Talk about going the extra mile! Filmmaker dissects SABATON - CHRISTMAS TRUCE music video

[@isaiahwelch8066]

My addition to the conversation is this: Before he passed away, the band got to talk to a Great War veteran who was at the Christmas Truce. They found his account so compelling that Joakim decided to use his account as part of the lyrics in the song, like: "Silence Oh, I remember the silence On a cold winter day After many months on the battlefield And we were used to the violence Then all the cannons went silent And the snow fell Voices sang to me from no man's land" And keep in mind: Joakim is rarely without his aviator sunglasses in a video or performance, but when he is, you know that the song is of utmost importance to him, and he wants to show the true respect that the subject matter deserves. That said, from what I know of, it took over ten years from writing the song to making this video.

[@PeteOtton]

I thought that it was from a poem written by a British officer who went on to a literary career after the war?

[@isaiahwelch8066]

@@PeteOtton : Not that I'm aware of. As far as I know, the man was German, and was on the German side of the lines during the Truce.

[@kathnunan641]

@@PeteOtton The poem your thinking of is In Flanders Fields written by a British 1st world chaplin who saw poppies growing on the battle field

[@colinneptunevasilias822]

@@kathnunan641. They made a song about that to called In Flanders Fields

[@kathnunan641]

@@colinneptunevasilias822 Sabaton did one of many covers of this poem In flanders fields was written John McCrea in 1915 and the music for the poem was written by composer Charles Ives in 1917

[@Headbreak1]

Just for a bit of context: Yes, the trenches were built for this video, which was recorded in the middle of the summer at above 30ºC.

[@manondereeper]

I watched the BTS pictures after and I saw people in the crew in their t-shirts, so I did think it had to be at least warm if not hot. Filmmaking is incredible that way!

[@craigbolton5093]

I just loved this... Wait till you see the credits for Sabaton's "1916"!

[@manondereeper]

I'll have to put that one on my list!

[@PetterVessel]

My thoughts were exactly the same! And Sabaton did a "how they made 1916" here on KZbin.

[@ondrejskk]

@@manondereeper it will be great to check 1916 there is also documentary how it was filmed so it will be interesting for you for sure ;) here is link for that kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKW6c4eCnreFhKs

[@gryphonosiris2577]

@@manondereeper Bring tissues for it.

[@pelaajajm5698]

We need epic opera singer to credits. Hannes: I have one at home

[@lonerinacrowd9431]

Expected all the comments explaining the connection to Floor, but this is the comment I'm here for

[@Torbjorn.Lindgren]

Floor Jansen is married to Hannes Van Dahl, Sabaton's drummer - so that's the direct connection (though I know they knew of each others band long before that). Floor's outro isn't on the regular album version of Christmas Truce, but I've told it's on the Soundtrack edition which features extended versions of all songs which makes sense since I know Floor feature in a number of those. I guess I need to get that version too.

[@manondereeper]

That must be one musical household! 🤭

[@ecbftl]

​@@manondereeperThey have a friendly rivalry over who gets to fill their home studio wall with awards, gold/platinum records etc. Check out Floor's YT channel for more info. During covid time. Hannes shot Floor's cover song videos in their home studio. Her solo songs have some cool, professionally produced videos as well. She has posted all on her channel.

[@manondereeper]

@@ecbftl That is so fun. I will have to check it out!

[@darkiee69]

Every uniform and every weapon in these videos are absolutely correct for the time and place. Like the French uniforms. They show it's early in the war with dark blue coats and the red pants. Later in the war the went with less visible blue/gray uniforms. They do have great contacts with some really serious reenactment groups, people who know exactly how many stitches it took to fasten the uniform buttons and things like that.

[@rnowak85]

Fantastic reaction! I so love your insights and the knowledge you share about how these beautiful works of art are created. Very unique and I really appreciate what you do. It really enhances my appreciation of these videos. I love how the band has captured that special bond all soldiers share, even with our enemies. Saw them live a few years ago and they were fantastic live. The chorus section where the instruments go quiet and it's just the vocals, everyone in the theater was singing at the top of their lungs. Such a magical moment. As other have mentioned, Sabton's drummer Hannes van Dahl, is married to Floor Jansen. The joke goes that they guys are sitting around and one of them goes "We need a soprano to sing over the credits" ad Hannes goes "Let me call my wife".

