Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas, Film) - Singing Scene

This is a scene from Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas), a Christmas film set during WW1. Scottish, French and German soldiers fraternise on Christmas Eve (based on a true story).
The singing of fictional German tenor Nikolaus Sprink was done by Rolando Villazón.
I'd have liked to put in subtitles, but I'm not even going to pretend to know how. Here's a translation of the non-English dialogue:
German Soldier: They seem to be having quite a party. Don't you want to? This is Anna Sörensen.
Anna: Good Evening.
Soldiers: Good Evening.
German Lieutenant: What is this? Are you crazy, bringing this lady with you?
German Soldier: Lieutenant, I've convinced the Crown Prince that a little music on Christmas Eve won't do any harm.
German Lieutenant: Very well. Start singing, then.
French Soldier: Lieutenant, come quickly! Something weird is happening there!
French Soldier: I don't like the look of this, Lieutenant. Might be a diversion?
German Lieutenant: Sprink! Come down from there!
German Soldier: Good evening, Englishmen!
Scottish Soldier: Good evening, Germans, but we're not English, we're Scottish!
German Lieutenant: Alright, that was nice and all, but we're going back now. This is not the Berlin opera house.
German Soldier: You're right. This is better than Berlin.
French Soldier: Well, look at that. That beats everything. A summit meeting in No-Man's-Land, and we're not invited!
French Lieutenant: Shut it, Ponchel. What kind of mess is this?
French Soldier: What are they doing there?
French Soldier: Maybe the Germans have had enough. Maybe they're surrendering?
French Soldier: That would surprise me.
French Lieutenant: Ponchel, give me a bottle of champagne, and my cup.

[@zakbm]

I can say without shame this is one of the few movies that make me cry. The opening scene with the poems tears me apart too. Cheers from Alsace, let's all share scotch whisky, french wine and german beer as European brothers!

[@CraigAddy]

Me too. I share about this movie all the time as it is also a testament to the power of music to bring people together and help them see their common humanity. I lose it almost overtime I recount the story.

[@seibelstein]

j' adore ce film aussi ....and you are wellcome with your intensions..... und natürlich mag ich auch einen guten Whisky, einen guten Bordeaux oder Cote du Rhone oder auch ein schönes kühles deutsches Bier...am liebsten zusammen mit meinen Freunden aus Frankreich, England und Deutschland. btw....etant allemand je suis pere de 3 enfants francais..... Gruesse aus der Pfalz

[@Lulustucru2393]

Bonjour également d'Alsace et beau message ! :D

[@mrpaddy3318]

zakbm nice words

[@lindakeyes9353]

Me too. I loved the German hairdresser. Gutted when the guy shoots the French man at the end.

[@TheBranchez]

We, humans, can be good, when we decide to.

[@hellsonion514]

Politicians, however... 😉

[@superdrummergaming]

When death is the alternative.

[@user-kk5yg4kr3o]

Should we, should we...

[@coltonbarnes7861]

Men see men, politicians see enemies

[@abnoel70]

​@@coltonbarnes7861👏👏👏👏👏

[@apRilL11994]

We just finished this scene in French class today and half of us were almost crying. It's so beautiful and powerful.

[@landvogt3450]

No more wars between us my European brothers! Germany, France and Great Britain share a history full of alliances and wars with and against each other. Our (European) history is the best history on our world. We had so much bloody and useless wars in the past on European ground. Now we have to stay strong together like brothers and fight those who want to destroy our peace and our Europe and our freedom!!! Love from Germany ♥

[@thibaultnampont3794]

+Dixon GER Side by side German brother ! Greetings from France !

[@dobstair_bmw]

We are one big family! Let us never split appart! For freedom, humanity and peace, amen!

[@corsehaigazia]

je préfère l'alliance France Allemagne que France Allemagne Grande Bretagne

[@xveeozsnake]

Beautifull and True speaking right there, Greetings from France my friend !

