Four Christmas movies set against the backdrop of war.
Ukrainians once again celebrate Christmas and New Year amidst the full-scale war with Russia. However, the spirit of the holiday does not fade even in the toughest times. Cinema has often addressed the theme of Christmas in the context of brutal warfare. We invite you to watch four films that depict how this has unfolded throughout different eras.
“Silent Night”
Silent Night, 2002, directed by Rodney Gibbons
Germany, 1944. Three American soldiers, one of whom is injured, arrive at the home of a German woman. She allows them inside on the condition that they leave their weapons in the snow. An hour later, three German soldiers arrive. She asks them to do the same, as it is Christmas and they should celebrate this brightest holiday of the year together at one table. Will the young mother manage to avoid bloodshed for at least one evening?
The main roles are played by Linda Hamilton, Matthew Harbour, Romano Orzari, Alan Golem, Michael Elkin, Martin Newfeld, Mark Anthony Krupa, Cassian Bopp, James McGowan, and others.
“Joyeux Noel”
Joyeux Noel, drama, France, 2005. Directed by Christian Carion.
World War I. On the eve of the New Year in 1915, French, German, and Scottish soldiers meet at one of the front lines in France. They are embittered, frightened, and have lost hope. Everything changes on Christmas night when former enemies forget their hostilities.
The leading roles feature Diane Kruger, Daniel Brühl, and Guillaume Canet.
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“Christmas Truce”
Christmas Truce, 2015, directed by Brian Skiba
On the eve of Christmas in 1944, a group of American soldiers led by Captain John Myers and two bomb disposal experts flies to the Ardennes region. They are ordered to blow up a bridge near the small town of Eretz. The squad manages to leave the downed plane, but Private Johnson breaks his leg during the landing. The guys reach a farm where Helena Hammond and her daughter live. The American soldier and the girl fall in love during the Christmas truce that occurred during the operation in the Ardennes. They promise to meet again when the war is over and people will celebrate Christmas.
The main roles are played by Craig Olejnik, Eli Libert, Kate Vernon, Josh Blacker, Mackenzie Gray, Mike Dopud, and others.
“Christmas Together”
2023, produced by Kristina Kulakovska
The film “Christmas Together” is an atmospheric feature documentary about how, in January 2023, youth from all over Ukraine united in three initiatives and went caroling in Slobozhanshchina. The boys and girls created a Christmas celebration for the residents of liberated towns that had endured occupation and the horrors of Russian terror. With wishes for peace and victory, the carolers went from house to house in Balakliia, Izium, Trostianets, and Okhtyrka, as well as in Mala Rohanya and Derhachi. You can watch the full film here.