[@manondereeper]

Haha yes!! It must be great to be such a group of musical people! And thank you so much for your kind words 🙌🙌 that's exactly what I hope to achieve, to add to the enjoyment and appreciation of everything these bands and creatives do to make something so beautiful and special!

[@elvwood]

This is the video that made me a Sabaton fan - it usually makes me cry twice. One touch I love is when Hannes opens his eyes on the first word, "silence", then blinks when it is repeated. I know you're more focused on the filmmaking, but the song works really well live - when most of the instruments drop out and you get the whole venue singing the chorus, it's a special moment. Also, they dropped paper "snow" on us when I saw them. Their stage setup is great!

[@Dante84-t6w]

The outro is really powerful. The vocals are amazing. But the bells at the end means so much more then people realize. The end of the song. Salute to the soldiers Farwell to the fallen It's really one of a kind music video

[@Thorgrim247]

Beautiful to see the passion you have for film making and your big smile. Loved it Manon!

[@manondereeper]

Thanks and so glad you enjoyed it!!

[@johnstroup3868]

Thanks for rolling the complete credits. It's always nice for me to hear the music chosen to play while they scroll, but especially on this one it is the song itself arranged for orchestra and operatic vocal. Very nice, and Floor is a pleasant addition to the mix. Credits give a lot of information and 'credit' the people involved in making the video or film, and I like that, but music is kind of where my attention goes. I was afraid that, like many reactors, you would just shut it down when they started to roll, so thanks for your attention to detail in the credits, as well as with the spectacular film making.

[@manondereeper]

Could never skip the credits!

[@radimradyys4620]

The filming took place in a former military complex in Rožmital pod Třemšínem in the Czech Republic (Joakim Brodén has a Czech passport, his mother is Czech) by a Czech team. The filming took two days in real trenches that were dug for the filming. Here is the Making of: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6XFknycbtmZhLs

[@johankaewberg8162]

This is a very accurate depiction of a unique event. And with movie level production value. And a great song! The German artillerists refused to barrage on Christmas Day. The English returned the favour. And for just one day there was international football in no-man’s land.

[@darkiee69]

On some parts of the front the truce lasted in to January, on others it was just a few hours.

[@Tarkus_]

That was fun! I've watched this one many, many times, as it's one of my favorite music videos, so it was fun seeing you break it down. Regarding the song itself, I remember them saying it took them years to finish, because the story was so important to them, they wanted to get it just right. And you can see that level of care extended to the music video as well. I'm glad you touched on how big the credits were. I have to imagine that it's extremely rare to have that many people working on a music video, especially for a relatively short song. I'm not sure if you're aware, but Floor is married to Hannes, Sabaton's drummer (the blonde guy who took the grenade blast at the beginning). So, it was cool to have that connection for the credit roll. I think it's only fitting to have someone like Floor sing over the credits for such a huge production like this. Something I've been watching lately is the new season of The Boys!

[@AlfCalson]

🤘 JOAKIM BRODÉN 🤘 is both Swedish and Czech and citizen. His mother is from the Czech Republic

[@manondereeper]

Ah that sure is useful!

[@AlfCalson]

@@manondereeper 😄

[@tribblefluffer]

Really enjoy the dissections! I wish I'd gotten into film instead of other things but i'll just have to satisfy myself with learning about it. Thank you for taking the time to create and share this.

[@manondereeper]

It's truly never too late though. A lot of filmmakers don't start their journey until later in life, which in fact I sometimes argue is beneficial to telling good stories from the emotional side of things. Nothing beats real life experience!

[@bubsmomma]

Crew is Czech pros who work on big US productions. And yes, completely off. They shoot these complex videos in 3 days. In my opinion a true masterpiece. If you look at old historical photos you will see real-life scenes reproduced in the video. For future reference, ALL Sabaton songs are about historical events. They work with a historian to keep the lyrics and images factual.