[@azzlacksvater1900]

Prussian Eagle I Just agree to you! Side by Side Brother! Cheers from England!

[@datochimakadze2559]

"I hear the mountain birds The sound of rivers singing A song I've often heard It flows through me now So clear and so loud I stand where I am And forever I'm dreaming of home I feel so alone, I'm dreaming of home It's carried in the air The breeze of early morning I see the land so fair My heart opens wide There's sadness inside I stand where I am And forever I'm dreaming of home I feel so alone, I'm dreaming of home

[@TheAdvocate978]

Come boys louder!

[@Kingofdestruction2019]

Is this part from the British, German, or French

[@coltonbarnes7861]

Love that song

[@Protorit]

the look on his face at 5:03 is heart breaking, like he just realized that they have been killing each other for no good reason.

[@karakas9905]

No. They did it for political and military reasons. They fought to win and they all did well.

[@nicholas_x7732]

@@karakas9905 So it seems you would have to ask and think deeply on the question of what exactly Europe, or the world, gained from fighting for those political and military reasons? War may find itself to be justified to the human mind, but could this war be considered so?

[@du5ty5]

"Froggy land" lol, as a french I love that haha

[@Spyronite913]

Same! Froggy land, rosbif land. That is fine :')

[@donkeyjote0104]

The last part ofr this song I'm Dreaming of Home lyrics: "This is no foreign sky, I see no foreign light, But far away am I, From some peaceful, land, I'm longing to stand, A hand in my hand, ...forever I'm dreaming of home, I feel so alone, I'm dreaming of home" describes this whole real story happened 100 years ago at that battle frontline on Christmas Eve. Very touchy movie, indeed!

[@JoeDirte157]

One of my favorite movies of all time, and one of my favorite scenes of all time. As a veteran of two wars, it brings me to tears. Tragic that the commanding generals at the time didn’t see the humanity in this, and how the spirit and birth of Christ and love of our fellow man brought these men together after killing each other days before.

[@RinKashiGin]

i'm crying. This scene always make me cry.

[@Snow.Frostborne_Ch]

Chachi Pistachi I know right...Damn ninjas cutting onions.

[@Rimfaxe96]

This scene touched me so much when we saw it in school. That, and the soldiers arguing about the cat's real name. xD

[@creemeeontop]

The director mentioned that the cat is based on a real story of a cat that moved from one trench to the other. He was finally caught by the Allied command, judged under martial court and executed for treason. Another great example that war is madness, between any nation, European or not.

[@michaelcummingsherrera1232]

@@creemeeontop was it Felix or Nestor?

[@amjadahadi2395]

@@creemeeontop the fuck? The cat got shot by a firing squad?

[@19jacinta88]

This song always makes me cry, and the film is so powerful I'm afraid to watch it, 'cause it breaks my heart.

[@utredsaxon4188]

We folks have to never fight again. No more wars among brothers.

[@BOB2112420]

But our lands are turning into foreign lands. And those who were once brothers are now strangers.

[@landvogt3450]

That's why we Europeans have to defend our Europe against the Islamic invaders! 100 and 70 years ago our forefathers shot the shit out of each other for what? FOR NOTHING! We better have to unite and destroy those who want to destroy our peace who want to destroy our cultures and traditions. French, British, Poles, Danish, Swedes, Belgians, Russians, Italians, Germans and all the others we have to UNITE and fight for our Europe until it's too late.

[@BOB2112420]

Ameen Ananzeh England, France, Germany, Belgium, Sweden. These are countries that have gone from 100% native to 90% or less in the space of one generation, due to the irresponsible and crazy behaviour of our internationalist and globalist leaders as well as the Jewish influence in the media and academe. Europe is facing a very real Islamic invasion at the moment (more generally a third world invasion). Whole neighbourhoods, whole cities are turning foreign. French churches are being demolished while mosques are being built in their place. Schoolchildren are taught to renounce their traditions and feel shame for their past. Who's the idiot? I think you are either speaking dishonestly or you are in utter denial.

