There exists a category of movies often referred to as "European movies." Exemplary works include "The Spanish Apartment" and its sequel "Russian Dolls," along with "Merry Christmas" (2005), which served as France's entry for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. These films aren't merely about filming across multiple European countries or featuring actors from diverse backgrounds. Instead, they depict the collision and gradual integration of European cultural histories through characters and narratives. Each character symbolizes a specific culture, and through their interactions, various cultures coexist while seeking common ground, ultimately forging a unified European identity. Unlike the contemporary theme of young individuals cohabitating in "The Spanish Apartment," "Merry Christmas" delves into the past. This improbable yet true story foretells a profound future for Europe.
The story takes place on a small battlefield near the border of France during World War I. Here, the British and French armies were fighting against German invasion, and the three-way war continued until Christmas Eve that year. The British camp has a compassionate Scottish priest; the French commander has a pregnant German wife; and the German side has a couple who were once singers forced to join the military. On this night when everyone is dominated by homesickness, the sound of a Scottish flute and a singer's beautiful voice opens their hearts to their enemies, revealing a scene that was never meant for the battlefield. On Christmas Eve, in the snow-covered field, the three generals shake hands and decide to cease fire for the night. Germans, Britons, and Frenchmen lay down their weapons and come together, sharing champagne and chocolates, sharing photos of their loved ones, attending Midnight Mass together, and whispering "Amen" in chorus. It's a beautiful dream that makes one unable to believe it's real.
It's indeed true that we're often reminded that no war is just and that wars don't belong to the people. They primarily revolve around the expansion of dictators' desires and the pursuit of selfish interests that aren't our own. Yet, those who survive the conflicts retain their humanity. Even after Christmas has passed, and those who've shared moments of beauty can't carry their bayonets and weapons to these newfound friends, their hearts still yearn for peace and connection.
So there was a three-way tea party in the morning of Christmas, discussing exchange bodies, and soccer games, and even inviting enemies to take shelter in their trenches before shelling began. These are all true. I laugh but feel like crying. This is the power of music in a language barrier - it stirs up the most sincere humanity on the battlefield, but it does nothing for the actual bloody warmakers who have lost their humanity. The priests were sent back to Scotland, the French captain transferred to another battlefield, and the German general and his troops were put on a death train to the Soviet Union. But as the train slowly disappeared, their songs slowly floated out of the carriage, making me shed tears of joy while smiling - this is the end, but their songs and their feelings will never disappear.
This is the "loveliest" war movie I've ever seen. It's not satirical or intentionally emotional, it's not about grand scenes, but it's the most genuine and touching loveliness.
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