[@atkak8561]

Not all song, check their first album "Fist For Fight" from 2001.

[@aprilvoecks5877]

There are a few non-historical songs, like Metal Crüe, which is a song made by putting as many band names as possible together into sentences. If you watch the Sabaton History for it, the story of where the song came from is rather funny.

[@Nirre_Fun]

Thanks for all the nice information about the filmmaking details!

[@najroe]

you should watch "To hell and back" it is about a highly decorated ww2 hero struggling with PTSD, survivors guilt and drug addiction long after the war, it is really hard hitting and sadly very valid for soldiers throughout history.

[@hyperwolfy5704]

I really appreciate that they have a credit roll. So many music videos don’t include that even when they had a lot of people working on it. Really like your input and happy you noticed the same things I did when I first saw it. Good to know we are on a same line with it. I work in AV myself too. Granted not film making. For me it’s more live events, video editing and animation (motion graphics) but I love dissecting movies, series and music videos that are well made. My father was also a lighting director so I learned a lot from him about that. I like how you point it out (here and in other videos) as it really can make or break a shot. Looking forward to more of your videos. Greetings from a fellow Dutchie.

[@manondereeper]

Dank je wel voor je leuke reactie! I agree, I wish more videos would have a credit roll. I often hear people argue against them just for runtime but honestly, properly crediting people is worth a lot! Some bands include them in the description of the video and if they do I copy them and add them to mine too. But some don't include them at all. Kinda hard to follow sometimes lol. Either way great to hear about your experience as well!

[@elvwood]

@@manondereeper I always stay to the end of the credits in the cinema; it seems only respectful.

[@mikecarmel6985]

My go to song at Christmas

[@shirazzza]

I always enjoy your angle on these mini films & pieces of art. I like the range in reactors like actual vocalists, fans, people who are into a particular instrument or such & those who do the filming. It gives me much appreciation for the small details I may have missed just watching by myself or concentrating on something else

[@mavfin8720]

Ah, you're back for more Sabaton. Good to see you.

[@manondereeper]

And it was a blast! Good to see you back for more, too!

[@AndreRighetto2]

My favorite Christmas waltz. Yes, it's a waltz, you can count the beats. (one, two three, one, two three...) =)

[@marinamucic908]

Thank you for a really fantastic and interesting reaction

[@manondereeper]

Thank you, I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@damoncher]

Thank you for such an informative reaction!

[@stpetie7686]

This lady did an awesome job! This was the first thing I've seen from this channel but it most certainly won't be the last. I'm deciding whether to check out more Sabaton or Shogun. It's quite a dilemma!

[@manondereeper]

Welcome!! Let me know if you end up watching Shogun!

[@steviesellers]

The cross is still there in a field in Ypres in Belgium

[@roelhodzelmans1004]

maps.app.goo.gl/tS9GjRJfBvFwNX1LA?g_st=ac

[@joacimfrobom7057]

Loved your reaction ❤️❤️❤️.

[@troygerencer1620]

Not only some stunning vocals by Floor Jansen along with the credits , but she is also Married to the Sabatons drummer Hannes ,who was the character knocked out by the grenade , then the first one to come out of the trench . Great to hear her fitting vocals as a bit of a cherry on top of this well constructed track and clip 👍

[@Andy_from_de]

There's a making of kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6XFknycbtmZhLs and also a Sabation History video kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnvUZ2eae5qNnLM

[@manondereeper]

Thanks Andy!! I will have to check it out! \o/

[@marcell6915]

Every single time this song hits me, the fact they played soccer talked and then went on fighting.

