\"Joyeux Noel\", the closing film for the 11th Shanghai International Film Festival

This film is based on a real and heart-warming story during the First World War. The story was inspired by a book which Director Christian Carion happened to find. A chapter of the book called "Unbelievable 1914 Christmas" focused on the friendship between the enemies. German singer\'s beautiful sound won French soldiers\' applause; a football match was kicked off among the opposing, letters were written among the French and German trenches and so on. The young director was deeply touched by the warm friendship between enemies therefore decided to interpret war in such a tone.
The production of the film differs from other war films in emphasizing the cruelty of war to make contrasts to the kindness of human nature. Trans-country friendship didn\'t fade due to the cruel war and opposing situation. This film was produced by big producing companies from five countries: Britain, France, Germany and etc and it also summoned excellent performers from the five countries.

Synopsis
In the summer of 1914, the First World War broke out which involved millions of people. Due to the war, Nikolaus Sprink a prestigious Berlin tenor had to give up his beloved career and promising future and left his girlfriend and partner Anna. Scottish Anglican priest volunteered to follow his church aides to the front, one as a soldier, the other a stretcher-bearer. French Lieutenant Audebert left his pregnant wife in bed and went to the front. Shortly after his leaving, the German military occupied their northern town when his wife delivered his baby meanwhile.
On the silent Christmas Eve, the Scottish Priest began to play his bagpipe whose beautiful melody echoed on the battlefield full of corpses. Nikolaus persuaded his girlfriend Anna to accompany him from the thriving officer party to the cold outside to song for the soldiers. He slowly trudged outside the trench and put the shining Christmas tree outside. With the sound of bagpipe echoing, soldiers gradually crossed the boundary line. Three officials reached common sense to enjoy a peaceful and happy Christmas without war. Thereafter, soldiers from three countries got together to enjoy a peaceful Christmas Eve.
After the night, soldiers established profound friendship which made them unwilling to wound anyone. When the German bombed the French and British, they in advance inform them to hide in trenches and vice versa. However, paper can\'t hide fire. Shortly after, officials from behind the front discovered such situation and war unavoidably had to begin again.

Starring
Diane Kruger was born in Germany. She was a professional ballerina in Britain and then worked as a model due to hurt. Her tall and slim figure with her temperament nurtured by years of ballet soon catapulted her into superstar on the catwalk. Then, she was discovered by Luc Besson and began her acting career. After starring three movies in France, she was appreciated by Wolfgang Peterson and was invited to act the beauty Helen in the "Troy".
Guillaume Canet was a French actor and director. Born on April the 10th in 1973, he was a popular new idol in France. Before starring in films, he has already won household fame by acting in French series and musicals. His first role was a rebellious teenager. His vivid and natural performance shows no immaturity of skill. However, he likes to challenge himself by acting impulsive characters and never limit himself to acting teenagers but improves his skills to catch up with the skillful veteran performers. In 2000, Hollywood new talent director invited him to act with Leonardo DiCaprio in "The Beach" which made international directors discover the shining star of future. Later, he cooperated with Sophie Marceau in the "La Fidelite" which has won best Romantic Film in the Locarno Film Festival. Besides acting, Guillaume Canet also gives time to his own script and tries to be all-round film makers. He has not only directed films but also many musicals. In 2003, his "Mom idole" which was written, directed and acted all by himself won nominees for lots of European film awards. On February the 24th in 2007, his second film "Ne le dis a personne" won him the Best Director of Cesar Awards which represents the highest honor for French films.