[@cancandan7616]

random german find ich auch

[@saguntum-iberian-greekkons7014]

Landvogt is right! This type of cease fire could only be agreeded among Civilized nations, Achilles also made a similar truce with King Priam thousands of years ago! We might wish peace upon the world but theres always be the ones who want to destroy our culture, our civilization, and thats what we have to defend!

[@DomKin]

This scene here when he sings Silent Night and Adeste Fidelis and the scene when the Germans leave the english trenches while the Scots playing Auld Lang Syne for a farewell later in the movie are the only moments till today I cried in the cinema. And till today I'm getting tears in my eyes when I see this movie.

[@glitch3141]

No matter what country you're from; where or how you grew up; there are some things in life that transcend all differences; the joy of Christmastime is a wonderful feeling, and this movie - this scene - captures it perfectly. Merry Christmas, Frohe Weihnachten, and so forth to all.

[@TheSingingBUn]

this gives me tears in the inside.

[@neodon21]

Really, me on the outside

[@cynsykes1]

Absolutely my favorite Christmas film now. It has become a Christmas Eve staple since I discovered it. always moves me to tears. And how could anyone dislike this film!

[@Poco64]

this is the most beautiful moment in cinema, hands down.

[@tomi8704]

I believe in humanity. Love always finds its way.

[@andyMcEagle]

Ich kämpfe jedes Mal gegen meine Tränen, wenn ich dieses Lied höre und verliere den Kampf immer wieder aufs Neue. Es ist so berührend und Herz zerreissend dass ich den Kampf gerne verliere. Wenn ich es auf meinem Dudelsack spiele, seit erscheint vor meinem geistigen Auge immer diese Szene und ich fange an mit den Soldaten und dem Himmel zu kommunizieren 💓❤️💓. Ich fühle dabei die Magie diese Instrumentes und es unglaublich was dabei zu spüren bekomme.

[@coltonbarnes7861]

Ich sprecht Klein deutsch, doch ist nein gut, bitte😅

[@coltonbarnes7861]

Schön sprache

[@burdigalabixente9016]

Tribute to the fallen soldiers . Always being remembered

[@TheSasudomi]

This film man .. my feels ..

[@themissingpeace7956]

When will people realize that we have so much more in common with the people we're told to hate than the politicians who tell us to hate people we know nothing about?

[@Tigerman1138]

"And forever I'm dreaming of home I feel so alone, I'm dreaming of home." ---- I love this movie! It moves me to tears in so many places! I love the cat Nestor/Felix, I love when the tenor ---filled with pride and hope---brings the tree to the center of No Man's Land, and so much more. I am Jewish and this is my favorite Christmas movie.

[@karstenschoenberg9736]

The German officer in the film said that he was Jewish and that Christmas means nothing to him but that he would never forget this night

[@Skac01]

My beautiful Europeans.

[@sylvainm5250]

Merci pour cette fantastique scène en version multilingue.... c'est génial

[@schattensand]

Find ich auch.

[@mitchellwright5478]

Hello my French and German fellows, I know this may seem strange but seeing you two respond to this 9 years later is interesting to me, a small anatomy of hope when it comes to the terror this war and it’s sequel produced, spoken as an American God bless you both and I hope both of you are doing well :)

[@creemeeontop]

Such a powerful movie about the absurdity of war, that only serves the rich and powerful.

[@HermioneTurner]

I can't express how much this movie has moved me... I cried through it's ending... it is so true, so pure, so... it's about humans. whether they are germans, scots, french, jews, christians, liutenants, doctors, helpers... They are humans!!! And wherever we are, we shall always meet humans... And music is the most beautiful way that people can meet and be together, as a great family! As the Children Of God! God bless you!

[@Jacob-xq9vg]

The first time I watched this I kind of cried a little and now it always gives me chills

[@Poco64]

The oh come all ye faithful still moves me to tears.