[@Richie8406]

9:30 FYI, you can try to make real rain, real snow, real sunshine. You can't. Snow, like rain, like sunshine, you are lucky to grab it in a shot, mostly it is cannons of snow, city supply fire hydrant for rain, for sun... even the cgi artists are figuring it out, like fire and water, you can't always compete with nature. To this day, every cgi fire in a Marvel film is subpar to T2 with real explosions (1991)

[@erinbarnes7775]

Part of how this event was able to happen at all, neither side expected a drawn out battle, so soldiers were told when they shipped out that they could expect to be home for Christmas. So when it was obvious that wasn't going to happen a truce was suggested, but the higher ups didn't ok it. But on Christmas the troops didn't care if they had permission. Some regions of the front had it where soldiers went off to the side to shoot at nothing their quota of shots in an hour. Following the truce a lot of the troops actually had to get moved because their hearts weren't in shooting at the friends they had made. Following years any attempts at a truce for Christmas was squashed by the men in charge. The eastern front also made attempts at a Christmas truce, but the german side of the front celebrates a December Christmas, and the Russian side celebrates a January Christmas and so it didn't happen as easily. I love finding new people who react to this video that give a new area of expertise to the video, and yours has been amazing!

[@manondereeper]

Thanks Erin for contributing to the conversation and glad you enjoyed the video!

[@n5iln]

Sabaton are known for attention to detail, especially in their videos. An example is at 1:45 - note the blood spatter on the lens (clearly added in post, but still...). Yes, there's a BTS. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6XFknycbtmZhLs

[@manondereeper]

Yes the blood spatter! I noticed it but forgot to mention it with so much going on. It's a fun little detail!

[@hermannlandmeyer1004]

the story really happened. It takes place during the First World War on the Western Front in France. On Christmas Day 1914(?), German, British and French soldiers stopped shooting and played football etc. with each other before the carnage continued

[@kathnunan641]

@Manon de Reeper the tune at the beginning is a waltz called carol of the bells written by an Ukrainian composer who did 25 version of Carol of the bells this version Jokhim is playing was written in 1914 and was 1st played on Christmas eve 1914 When you react to 1916 the characters in the vido are real life people and represent other Sabaton songs 1916 is a motorhead cover Lemmy wrote it afther watching the film the battle of Somme

[@1320crusier]

The guitar Tommy grabs is actually the correct 'vintage' for the scene. That make/model guitar was produced around that time iirc.

[@Wolf-ln1ml]

There is also a co-production (France, Germany, Britain, Belgium, Romania, Norway) movie about the truce(s), "Joyeux Noël". Not an actually _great_ movie, but a good one and certainly worth watching ☺

[@invadergirness7817]

Loved the video! This is definitely one of my favorites from Sabaton. If you're thinking about continuing dowm the sabaton rabbit hole they do have a few other great music videos. Uprising Screaming Eagles Fields of Verdun

[@manondereeper]

Oh yes, I'll definitely be doing more in the future. Thanks for your suggestions!

[@janihaavisto79]

You should do a reaction to Unkilleable soldier if you haven't already. That's amazing. It has Indi Niedel(sorry not sure how he's name is written) as an Unkilleable soldier who is the Co-Host in Sabaton history channel.. And the story is very much real. Like all Sabaton songs are.

[@MegaDog555]

is that why we bury our friends rips me wide open every time

[@Shiftry87]

The Christmas truce happened on some places along the frontline to various degress from just singing together from the trenches, u dont shoot at us then we wont shoot at u to this moment where both sides actually got up and celebrated Christmas together as brothers and even exchanged gifts. In the spots were the soldiers meet and talked to eachother there was a problem for there officers after to start up the fighting again on both sides as noone wanted to be the guy that restarted the fighting again. Apparently it got so bad at a few places that alot of soldiers hade to be moved around on the front becouse the ppl in charge started to belive that they wouldent fight there hardest after this night.

[@elzbietajukic905]

This was coronavirus time when they filmed this video. That's why Sabaton was able to work with an actual movie crew. Sabaton is known for checking historical facts, so their videos are as true as possible. You should check "The Unkillable Soldier" next. "1916" and "Steel Commanders" afterwards. "Christmas Truce" is from the album "The WAR To End All Wars" their latest one. There also is "Symphony To End All Wars" instrumental, symphonic version. That's where Floor Jansen sings. And, since you were talking about water damage, while commenting on "Bismarck" check "Race to the Sea". Today is my first visit to your channel and I like a different approach to music videos. I learned quite a bit about techniques used and people involved in making such productions. Thank you. Last but not least; since I'm polish, I will ask you to comment on official videos for "Uprising" and "40 : 1" 🤘🎶🇵🇱

[@luisnunes3863]

The costuming is very good and true to life, they look like the troops of 1914, the French in colorful uniforms, everyone wearing soft caps, that sort of thing.

