Noele Gordon

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Synopsis: In the thick of World War I, German, French, and Scottish troops converge at a fierce battlezone on the deadly Western Front. All that separates their respective trenches is several meters of open field called "No Man's Land," where dozens of soldiers lie dead from previous skirmishes.

As Christmas approaches Nikolaus Sprink (Benno Fürmann), an enlisted German private and renowned tenor, is called away to perform for a group of officers in an occupied region away from the front lines. There he is reunited with his wife Anna (Diane Krüger), a famous soprano.

Committed to his fellow soldiers, Sprink is given permission to take Anna back to the front for one night in order to sing for his weary comrades in the hopes that they can forget the war for a short time.

But their efforts have a greater effect as both Scottish and French troops are enchanted by the sound of their voices. Soon the battlefront commanders from all three camps leave their trenches and meet face to face.

After German lieutenant Horstmayer (Daniel Brühl), Scottish lieutenant Gordon (Alex Ferns), and French lieutenant Audebert (Guillame Canet) organize an unauthorized truce, soldiers from all sides set aside their differences and share a moment of peace as they celebrate the holiday together.

But soon superiors from all three countries learn of the illegal cease-fire and threaten severe consequences for all. Will the bond between newly formed friendships among enemies last, or will the soldiers be forced to pick up arms against each other again?

The Good: Foreign films often have a certain style and depth to them that we don't usually find in Hollywood, and this one is no exception.

Inspired by documented events that actually occurred at front line trenches in the December of 1914, Merry Christmas is a heartwarming yet sobering film about the best and worst of humanity during war.

Instead of jumping on the anti-war bandwagon and repeating tired cliches directed towards a specific nation (like ours), director Christian Carion, without political grandstanding, stays focused on the nature of war in general and the depths of human compassion and hatred.

Subtle references are also made to the mindset that would eventually lead to the Second World War, as well as the dangers of underestimating, and denying, the numerous complexities of armed conflict.

Powerful in its imagery, performances, and messages, Merry Christmas is a true cinematic gem.

The Bad: Although the scenes in which Diane Krüger and Benno Fürmann sing are very good, their voices are dubbed by professional vocalists (Natalie Dessay and Rolando Villazon, respectively). The lip sync is noticeably off in areas, and even though it's not enough to make you think of old Kung Fu movies, it made me feel sorry for the editor.

Who would like this movie: Nominated for an Academy Award in 2005, I'd recommend this foreign film to anyone who appreciates mature, solid storytelling. Merry Christmas is a moving, dignified, and memorable tribute to soldiers, who, lest we forget, hate war more than anyone else.

(3 and 1/2 out of 4 stars)

Director: Christian Carion

Starring: Guillame Canet, Diane Krüger, Benno Fürmann, Dany Boon, Gary Lewis, Daniel Brühl, 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

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Whitney Houston One Wish the Holiday Album Christmas Music CD Review

I can describe the latest release from Christmas sensation Whitney Houston for you with just one word… Outstanding!

Refreshingly, this was one of those CDs I was able to just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

Christmas music fans will recognize some of the well known contributors on the project including Dean Parks and Paul Jackson Jr plus a few other notables as well.

If you’re a Whitney Houston fan, or just a fan of Christmas music this is a CD your collection simply should not be without.

While this entire CD is outstanding the truly standout tunes are track 4 - One Wish, track 11 - Joy To The World, and track 10 - Who Would Imagine A King.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 - The First Noel. Wow!

One Wish The Holiday Album Release Notes:

Whitney Houston originally released One Wish The Holiday Album on November 18, 2003 on the Arista Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. The First Noel 2. Christmas Song, The (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire) 3. Little Drummer Boy - (featuring Bobbi Kristina Brown) 4. One Wish (For Christmas) 5. Cantique De Noel (O Holy Night) 6. I'll Be Home For Christmas 7. Deck The Halls / Silent Night 8. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas 9. O Come O Come Emmanuel 10. Who Would Imagine A King - (from "The Preacher's Wife", featuring The Nativity Choir) 11. Joy To The World - (with Georgia Mass Choir)

Personnel: Whitney Houston (vocals); Bobbi Kristina Brown (vocals); Phil Hamilton (acoustic & electric guitars); Paul Jackson, Jr., Dean Parks (guitar); Gerald Tarack, Max Ellen, Regis Iandiorio, Sandra Billingslea, Carol Pool, Kathy Livolsi (violin); Michael Morton (flute); Mervyn Warren (electric piano, keyboards, background vocals); Troy Taylor (keyboards, bass, drums, background vocals); Ron Jenkins, Reggie Hamilton (bass); Scott Frankfurt (drums, programming); Bernard Davis (drums); Bashiri Johnson (percussion); Ezekiel Lewis (background vocals); The Georgia Mass Choir.

Producers include: Troy Taylor, Mervyn Warren, Gordon Chambers.

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