[@yea0276]

I got a goosebumps when he's singing 'Silent Night'

[@chikitabowow]

There's something beautiful in a very primal way over this scene.

[@dastemplar9681]

I always cry at this scene. Even if the language and instruments are foreign, they all know exactly each song by heart. In the end, we are ALL Gods children and we all deserve peace and happiness. Merry Christmas ❤️

[@LanaKir3767]

As I listen to this song I'm lying on the ground watching the stars. I'm crying because it makes me think about my great-grandfather Samuel-Jules Delacour (I'm French) who survived the First World War and came back broken. He must have seen so much horrible things and he died before my birth so I never got to speak to him. Two of his brothers died on the no man's land at the battle of Marne and of Verdun. I never got to know if they did the Christmas Truce or where at home then. This war took away a lot of my family. Only 7 of us wears our name today (3 men and 4 women). I hope in those dark times Samuel had moments of joy. Then when he had a son, my grandfather Jacques Delacour, the Second World War took him but he survived and came home again. He had two sons one of them is my dad Michel who had three children and the last of them is me Rhianna Delacour. I'm proud of my name which is for me synonym of courage and hope. If these men didn't have the faith of surviving theses wars, the death of their brothers and friends, I wouldn't be there to talk about it. The bravery of these men and their suffering should never be forgotten. I hope where they are, they dream of home and are not alone.

[@ginapapaioannou6518]

One of my most beloved movie scenes! 🎄🎑⛄😢

[@JohnERed]

I absolutely love this....it made me cry, and I got goosebumps...the pipes move the heart...peace on earth men...peace be yours, thanks so much for posting. cheers

[@Jens717]

Der erste Weltkrieg war der letzte Krieg in dem das Wort Ehre noch respektiert wurde. Ich bewundere noch heute die Soldaten, beider Seiten, wie sie ohne jeden Zweifel für ihre Sache einstanden. Ich erinnere mich sehr gerne an die Geschichten die mir mein Opa von der Westfront erzählte.

[@Alsemenor]

A wonderful scene!

[@UnexpectedJourney59Eng]

For me as a Veteran, this is the true feeling of Christmas, what a great pity the War was not ended that day after thousands along the lines came out and came together fr a few hour until ordered back to their trenches... :( Merry Christmas everyone.

[@Hannah_7777]

Tears everytime

[@chaz3345]

i get so many chills and shivers and tears through this scene. Its so so beautiful how it can just be...and they can...im at a loss of words its just so awesome that this really happened.

[@user-lj1qy6nw8s]

Its amazing how God brings enemies together in friendship

[@ktlarsen9244]

They did a really good job on this movie

[@Chikyreby]

That's what you call a CHRISMAS MIRACLE! See good thing do happen even in despair... Love it

[@Rowzeeh]

even the trailer brought tears to my eyes, i just watched it today, it was one of the most touching movies i've ever seen.

[@sirgon1991]

I also saw this movie on polish TV. It's a pitty that not all Christmas Eve's were like that one during The Great War. Especially that scene and singing a Psalm. Merry Christmas and Very Happy New Year for everyone.

[@monicacampbell4600]

This is my most favorite movie scene of all time...

[@jorgevaccari2374]

In 1914 's Christmas soldiers from England and German play football together. It was the first time ( and last) to do this . The soldiers denied to shoot one to another and they were to another place !!!!!

[@aztro4010]

Man i remember watching this last year on November, the scene where the German sings Silent Night along with bagpipes playing, this scene honestly made me tear up a lot.

[@seermayton-el3488]

This part always makes me cry from the sheer humanity on display. The fact that for time when we find common ground we find what truly makes us human. Honestly its beautiful

[@dgrmn12345]

We have just met Frederik Zoller's father now. Oh how proud he will be of his son a few decades later. haha!