[@AndyMagnusson70]

Well the drummer (blond guy with snow on his face) is married to Floor. So it makes sence. hahahaha

[@okiejohn3925]

I can imagine the band sitting around, discussing the credits...'Hey, we need to get a woman with a terrific, melodic voice to sing over the credits...anyone have any ideas? (They all turn and look expectantly at Hannes)... Hannes: "Well, I guess I could ask the wife..."

[@vogel2280]

@@okiejohn3925 Always handy to have an unused opera singer laying around the house.

[@AndyMagnusson70]

@@vogel2280 yeah. Never know when you need one. 😂😂

[@Zabiru-]

27:18 - Yep. Even blanks can potentially harm people quite severely if you're not careful. I trust that Sabaton had a good firearm guy though. There's a term for that position, but at the time of writing, I forget what it is. Edit: Ah yes, Armorer. I hadn't finished the entire video before making the comment (obviously hehe) Great Video Manon

[@manondereeper]

Lol. Yes, the armorer!! You're absolutely right.

[@Richie8406]

16:30 It was the last Gentlemen War. After this both sides, the Generals, forbade fraternizing with the enemy. There are many stories when the navy (save all seaman lost at sea), must become stoic killers.

[@colinneptunevasilias822]

First time watching and already shocked to find out your Dutch like me (hallo vanuit Nederland!)😊

[@manondereeper]

Hooooooiii ^_^

[@thunderbreaker2045]

I know you said you said you dont really react to the music as much, but the beginning piano is a reversed carol of the bells

[@thunderbreaker2045]

also, the blue and red guys are representing French soldiers. They still used their Napoleonic uniforms in the early part of WW1

[@manondereeper]

I was wondering about the costumes, and that's so interesting about the carol of the bells! Thanks for sharing 🙏

[@thunderbreaker2045]

you're welcome

[@MegaDog555]

so lets see if you reconize Floors voice at end

[@BartdeBoisblanc]

Manon I have experience being a grip on a small film. Yes there is a lot of standing around waiting for everyone to get in place. Each take you might have to move the stands because the sun has move during the shot.

[@Spetulhu]

Well, not just the special effects people - they had several drivers listed as well, for example. And someone probably handled geting the guys snacks too. As you say any serious production will quickly add people. Very impressive video even before you start thinking of how to actually make it!

[@manondereeper]

It truly is incredible!

[@jadu79]

I recommend you check out both the music video and sabaton history and they have some songs with the video animated story that are worth watching. But the only ones you can watch on real videos are "Livgardet" and "The Royal Guard" it was dragged when they were 500 years old (same song in Swedish and English) and then 1916 is good too and considering your shirt, Jinjer "Home Back" is worth a look

[@manondereeper]

Thanks for your suggestions! I know I'll have to do more sabaton haha!

[@marinamucic908]

I recommend watching The Royal Guard first and then Livgardet, because the story continues from one video to another. 1916 is a fantastic song and video

[@manondereeper]

@@marinamucic908 that's very helpful, thanks!

[@craigbolton5093]

The guitar Tommy was playing was too old and valuable to be exposed to the elements, so the guitar solo scenes were shot on green-screen and superimposed

[@manondereeper]

Wow! That's incredible. They did a great job making sure the lighting is correct for the outdoors scene because otherwise it's easily noticeable when something is superimposed. Another incredible detail for them to include the guitar!

[@robertwhite4385]

1916 by sabaton has brilliantly made video, and a bts also for it

[@Short_Round1999]

I’m pretty sure a lot of times they will collaborate with war reenactment groups for the accurate costumes

[@MegaDog555]

sabaton animated storys videos are the best well live is the best but try to watch some my fav has to be Sabaton lady of the dark animated story video

[@damienmaynard8892]

My Great Uncle was in the Boer War before WW1. Snow and ash rained down on his position during Winter 1914 - both were white. Burning houses, wagons, piles of dead horses....... The War was supposed to be over by Christmas....

