that we and our representatives will learn the lesson. Sadly, and always, we never do!