[@MrChuanhquan]

+Charles Funk Zoller has Jewish blood lol

[@TiagoFerreira20930]

The champagne serving is a great detail. Men so different in language and culture but share the same principles of respect. You can even see the hesitation in the French soldier before proceeding. If you don't know what I'm talking about, when serving any type of drink to guests, you do it in a clockwise manner starting with the "host", then the guests and finally the server. In this case it starts with the German officer, then the singer, the Scottish soldier and finally the French. Its a very small detail but can mean so much.

[@rosaria8384]

This film will never grow old, for me at least...this sequence of events was the most moving of all, alongside the moments of humanity until the artillery protection...

[@GojyotheFeared]

Holy shit. I don't speak much of any language other than Engilsh, but damn if the emotions don't speak for themselves and tug at the heartstrings. If this scene, or this movie in particular doesn't move you, you are not human.

[@seanbou2405]

Speak 2 out of three. The bagpipes, transcend all.

[@Themanwhoknowsalot]

10 min: the time to make me cry! This is just... incredible! I'd like to say that it's not the scene in this movie which is wonderfull (actualy,it is!!) This is more this part of history which is beautiful! During a war, the worst one, they just keep humanity in their heart! (excuse my bad english)

[@sweetpea765]

Such a heart wrenching film, it put a tear in my eye :'(

[@KyciliaZabi]

one of my fave Christmas movies of ALL time ^^

[@Shadowkey392]

Brings a tear to my eye, this does!

[@-RunninNGunnin-]

This is one of my all time favorite Xmas movies! :)

[@emmanuelcardozo2085]

This war more than any other was so terribly sad, even the goodwill of these men was stifled by their commanders. Never since have we heard of another Christmas truce. To all people everywhere Merry Christmas, and may our better judgement not be poisoned by those who lead us

[@LunaticThinker]

+Emmanuel Cardozo Evil men learn from the mistakes of their predecessors, and become ever so proficient at exploiting good men to do their evil deeds.

[@chris200830]

Wonderful choice to put the song "Come All Ye Faithful" as the song that brings everyone together, really wonderful choice.

[@Tigerman1138]

@AlbatrossDude For me... 6:48 gives me CHILLS!!!! :) When the tenor takes the tree, his Scottish back-up playing, and gives what I consider the MOST BEAUTIFUL moment of the movie as he advances :) Such a beautiful scene! :)

[@landser6435]

War. War never changes... Love this song !

[@msinvincible2000]

I always cry when I watch this scene

[@Darmalewis]

Miracle of Christmas.

[@Yalldaz]

I love this movie ! tellement touchant

[@TheLoobyLobster]

can't believe this actually happened. this is fucking inspirational

[@Glamagal20091]

This was shown late last night on BBC 2. A good film.

[@michael583503]

Such an underated film, also its proof you dont need much action/battles scenes to make a good war movie

[@Vlastenec07]

Next time we fight, its side by side.United European people.

[@JoeTyler85]

Vlastenec07 no thanks

[@manofsesame3024]

That Sounds like the Holy Roman Empire.

[@pierren___]

​@@manofsesame3024like Switzerland ;)

[@normalplayer7377]

Brothers communicating with the one thing that united Europe many a times, the Faith.

[@iaindenham8924]

Sometimes it takes just one brave soul to show even in the harshest points of history humanity can still be found.

[@tribacioustee2846]

"Adeste Fidele" is too perfect a union song. O come, let us all adore him, no matter which side of the trench lines we're on

[@bloodydjehuty]

this scene/movie almost restores my faith in humanity

[@jdev2554]

Ladies and gentlemen this is the true Christmas movie for everyone

[@dawidkocyba8644]

Tytuł:I'm Dreaming of HomePolski dosłowny tekst: Słyszę ptaki górskie Szum rzeki śpiewa Piosenka Często słyszałem Przepływa przez mnie teraz Tak jasne i tak głośno Stoję gdzie jestem I zawsze marzę o domu Czuję się tak samo, marzę o domuJest prowadzone w powietrzu Powiew poranka Widzę ziemia tak sprawiedliwe Moje serce otwiera się szeroko Jest smutek wewnątrz Stoję gdzie jestem I zawsze marzę o domu Czuję się tak samo, marzę o domuTo nie jest obcego nieba Nie widzę żadnego obcego światła Ale daleko jestem Od jakiegoś spokojnego ziemi Jestem tęsknotę stanąć Ręka w rękę ... Na zawsze marzę o domu Czuję się tak samo, marzę o domu.