[@MegaDog555]

one of my fav bands is from Finland Battlelore has a lot of LOTR content they dont get many views but i have been a big fan for years so Try Battlelore Elvenking official video meet Tommy and Kaisa the singers

[@MegaDog555]

sabaton classic enjoy 🐕

[@jjanssen431]

Hoi manon, nightwish heeft ook mooie video,s . Perfume of the timeless is de nieuwste😊

[@manondereeper]

Hoi!! Als je op mijn kanaal kijkt zie je dat ik al drie Nightwish reacties heb, waaronder Perfume! 🎉👏

[@ladislaualbert2807]

Great job. I think Metallica’s One would be a great one for you to analyze. Incidentally, the picture of the woman and child the soldier holds at the beginning of the video is the same one from the recent version of All Quiet on the Western Front.

[@manondereeper]

That's so funny, because I was just considering it the other day! It's a fantastic video, but as I was considering it for an analysis here on the channel - it's mostly footage from a pre-existing movie that they used for the video! I didn't know that before. And I feel like that defeats the purpose a little. Tell me I'm wrong!

[@pontiacfan76]

I cant imagine shooting at someone across no mans land and to stop even for 24 hours and have a Christmas "Party" with said enemy. Then turn aroind and go back to shooting at each other.

[@manondereeper]

It's so sad, isn't it?? That really struck me, too.

[@Micke121]

Love your hairstyle :D

[@manondereeper]

Thanks ^_^

[@ingvartorma9789]

Of course the people who made this Christmas Truce music video know what they're doing. They otherwise stay in the US and in Hollywood and make films.

[@swedishgooner6339]

The only issue I have about this video… Why are many soldiers bringing their rifles out to nomans land? I doubt they did that when this event took place.

[@jankro1]

They told that they used 3 different type of snow

[@0megaStyle]

Really good video, you should react to ronnie radke's version of last resort from papa roach, the video is incredible

[@IncomitatusExcelsior]

Other bands: *break guitars* Sabaton: Hold our sunglasses... *blows up piano*

[@kah227]

You should do a reaction to" Kalmah - Seventh Swamphony (Official Music Video)"

[@mikemaxwell3005]

Archspire a Canadian band did a go fund me campaign for the video Bleed the Future. 80000 dollars raised and fun cool video.

[@manondereeper]

I've already recorded a reaction to an Archspire video (though not Bleed the Future), just need to edit it. Probably coming in the next week \o/

[@thewrenchreviews9986]

Uniforms were correct for the period, and the particular forces involved...English, French, Austrian and German.

[@AlfCalson]

🤘 FLOOR JANSEN 🤘 First solo record "Fire" Please react

[@Richie8406]

Did she miss the Floor?

[@ML_SE]

👍 🤓🇸🇪

[@AlfCalson]

. 👍 🤓 🇸🇪

[@js0988]

Seriously KZbin, seriously! An ad every 30 seconds?????????? KZbin has become completely unwatchable!

[@sumelar]

All that back and forth about location vs studio, then zero reaction to the trench build team in the credits.

[@Finkele1]

Sound quality is so bad but at least video quality is ok.

[@manondereeper]

I'm truly sorry about this. It's something I'm figuring out with the screencap software I'm using!

[@Finkele1]

@@manondereeper Countries with copyright laws it tend to happen. Maybe it's your software maybe it's youtube. I don't do reactions so I can't really know. It just seems to be so. As a sound person rather than visual it's pretty bad. Good analysis anyways and keep up the good work. Happy midsummer!

[@manondereeper]

Thank you - and happy Midsummer!

[@AlfCalson]

PLEASE: 👍 National Anthem 👍 🇸🇪 Du Gamla Du Fria 🇸🇪 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYKpnahqgcScd7c INCREDIBLE VIDEO 😂 She sings and make the video all by herself! ❤️

[@manondereeper]

I love Jonna Jinton! She makes such incredible videos!