[@james9311]

Dziękuje

[@BioSoftStudios]

the nostalgia critic brought me here after showcasing this scene in one of his xmas specials

[@IcyIce17]

german soldier: "guten abend engländer" scottish soldier: "good evening germans.. but were not english.. were SCOTTISH!" Lmfao xD this movie is one of the GREATEST I EVER saw in my WHOLE fuckin live!!! I've got tears in my eyes

[@eberhard9936]

It's just so Relaxing seeing people even in the War time had time to Spare singing Christmas song getting together in Truce to celebrate the One

[@shogunrommel]

Awesome movie. I wish I could have watched it this Christmas but my DVD was destroyed in a fire. Still, I have some scenes here I got to watch. Joyeux Noël!

[@dineloh86]

And (maybe) because of this miracle during the war, peoples are celebrating now christmas all over the world with christmas trees.

[@fenderstratocastertelecast8479]

There's so many different worlds So many different suns And we have just one world But we live in different ones Now the sun's gone to hell and The moon's riding high Let me bid you farewell Every man has to die But it's written in the starlight And every line in your palm We're fools to make war On our brothers in arms Dire Straits, 1985 Kind regards from México Peace on earth for people of good will. Merry christmas

[@qt.._fuck..._1787]

Vraiment c'est magnifique ❤❤❤😊😊😊

[@FCochesshurperro]

Merry Christmas from Spain to entire humanity

[@kathleen1545]

I’m not crying. You’re crying!!!

[@lichtstrahl7123]

I think it has been the spirit of christ who influenced people this chrismas night. This spirit exists everywhere and always and everybody can open his heart to it. A human being who is acting in a good way is doing this, May it be an atheist, muslim or hinduist ...

[@svenschuler1284]

Exakt. Das war eine " Vorschau " ....retten kann uns nur einer.

[@sophie1564]

Such a beautiful movie!

[@Oodgerooian]

so beautiful

[@Tigerman1138]

I figured out those who diskliked the movie! They just wish the ENTIRE movie could have been posted.

[@gabrieliligan1416]

Scotts always starts the party.

[@betul1110]

bunun üstüne savaş filmi tanimam,her yıl en az bir kere izlerim,hele de askerlerin beraber şarkı söyledikleri an gözyaşlarımı tutamam.

[@RoadRunnerMeep]

True story it really touches you wheb you think about it. People thrown into war killing each other. And that one night they decided they didn't have to fight then the next time they met they'd be killing each other again 😞

[@ImVez_]

One of the best movie scene !

[@Garfield6210]

Merry Christmas from Germany for France and England...good luck

[@nutshot_brawler8466]

I didn't learn much about the first World War, in full detail, so when I found out that the Christmas Truce, it immediately caught my attention and i wanted to learn more about it, and during my research, i found this movie, it's now on my list of Christmas specials and movies to watch on Christmas

[@gjallabert]

J'AI DEJA REGARDER CE FILM AVEC BEAUCOUP DE PLAISIR

[@Alstheman37]

This was the event that inspired the Christmas song of Snoopy's battle with the Red Baron!!

[@johnballentine6638]

The last war to truly show war is a art and a competition with honor not just war death and destruction and hate

[@samiam6904]

When the bagpipes start playing during Stille Nacht 🕊️🎄

[@heyitsbig_kid850]

Rendering a salute in respect to an officer of your enemy. Now that’s a class act.